The Anchoress Unveils “Throw Over Your Man”: A Celebratory Queer Anthem with James Dean Bradfield

Anchoress' new single "Throw Over Your Man" channels literary inspiration into a vibrant queer rock anthem featuring Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield.

A Sparkling New Chapter in The Anchoress’s Musical Journey

If you’ve been following Catherine Anne Davies, aka The Anchoress, you know she’s a force of nature—an artist who seamlessly blends literary depth with rock intensity. Her latest single, “Throw Over Your Man,” is no exception. Teaming up once again with James Dean Bradfield from Manic Street Preachers, this track is a pulsating, raucous celebration of queer love and emotional awakening that’s both deeply personal and wildly infectious.

This single is a shining lead-up to her highly anticipated album As We Once Were, dropping August 7. Fans can already pre-order this musical gem, which promises to be a poignant and invigorating experience.

The Literary Roots of “Throw Over Your Man”

What makes this single truly stand out is its rich literary backbone. Inspired by the intimate letters exchanged between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville West, “Throw Over Your Man” captures the dizzying, exhilarating rush of falling for someone new—especially in a queer context. Davies, who holds a PhD in literature and queer theory, describes the track as born out of her lifelong passion for Woolf’s work and the personal resonance the letters had on her as a queer teenager.

“These letters were signposts from the past for an imagined future for myself.”
— Catherine Anne Davies

These correspondences weren’t just historical artifacts for Davies — they were lifelines during her formative years, affirming feelings and identities that were often left unspoken. She explains that the song is a direct nod to Woolf’s 1927 letter to Vita, inviting her for a moonlit, wine-fueled dinner by the river—a “rather debauched” but heartfelt invitation that perfectly encapsulates the song’s spirited vibe.

A Longstanding Creative Partnership with James Dean Bradfield

Fans of The Anchoress will recognize this collaboration as part of a longer, evolving friendship with Manic Street Preachers. Davies credits the band with shaping her understanding of how literature and rock music can beautifully intertwine. Naturally, Bradfield was the perfect partner to bring this vision to life.

Originally, Davies asked Bradfield to lend some guitar magic to the track. But the partnership blossomed, and Bradfield surprised her with vocals on the chorus, turning the song into an unexpected but thrilling duet.

“James balances it out with grit and edge alongside all that female energy.”
— Catherine Anne Davies

The recording took place in the Manics’ own Door To The River studio, where Davies spent hours immersed in guitar solos, reflecting on how far she’s come since her teenage years as a devoted fan.

The Manic Street Preachers’ Impact on The Anchoress

Davies doesn’t hold back on expressing the profound impact the Manics had on her life—not only musically but personally. Their 1994 album The Holy Bible was a seminal influence, offering a sort of self-guided education and a sense of belonging that she lacked elsewhere.

“Without them, I’m not sure I’d have done my A Levels, let alone ended up at university.”
— Catherine Anne Davies

Their warmth and generosity have stayed with her through dark times, with Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield often reaching out just when she needed support. It’s a touching testament to the bonds forged through music, proving that these artists are more than just collaborators—they’re lifelong allies.

A Queer Choir Amplifies The Anthem’s Emotional Core

Beyond Bradfield’s involvement, “Throw Over Your Man” features a "queer choir" composed of diverse voices including composer and producer Bishi, producer and mixer Rookes, and musical director Vicky Falconer Pritchard. This collective adds authenticity and depth, embodying the communal spirit of the song’s lyrics.

The climax is a brilliantly crafted call and response between “Vita” and “Virginia,” dynamically bouncing between ears to create an immersive auditory experience. Davies invites listeners to enjoy the track simply as a high-energy rock song or to dive into its layered emotional and historical nuances.

Overcoming Adversity: The Music Video Mishap

The music video, directed by JJ Eringa, faced an unexpected hurdle when Davies suffered a broken arm during filming. She fell awkwardly just an hour into the shoot, resulting in surgery and a metal plate being inserted into her wrist.

View The Anchoress' music video shoot accident on Instagram

Despite this setback, the team adapted creatively. Using clever camera angles, draped fabric, and sheer ingenuity, filming resumed while Davies was still in plaster, proving the resilience and passion behind the project.

Beyond This Single: The Anchoress’s Evolving Career

This isn’t the first time The Anchoress and Bradfield have combined forces. Bradfield contributed guitars to the 2021 album The Art of Losing and sang on the track “The Exchange.” Their live collaborations span years, with Davies supporting the Manics on tour, joining as a special guest, and even as part of their touring group.

Earlier this year, Davies released “I Had a Baby Not A Lobotomy,” a synth-driven track that tackles the stereotypes and clichés women face after motherhood. She spoke candidly about how motherhood radicalized her and challenged the assumptions people often make about women’s lives changing after having children.

Her upcoming album As We Once Were promises more of this raw honesty and profound storytelling. With an album launch scheduled for August 22 at London’s iconic 100 Club, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to hear these songs live.

The Anchoress’s Celebratory Queer Anthem: A Full Circle Moment

Reflecting on this collaboration and the single’s origins, Davies feels a deep sense of coming full circle—an intersection of her literary passions, queer identity, and musical journey with one of her biggest inspirations. It’s a celebration of all those threads woven into a vibrant, relentless rock anthem that’s as intellectually rich as it is emotionally charged.

FAQ

• How did the idea for “Throw Over Your Man” originate?
  It was inspired by the letters between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville West, which deeply resonated with The Anchoress’s experience as a queer teenager.
• What makes this collaboration with James Dean Bradfield special?
  James Dean Bradfield added surprise vocals and guitar, enhancing the track’s dynamic with his distinctive voice and musical grit.
• Who else contributed to the song?
  A “queer choir” including Bishi, Rookes, and Vicky Falconer Pritchard lent their voices to enrich the song’s emotional depth.
• Was there any impact on the music video production?
  Yes, The Anchoress broke her arm during filming, leading to a pause while she had surgery, but the video was completed with creative filming techniques.
• When is the new album released and where can fans see The Anchoress live?
  As We Once Were releases on August 7, with an album launch show at London’s 100 Club on August 22.

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