Australian singer/songwriter Jarryd James has had a breakout year in 2015 thanks to his candid songwriting talents, soulful falsetto, and ability to weave aspects of R&B and electronic music into his unique blend of pop music. In this last year he has released a self-titled EP and a debut album entitled Thirty One (In Australia) , which both spawned a number of memorable hit singles including the ever so popular "Do You Remember" and his Julia Stone assisted cut "Regardless".
Today the singer has decided to share the Frost remix to "Regardless" and has also agreed to sit down for a brief interview where we discussed the singer's current mind-state, future plans, and favorite experiences on tour.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESqhxw9t-wI[/youtube]
EARMILK: I've heard that you've relocated to Los Angeles to record of a bulk of your new material. How are you liking the LA vibe compared to back home?
Jarryd James: It's growing on me – I am learning which parts of the city I like to be in, and where I feel comfortable. But mostly I'm locked away in studios so I could be anywhere to be honest.
EM: Does the laid back vibe help with the creative process?
JJ: Yeah I think so, and I just recently finished a tour throughout the U.S. and it's even more apparent to me how unique LA is and why it has become what it is today
EM: Describe your songwriting/composition process.
JJ: I always start with the music. Then I let it get inside my head where all of my ideas are and they start to form words and melodies together and then it just kind of trickles out.. Sometimes I'll just listen to a track that I'm working on for hours before I start to try to write to it, because I want to just react to it and write honestly.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ7XJG0Z2ho[/youtube]
EM: I know you quit the industry for a minute after label issues with your last band (Holland). How do you feel about the industry currently now that you are seeing so much sudden success?
JJ: Well to be honest it wasn't actually label issues, it was a number of other factors…I feel a lot of appreciation towards the Australian music industry at the moment – it is amazing that people from all different 'sides' of it have embraced my music, and that's perfect.
EM: How are things over at Interscope?
JJ: So good, I really believe that the team there genuinely love my music and want everything around it to be honest and a reflection of who I am and how I do things. It's still early days yet but it feels like a really good relationship so far
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EM: How important was music for you growing up?
JJ: It was more important than I realized at the time. When I look back I realize that I spent most of my childhood either reading books or listening to music. Back then I listened to so much Steve Wonder, the Beatles, Harry Nilsson, the Doobie Brothers, Bob Dylan
EM: Who are some of your current favorite artists?
JJ: J Cole. The Internet. Emily King. Kendrick Lamar.
EM: Where is your favorite region to perform and why?
JJ: Well I gotta say, I just recently played my first shows in Europe, and London was a highlight. I also really loved the German shows, the vibe for live music there is very much alive.
EM: How do you feel about the reception of your self titled EP and album “Thirty One”?
JJ: I've been overseas since the day before the album came out in Australia, so I'm still a little oblivious at the moment. From what I hear though, people are digging it. It's not just a bunch of songs, it's an album, and every song has its place and people seem to have noticed that.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avBECwDvdBk[/youtube]
