JAY-WAY: INTERVIEW

April 15, 2023

by sara welden

photo courtesy of ivav, a division of curb | word entertainment

Constantly seeking to broaden his hip-hop roots, genre-defying artist Jay-Way has returned with an explosive new track, “Running Out Of Love.” Back from the road after playing sold out European gigs supporting Rini and also performing at SXSW in Austin, TX, Jay-Way is drawing massive amounts of attention, and rightfully so! Learn more about the artist below, and be sure to keep Jay-Way on your radar!

Congratulations on the release of your new single, “Running Out Of Love!” Could you tell us about the inspiration behind the track?

Jay-Way: “Thank you so much! I've been in relationship stages where things started to feel forced. Neither of us felt like breaking up, but neither dared to do it. That's where I drew inspiration from.”

Your roots are in hip-hop but “Running Out Of Love” is also infused with pop-punk undertones. Where did that initial idea come from?

Jay-Way: “I love it! I pull influences from many genres, all of which I listen to. I wrote the song in Nashville, where I connected with a producer named Sajan Nauriyal. I loved his sound, and the result felt organic. We realized our taste in music was similar, so we created the record.”

I love how your music goes beyond genre and pulls influence from multiple styles. Is there a genre or area of music that you haven’t explored yet but would like to in the future?

Jay-Way: “Definitely. I'd love to experiment with Nu Metal and Bossa Nova for sure. Also, I grew up listening to a lot of Afrobeat. My parents are from Ghana so it was natural. That's a genre I want to experiment with.”

Who are some of your biggest influences when it comes to the music that you make?

Jay-Way: “Michael Jackson, Pharrell, Lil Wayne, Tyler, The Creator, and Childish Gambino. There are so many other artists but those come to mind first for various reasons.”

What does the typical songwriting process usually look like for you?

Jay-Way: “I like recording melodies on top of a beat and the words come later. Melodies are so universal. Someone could always understand the melody even if they don't understand the words.”

You recently finished up supporting Rini on your first European tour! What was that experience like for you? Is there a favorite memory that comes to mind from those shows?

Jay-Way: “Amazing!! I loved it so much. My favorite memory was taking off my shades and the crowd going crazy. A real Michael Jackson moment [laughs].”

You collaborated with Social House on your 2020 EP, No, I’m Not Ok. What was that collaborative experience like?

Jay-Way: “For that project, I worked with their associates, Isabella Sjöstrand and Anton Göransson. I did end up working with Social House last year for my upcoming album. The experience was crazy. These guys are so talented and I can't wait for the world to hear these songs. Stadium music for sure!”

Is there anyone in particular that you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

Jay-Way: “Pharrell without a doubt. Been my dream since I was a little kid.”

Since releasing your first single, “Cool Kid,” in 2014, what have you learned about yourself as an artist along the way?

Jay-Way: “I've learned to embrace my uniqueness. That's the only way that I'll stand out.”

What’s next for Jay-Way? Any goals or hopes for what’s in store?

Jay-Way: “I'm having fun with the singles but there's an album on the way. My debut album [through a record label]. Other than that I'll be on the road a lot.”

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'DRUNK ON A FLIGHT' / ELOISE: INTERVIEW

April 14, 2023

by joy villanueva

23-year-old London-born pop/R&B artist Eloise takes listeners on a magical journey full of heartache, remorse, and gooey earnest feelings with her new album Drunk On A Flight. Being a poetical, lyrical, and just plain-simple masterpiece, the record seems to be driven by guitar solos and sparkly grooves, making it puzzling for those listening to not get up from their bed and dance around their rooms.

The album, opening with the track “Drunk On A Flight,” is a masterpiece in itself as tones of R&B and cool-toned pop can be heard ringing throughout speakers. The song had to have been an intelligent creative decision to open with, being a platform for the rest of the album to lean on, speaking about an unrequited love that simply could not be saved. Instrumentals backing up Eloise’s vocals on the track “Drunk On A Flight” are alike to the supporting tracks “Pretend and “Forgive You.” With reminisces of similar artists such as Bruno Major, Eloise sings doubtfully but proudly, “In every man I meet / I look for you.” The bridge is easily a head-turner, with Eloise’s vocals sprinkling magical riffs left and right.

The most notable track of the record is arguably the track “Therapist,” an upbeat fun bedroom-pop song tackling the annoyance of having men talk to her about their issues, when it simply does not matter to the artist; the guitar solo within the bridge ties the sixth track together like a shiny red ribbon waiting to be unraveled. Vibes of “Therapist” can be heard in other existing tracks on the album, such as “Make It Better,” “I Take It Back,” “Giant Feelings,” and “Vanilla Tobacco.”

Drunk On A Flight slows down with the melodramatic tracks “Cold As The Sea,” “Friends Who Kiss,” and “In Another Year.” “Friends Who Kiss” is filled with La La Land-esque references and instrumentals, submerging the listeners in dreamy vocals and heartfelt messages about an agonizing friends-with-benefits trope.

Ending the coming-of-age record in a bittersweet yet memorable way, Eloise leads the audience on one last journey of heartbreak and survival with the track “Tired Now.” “And although it wasn’t right / We fought a good fight / But I’m tired now” are lyrics some listeners can relate to all too well.

It is difficult to believe that this is Eloise’s first album, but it certainly won’t be the last we hear from the artist. Whether you’re driving down the highway or crying in your bedroom over a dead-end relationship, Eloise has your back with her new album Drunk On A Flight, released April 14th.

'BEACON' / MORGXN: REVIEW

April 14, 2023

by sara welden

Nashville indie-pop singer-songwriter MORGXN has just made a striking return with his brand new single, “Beacon,” which is a song that is driven by an incredibly powerful force. The artist is no stranger to the music scene as he has been writing and recording music for years, but this song holds an especially delicate place in MORGXN’s heart. “Beacon” signifies the artist’s return to his hometown of Nashville and captures his feelings surrounding coming home and finding his voice after the passing of his father. Being a forthright member of the LGBTQ+ community and experiencing first-hand the turmoil and unrest being projected towards fellow community members, “Beacon” is a song about finding the light within the darkness.

“Where do we begin? / You think you’re lost my friend.” MORGXN opens the track sympathizing with listeners and diving down into the levels of hopelessness and discouragement that someone may be in desperate need of rescuing from. Shortly following with, “I’ll try to show the way / Keep you sound and safe,” MORGXN assures listeners that he is here to be the one that will rescue them. “Beacon” is a compellingly moving ballad that moves with the ups and downs that come with life.

Writing the song alongside Melissa Fuller and Drew Kennedy allowed the artist to find his own hope within the darkness. In the words of MORGXN, "Sometimes the power of a song remains hidden until right before you release it. Just how the light seems darkest just before the rush of morning. Beacon has and continues to save my life.”

MORGXN proves himself as an exceptionally authentic and tenderhearted artist and person through “Beacon,” which is streaming everywhere today. For anyone in need of a little bit of hope, have a listen to the song.

AU/RA: INTERVIEW

April 13, 2023

by martina rexrode

20-year-old Au/Ra's 2018 single "Panic Room" put her on the map in the dark electronic pop world and opened the door to collaborations and writing credentials with artists like Jax and Alan Walker. Today, she's continuing to explore genres and musical worlds with her most recent collaborative single “Highs And Lows” with German DJ/producer ATB and York. Unclear sat down with Au/Ra to discuss this single and the future of her musical journey.

Congratulations on your latest single! How did this collaboration with ATB and York come about?

Au/Ra: “My dad (York) has been working with ATB since the 90s, and wanted to collaborate once again. It worked out perfectly that I happened to be home for the holidays in 2022, and heard the track and loved it. I quickly wrote the song within two hours, and recorded it right away, and ta daaa! That’s pretty much how it happened.”

Would you say this single sets the tone for the types of releases we can expect from you this year? Or are you taking your non-collaborative music in a different direction?

Au/Ra: “Oh, definitely. I will always have a love for dance music, but, at my core I am an alternative experimental pop girl. I love creating lyrical worlds and conceptual videos for my listeners to really dig into, and I can’t wait to keep on doing that.”

Aside from those you’ve worked with before, what are some of your dream collaborations?

Au/Ra: “My ultimate crazy *dream* collabs are Lana Del Rey, Daft Punk, Gesaffelstein, Mitski, Melanie Martinez, and Halsey.”

Your single “Panic Room” was released when you were only 16 years old. What is the biggest thing you’ve learned since the success you first gained in 2018?

Au/Ra: “Nobody teaches you how to handle the business side of things in the music industry — you have to figure that out on your own, sometimes by misstepping, by getting hurt. Especially when you’re so young, it can be really confusing when you realize not everyone wants the best for you, even if they are acting like they do. So let trust be earned. Listen to your gut instinct.”

Have you utilized social media to get your music out to listeners recently in new ways than you did when you were first getting started?

Au/Ra: “The social media world is an ever changing beast. So many things have changed since I first started. TikTok has definitely changed the whole game for artists.”

How has your musical style developed over the years?

Au/Ra: “I’ve pushed myself to try new things and have been inspired by different genres over the years. Recently I’ve been experimenting and finding the collaborators who want to let go of the boundaries. It feels really good.”

Are there specific genres that influence your music during the writing process?

Au/Ra: “Inspiration can come from anything for me — a lot of it is from watching fantasy and dystopian anime and tv shows. Been mixing in elements of rock and hyper-pop into my music as well.”

What are your biggest goals for 2023 — music-wise or more generally?

Au/Ra: “I really want to learn how to feel content with the moment, and not always like I’m last in a rat race. I’m trying, but it’s hard with the nature of this kind of career [laughs]. Other than that, I’m pursuing a lot of creative things that are making me feel so happy at the moment that I can’t wait to reveal.”

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HELEN: INTERVIEW

April 11, 2023

by chris richmond

Experimental R&B artist Helen has finally releasing her long-awaited EP, ubiquitous, and it’s every bit as poignant and powerful as her previous releases have suggested. It rejoices in her identity as a black woman, and deftly tackles micro-aggressions, performative activism and body positivity across its tracklisting. It’s a soulful R&B record for the modern world, with biting lyrics and sharp production. We were lucky enough to catch up with Helen to discuss the creative process behind her new project, as well as her career so far and the inspiration behind her tunes.

First of all, thank you so much for agreeing to chat to Unclear Magazine — we all love the work that you've been doing the last few years, and the new EP is fantastic. We're really looking forward to hearing more about your process. Your long-awaited debut EP, ubiquitous, was released on April 7th. How are you feeling about it all? Are you excited about its release? How did you feel when you realized you had a complete collection under your belt?

Helen: “Thanks for having me Unclear Magazine! I’m super excited about the release! I think I ended up enjoying the whole process a lot more than I had expected. I had an initial idea of what I wanted to talk about and how I wanted this project to sound, but hearing and seeing it all come together was just this new and incredible feeling. Now I’m just excited to work on more projects in the future!

Lyrically, the EP tackles a variety of themes across its tracklisting, including the likes of micro-aggressions, performative activism, cultural appropriation, and body-positivity. Can you tell us your process of exploring these themes through music? Why do you think it's important to intertwine music with legitimate cultural issues? How does your engagement with these issues manifest itself in your songwriting?

Helen: “Constantly experiencing racism and microaggressions is beyond what words can describe; there were a lot of times when I felt so miserable and broken because of it. At those times, I would listen to music that made me feel good and that celebrated who I am. Eventually, I wanted to write songs that made me feel empowered and unapologetic so that in turn it could allow others to do the same.”

One of the strengths of the collection is the way it fiercely rejoices in your identity as a Black woman. In what way is your identity reflected in your work and your process, both musically and visually?

Helen: “Being a Black woman is not easy but it is so beautiful; it’s a part of me that I would never ever take away. It frustrates me that Black women aren’t celebrated enough, that we aren’t loved enough and through this project, I wanted to celebrate and love us.”

Your song “Bitter Bitch” took off after featuring in the movie Do Revenge. How did you feel when you heard it was going to be used? Were you a fan of the way it was used in the movie?

Helen: “When I first got the request to use ‘Bitter Bitch’ in a Netflix movie, I genuinely thought I was getting scammed [laughs]. There was a lot going on in my personal life and parts of me were starting to question how I would continue to make music so receiving an email with such an offer was a big blessing and a confirmation for me to keep doing what I do. Netflix had invited me to the premiere of the movie and I was just ecstatic to hear it while watching it there; definitely one of the top three best moments of my life.”

You write your music completely solo, and you style, direct and shoot your own visuals. It's incredible that your creativity extends to so many different fields. What's the reason behind your insularity when it comes to creating?

Helen: “A while ago I used to think ‘someday I’ll have someone to take these cool pictures of me’ or ‘someone will discover this music I’ve hidden away,’ but eventually I just had the realization that I can just do it myself instead of waiting for that moment or that person to come. Nothing will just come to me if I’m stuck in one place waiting for it so whatever I want I have to go after it myself. I’m just taking matters into my own hands and opening my own doors until eventually, I do find other creatives that I can work with. Plus I’m a bit of an introvert and I like to create my own little worlds.”

What is your creative process for generating the visuals to go alongside the music?

Helen: “The visual arts are something that’s super fascinating to me but I’m still working on getting better at it. It’s just super fun and just another way to express the various sides of myself. When I’m writing music, most of the time I’m also picturing what a music video or a photo shoot would like. Whatever energy the lyrics or the production give, I try to incorporate that into the visuals.”

How did you first realize you had an affinity for both music and visual arts? Have you always been an artist?

Helen: “Music has honestly been a part of me for as long as I can remember but visual arts were something I gradually came to love. I would just take pictures to take pictures but I came across videos and TikToks of people incorporating so much creativity into their photography and I wanted to try it out. Again, I still consider myself very much an amateur when it comes to it but it’s another thing that makes me feel really happy and at peace.”

Who are your biggest musical and visual inspirations? Whose influence can we find in your work?

Helen: “There are so many musical inspirations, big names range from Michael Jackson to Rihanna to Britney Spears and many more. I also listen to artists like Bree Runway, RAYE, and Doechii. My recent visual artist inspiration has been Kimberly, she does a lot of self-portraits where she creates her own set, styles, and more, she’s incredible.”

What music are you enjoying at the moment? Who are your favorite current artists?

Helen: “My current favorite artists are RAYE, Pinkpantress, and Doechii!”

What are your goals and expectations for the coming years? What would you like to achieve?

Helen: “For the next coming years, I want to create more, do shows, hopefully, have my music reach to more people, and just be happy.”

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