Jessie Ware hails ‘special’ new technology helping deaf to experience music

Jessie Ware has said it was a “privilege” after being involved in a trial of new wearable technology that allows people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing to experience live music like never before.

The singer teamed up with Vodafone at her Mighty Hoopla Festival set in London on June 4 to debut the 5G-enabled haptic suits that enable wearers to feel the music through vibrations via 24 touchpoints on the wrists, ankles and torso, providing a full multi-sensory experience.

Speaking to the Standard, Ware, 37, told how she had been absolutely blown away after seeing the ground-breaking technology in action.

She said: “You could see people dancing in the audience and the feedback was that it was a completely different experience for them.

“It felt incredibly important and a really special moment.”

The mum-of-three is loving being back on stage again after a four year absence, especially getting to share the experience with her kids who she said “couldn’t be less fussed” about what she does.

She said: “It’s important to me that they get to see that I do a job that I love and they get to sometimes experience it however weird that is for them.

“Being out on the road again feels very fun. My [Table Manners] podcast has taken up a lot of time which I love, but I do sometimes have to remind myself that I’m a singer first and foremost.”

She added: “For me to be able to be with audiences again and able to interact, I feel very indulged at the moment.”

One particularly exciting gig she has coming up is Glastonbury for which she says she was “born ready”.

She said: “When you’re in Glastonbury, it’s just the greatest festival in the world.”

Asked about her festival essentials, the Say You Love Me hit-maker said: “Layers because you never know particularly in old Blighty what the weather’s going to be.”

Also topping her list are glitter, dry shampoo and wet wipes.

On the subject of new music, the London-born singer reassures fans that they won’t have to wait too long for the follow-up to her fourth album What’s Your Pleasure?.

She said: “New music is coming very soon. New album will be next year – I’m currently finishing up the new record.”

The 5G haptic suits are part of Vodafone’s commitment to use the latest tech to help fans #FeelTheConnection this summer. Read more here.