British indie songwriter Saul Damelyn continues to carve out a quietly compelling presence with the release of his second single and video, “We Broke the Rules.” Accompanied by a striking visual directed by collaborator Vanessa Brassey, the track offers a gentle yet assured step forward from his debut single “Museum of Love,” further introducing listeners to an artist grounded in sincerity and timeless songwriting craft.

At the heart of the new single is the luminous vocal performance of Phoebe White, whose voice brings a soft, ethereal dimension to the track. Her delivery complements Damelyn’s understated musical approach, allowing the song’s emotional core to unfold naturally. Rather than leaning on heavy production or overt dramatics, “We Broke the Rules” thrives in its restraint, emphasizing melody, lyrical clarity, and atmosphere.

The accompanying lyric video mirrors this sensibility. Brassey’s direction favors simplicity and fluidity, focusing on movement and tone rather than narrative complexity. The result is a tranquil visual experience that underscores the song’s themes—quiet rebellion, emotional honesty, and the courage to follow one’s instincts despite external expectations. It’s a visual extension of the music itself: unhurried, deliberate, and intimate.

Released via Damelyn Records, the single continues to establish a sonic identity that feels both classic and contemporary. The production, helmed by guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Paul A. Harvey, draws subtle inspiration from the warmth and craftsmanship of 1970s songwriting while maintaining a modern clarity. Acoustic textures, gentle arrangements, and an emphasis on vocal interplay create a soundscape that feels lived-in rather than manufactured.

“We Broke the Rules” also signals a broader artistic direction for Damelyn as he approaches the release of his debut album Kings, Queens and Dream Machines. The track suggests an artist increasingly comfortable with space and nuance—someone who trusts the strength of a well-written song to carry the listener without excess. There is a quiet confidence in the way the music unfolds, allowing each element to breathe.

Visually, the promotional imagery—including the black-and-white portrait captured by photographer Dave Green—reinforces this aesthetic. Damelyn appears composed and grounded, guitar in hand, embodying the same understated presence that defines his music. It’s a fitting representation of an artist who seems less interested in spectacle and more focused on connection.

As a follow-up to “Museum of Love,” this second release deepens the narrative Damelyn is building: one rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and a respect for the enduring power of song. With “We Broke the Rules,” he offers a reminder that sometimes the most impactful music comes not from grand gestures, but from quiet conviction and thoughtful execution.

With momentum building and a debut album on the horizon, Saul Damelyn is steadily positioning himself as a distinctive voice in the indie landscape—one that values feeling over flourish, and substance over noise.

Saul divided into the video, below:

Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

This is a song about following your heart. It’s about doing what you want to do, not following what people think you should do. Or what you think people want you to do. It might resonate with people who reach a particular stage of life. If other people  say it’s time to settle down, to accept things as you are, and those are the rules, then we broke the rules. Not in a selfish or self-serving way, but because it’s time to get back in touch with your passion, your dreams. “We threw away our old things / and made room for something real”. But it’s for all ages of people – it has equally resonated with young people I know, and will hopefully resonate with others.

What was the inspiration behind this video(visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

This is a stripped back lyric video, very different to the first single Museum of Love.  The idea was that the words are simple and powerful, and should carry the video.  What it has is the ocean, in different shades of dark and light, and always with daylight shining in from above.

What was the process of making this video?

Vanessa came up with the idea of the ocean, and that it would be a stripped back lyric video. We discussed whether to put her trade mark swimmers (for which she is known as an artist)  in there. We decided against. We felt the words needed space. Vanessa came up with the lettering, and what was originally a dark sea with light aqua words. And the way it shimmers in the sea, the movement of some of the words coming towards you. When i saw the first draft we then had a process of refinement, to create movement between the light and dark seas, with the change of font from dark to light aqua, and then that thick green effect in the chorus. The goal was to make the lyric stand-out, and to catch the viewer’s attention with the words. I hope you like it !