Welcome welcome one and all. Today we are joined by the incredibly talented singer, songwriter and producer Jozem, who has recently released the stunning single and visual for ‘Youth’. ‘Youth’ is a gorgeous ode to his childhood and overall a glorious celebration of being different. Very excited for this one, so grab a brew, get comfy and lets get straight in with today’s Beneath the Surface.
What would you say first sparked your interest in music/who inspired you to make music?
I don’t really know a time without music. So many family friends who I don’t even remember but knew me as a kid always ask my parents if I still sing because apparently I was always in a corner somewhere, just singing as a child haha. Making that transition from loving music to seriously making music was probably sparked in university when I met like minded folks who were making music of their own. I grew confident in my own voice and story and decided- hey I want to do that…
How would you describe the music you are currently creating?
I’ve always found it hard to describe my music- I just make music that feels good and that speaks to what I am feeling and experiencing at the time. I don’t make my music with a specific genre in mind and my process is largely experiential and experimental- I’ve also been influenced by and eclectic mix of music as well. If anything, I would simply say I make music for and from the soul.
What does your creative process look like?
It really depends. My process often starts with an emotion I’m feeling, or just the general state i’m in, then melodies will come to mind that match that. The lyrics will follow, sometimes fluidly – at times it takes years- and I will figure out the sonics somewhere along this process. But I also like to sit with my guitar and improvise and write music to the random stuff I play. Some of the best songs I feel I’ve written have been just this simple. Occasionally my melodies, chords, lyrics will come to me in my dreams and I will scramble to record them on my phone before I forget them.
Who would you most like to collaborate with? (let’s send it out to the universe and make it happen!)
So many! Probably my all time fave band Little Dragon, The Cinematic Orchestra, Bonobo, James Blake to name a few!
What is the one message you would like to send out to your fans?
Anything? Steer clear of the noise and let love lead you.
What’s your top tip to rejuvenate your creativity/get over a writer’s block?
Honestly, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is accepting the creative/writers block as part of the process. I’ve rarely found resolve when I’ve tried to force things, so accepting that creativity will ebb and flow and may shift in form as we grow and experience life has been key. This has been instrumental in letting me actually relax and enjoy those ‘off peak’ moments, and take a break when I need to and let it come when it comes!
I think this quote by Bjork is spot on: “I think creativity always lives somewhere in everyone, but its nature is quite pranksterish and slippery and everytime u grab its tail it’s found a nu corner to thrive in. perhaps the trick is not to force it and put it up against a wall and want it to be in a particular area”
What’s next for you, what do we have to look forward to/ what are you currently working on?
My debut album, ‘it came to me in a dream’ is out May 20th, so I’m really excited to have it out in the world after so many setbacks (pandemic and all)! I’m really looking forward to performing live again and sharing even more music beyond this album that I had been holding on to for so long. So much more to come!
Watch Jozem’s music video for ‘Youth’ below:
Keep up with Jozem:
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