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Hi Jay, welcome to VENTS! How have you been? Can you talk to us more about your latest single “No, I’m Not Ok”?
I’m so proud of that single. I wrote this with Anton Göransson and Isabella Sjöstrand. The same people that helped write Machine Gun Kelly’s “Candy”. Anton really pushed me to experiment once he started playing the punk guitar melody.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
As far as the subject. I wasn’t in the best place mentally when I started working on the project. I remember pulling a front when people would ask me how I was doing. With this record I wanted to show how it would be to actually have a conversation with your depression.
How was the filming process and experience behind the video?
It was a long day. Even though we shot the whole video at one location, it felt like forever haha. It was fun, though. Great team, great execution. Sometimes I watch the video and just feel appalled like “we really did that”. (Laughs)
The single comes off your new EP No, I’m Not OK – what’s the story behind the title?
When we look at society right now, it’s all about presenting our best version, even when we’re not doing good. I wanted to rebel against this norm and encourage people to embrace not being perfect. It’s ok to not be ok but there’s hope.
How was the recording and writing process?
We started writing this project in 2018. I started writing these songs as therapy sessions for myself. In 2019, my producer Dayme and I [who] produced the project, flew down to Sweden for a writing camp, so we wrote some stuff there and finished it in my hometown Amsterdam.
What role does Amsterdam play in your music?
I think that’s where I draw most of my inspiration from. The city, the people, the conversations. My walks through the canals. The creatives here. We’re really on a wave here lately.
What were some of the spiritual and mental obstacles you get to explore on this record?
From track number 1 till 5 It’s really a journey of me wrestling with my depressive thoughts all while feeling a sense of hope.
Where else did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
Artists I grew up listening to like Michael Jackson, Avril Lavigne and Linkin Park.
What else is happening next in Jay-Way’s world?
I’ve been recording from home a lot lately. Today, we released the unplugged version of the EP which I’m super excited about. Follow me as I slowly transform into a pop queen.
