Jessie Ware transforms an elevator into a steamy queer party in 'Sauna' video

Jessie Ware has transformed an ordinary elevator ride into the hottest queer party of the summer.

In the music video for 'Sauna', the latest single from her acclaimed sixth album Superbloom, the British pop star is the picture of corporate chic, stepping into the lift in a trench coat and reading glasses before her mundane commute takes a decidedly more hedonistic turn.

It doesn't take long for two equally sharp-suited hunks to join her, and with lyrics like, "Need a red-hot physical touch," "I wanna whisper something naughty, take my clothes off in the party," and "I don't need faster, I need stronger, take it to the sauna," it doesn’t stay SFW for too long.

From there, the elevator becomes an all-out queer fantasia. Ware serves choreography and shares a kiss with one of her dancers, while Munroe Bergdorf, Babydaddy, Kadiff Kirwan and a host of other LGBTQIA+ favourites pile in for an increasingly chaotic – and increasingly sweaty – celebration.

Ware, the current Gay Times cover star, previously told us that she "checked in with some of my queer friends" to get their seal of approval on the song, which cheekily nods to Chariots, the former London gay bathhouse. Their verdict? "Abso-fucking-lutely."

Ware admitted she's become something of a sauna regular in recent months because: "Being on my own probably benefits me. I just don't really like my own company that much. So I make friends in the sauna – I've definitely been told off for chatting."

Reflecting on her long-standing connection with the LGBTQIA+ community – one that stretches back to her acclaimed debut Devotion (2012) before flourishing with the disco reinvention of What's Your Pleasure? (2020) – Ware said: "I see the strength and power in them. I've seen the generosity they've given me.

"They've made me feel sexy and desired, even though I'm not always their type. I have a huge queer following and it's not just gay men. They wanted me to take the risk, wanted me to push it and relished those moments when I did. I think that's why my performance has gotten so much better."

Ware also stressed that she's conscious of her role as an ally, explaining: "I don't want my allyship to feel performative. I also appreciate that I'm a heterosexual cis woman, so there are other people who may have a more valid and important role and voice for people to hear.

“It's about that level of respect too. I don't want to step on people's toes, but I want to show my support in any way they want me to as somebody with a platform."

You can read Jessie Ware’s cover interview with Gay Times in full here, and watch the ‘Sauna’ music video below.