London-based artist Summer C has stepped back into the spotlight with the release of her new single and music video, “My Quiet Kind of Brave”, marking both a musical comeback and a personal milestone following an extended break from the public eye. This milestone saw her step away from social media for a three-year hiatus, but now she’s back, stronger than ever. This acts as the follow-up to her 2021 single, “Abide”.
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The release marks a defining new chapter for Summer C, following her decision to step away from social media despite amassing a following of more than one million users. That period away from the spotlight allowed the artist to prioritise her well-being and focus on creative development, a process that directly informs the new single. “My Quiet Kind of Brave” was created in collaboration with Jamie Sellers—whose production credits include work with Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and FLO—and Annie Rew Shaw—who releases music under the name Austel, with her debut album arriving in 2024. Together, the collaborators helped shape what Summer C has described as her most authentic and refined body of work to date.
“My Quiet Kind of Brave” presents a reflective take on courage, highlighting resilience that is grounded in perseverance rather than bold or fearless gestures. The song’s origins trace back to Summer C’s time studying at the Steinhardt Music Building in New York, with the track evolving further following a deeply personal mental health crisis. Musically, the song transitions from softer, introspective verses into a vibrant and uplifting chorus, combining emotional storytelling with an energetic pop sound centred on optimism, determination, and self-belief.
Vocally strong and emotionally resonant, Summer C showcases her bravery on multiple levels throughout the track. The stripped-back, piano-led opening gradually builds in intensity as the lyrics explore themes of self-pride and perseverance. When the chorus arrives, she reaches into her falsetto to deliver a bright, airy refrain, anchored by an addictive hook and optimistic rhythm.
The result is a song that feels both freeing and affirming, with Summer C offering a sense of hope and belief at a time when it feels especially needed. As a proud trans artist, Summer C brings added depth to the song’s themes of survival and self-belief, offering a message that speaks strongly to LGBTQ+ listeners while remaining open and relatable to anyone navigating personal adversity.
Summer C described the emotional significance of the track, saying: “For anyone new to my music, I hope ‘My Quiet Kind Of Brave’ serves as a first taste of what I can offer. This song became a seedling of hope during my darkest moments—every time I returned to it, I felt like I still had something to give, something to express. I hope it’s a track you can dance to, put on your running playlist, or feel that same spark of hope I experienced while writing and singing it. The lyric ‘I’ve won yesterday’s war’ sums up the moment I realised I’d made it through my hardest chapter.”
The single also reflects Summer C’s lived experience as a trans artist, with themes of survival, self-belief, and perseverance woven into the songwriting. Rather than presenting these ideas as statements, Summer C allows them to emerge through personal storytelling and emotional restraint, grounding the track’s message in authenticity and lived reality.
Accompanying the release is a bright, radient music video directed by Summer C, with production by Adam Othman and cinematography by Theodore Brinch. The opening scene finds Summer C seated at a piano, gently introducing the track through its stripped-back chords before moving into the first verse, immediately establishing the song’s emotional intimacy. As the chorus arrives, the video shifts into an animated sequence, where Summer C appears as a cartoon version of herself wearing a blue dress that mirrors her live-action look. She walks across a giant piano keyboard before floating above a rainbow, carried by a musical note acting as a hot air balloon, adding a playful, dreamlike layer to the visual narrative.
The animated figure eventually lands in a tree, prompting a transition back into live action as the camera descends into a forest setting, where Summer C is shown cycling through the trees. The closing moments then unfold on a beach, capturing a sense of release as she runs into the sea and stands firmly while a wave crashes behind her. From there, the camera lifts away from the shoreline and into a brief animated sequence, with her animated counterpart drifting into space alongside the musical note. The video concludes with intercut live-action scenes of Summer C at the piano, cycling through the forest, and spending time on the beach, reinforcing themes of freedom, confidence, and self-acceptance.
Summer C’s musical roots were shaped during her upbringing in Hong Kong, where she connected with music as a universal language. Inspired by artists such as Robyn, Westlife, and Aqua, she developed an early appreciation for melody-driven pop music. A personal collection of classic recordings by artists including The Carpenters, Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, and Luther Vandross further influenced her musical direction. She has also cited Britney Spears’ Dream Within a Dream tour DVD as a defining creative inspiration, praising its immersive performance style and theatrical storytelling. Combined with inspiration from songwriter Max Martin’s melodic approach, these influences have helped shape Summer C’s emotionally driven sound.
Beyond her music, Summer C continues to advocate for greater access to arts and education, emphasising the importance of creative opportunities regardless of financial or social background. She is also a strong supporter of organisations dedicated to LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly those focused on mental health support and providing safe environments for young people.
With “My Quiet Kind of Brave”, Summer C signals the beginning of a fresh chapter in her career, offering listeners a glimpse into the music she has been developing during her time away while reintroducing herself as both an artist and storyteller.
“My Quiet Kind of Brave”, by Summer C, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms. We are excited for more new music from this rising multi-talented singer-songwriter and producer.
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