INTERVIEW: JDA — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

JDA

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WITH her single, Sublime, hot off of the press…

I have been speaking with JDA about its story and how she will follow it up. The songwriter discusses her D.I.Y. approach to music and whether she is more inspired by sounds of the past or what is happening in music right now.

I was keen to know whether there were albums important to her; which rising musicians we need to throw some love towards; whether there are tour dates coming up – JDA tells me how she unwinds away from music.

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Hi, JDA. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey. I’m great, thanks! How are you? It’s been a busy week! I enjoy being busy so can’t complain.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Of course! I’m JDA; a London-based producer; singer-songwriter. I would describe my music as dark, ambient Trip-Hop – although, I always struggle what to describe it as. Haha.

Sublime is your latest track. What is the story behind the song?

It’s about being with someone knowing full well you’re not the only one. But you can’t walk away for whatever reason.

Do you think there might be more music coming next year?

There will, 100%, be more music coming next year! Hopefully a bigger project for 2019.

You are a D.I.Y. artist who takes care of everything. Do you think it is important to have control of all your creative processes?

Personally, I like to have control over my music. It can be hard to translate what you hear in your head or your vision for your music, so being a D.I.Y. artist makes that process a lot easier.

In terms of music; who do you count as idols and influences?

I look up to artists who aren’t afraid of making music they love: James Blake, Tyler, the Creator; Sabrina Claudio. In terms of influences, I grew up around a lot of old Soul and Disco: Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding; George Benson etc. They have defiantly shaped the music I make and listen to today

Do you tend to get inspired by modern artists and what is happening in music now?

I really do. I take a lot of time to listen to new music. As important as it is to stick to what comes most natural to you, I always find it pivotal to listen to modern music and the new trends that follow. I’m always listening to new tracks buzzing to get home and make my own stuff.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

As it’s my first year of releasing music, I want to leave 2018 having built some exposure, found new listeners; got some radioplay and to have set myself up for more opportunities.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

My favourite memory so far was hearing my song on the radio for the first time. My first single was played on Reprezent radio and I will never forget that feeling.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Ahh...that’s such a hard question. I have so many albums, old and new, that I listen to on-repeat. But, I would have to say…

Overgrown - James Blake

This album is STUNNING! I feel like Blake really mastered his sound; his vocals matched the incredible production and there isn’t one song on this album I would skip.

Yeezus - Kanye West

I am a big Kanye fan. This came out when I first started producing so I just remember being stunned at the sound he had created. I also watched the listening party from Madison Square in the cinema so this album holds a lot of sentimental value as well.

Voodoo - D’Angleo

I have always loved this album from the first moment my friend played it to me. D’Angelo forever creates such a groovy, soulful vibe. This album has some real classics throughout and it shaped a lot of what I listened to in the early-2000s.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

H.E.R! I went to see her live and was BLOWN away; singing at the top of my lungs in the audience. I love the intimate atmosphere she creates. I think we would be a good match.

My rider would be…erm…defiantly some snacks; Chilli Heatwave Doritos with some dips. Some G&Ts for after cause I cannot drink and sing for the life of me. That’s probably it to be honest.

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

No live dates, yet. Hopefully, I will have a few before the end of the year so keep your eyes on my socials for updates. However, I am going into the BBC Introducing South live lounge on the 26th Sept., so tune in to that!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

No one does you better than you, so stick to it.

IN THIS PHOTO: ARUN

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes! ARUN. A mega-talented all-rounder. His E.P., Dark Honey, is about to drop and I cannot contain my excitement!

Veda Black. This girl’s single has been one of my most-played songs of 2018. She only has big things waiting for her.

IN THIS PHOTO: Veda Black/PHOTO CREDIT: Chiara//Nomorning

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Juggling music and a full-time job is hard, so I don’t have much time to relax. When I do, it’s always with friends, my boyfriend or my family. I like to work out, hang out; eat and watch some trash T.V. on Netflix.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Sabrina Claudio - Stand Still. I have this on-repeat A LOT!