Los Angeles based singer and producer, **JXST J** (née James Pratley Watson) has developed a sound that has positioned him in the vain 90s R'n'B, lo-fi, vaporwave all encapsulating an eclectic electronic ease. With his new single and music video he is touching upon care, grace, self discovery within the confines of heartbreak, but ultimately is always available to us. His voice and super 8 film he created while in Hawaii recall a strong nostalgic sentiment.
“There’s this alchemy in everything we do as artists, you kind of just stir the pot and see where things go. I like the mystery of it.”
Photo credit: Roman Koval
**Can you talk a little bit about your background and how you got started with music?**
There was a lot of music in my house growing up. My mom was a working actor and sang in the house all the time - old show tunes, 70s folk - that stuff is just ingrained in me now. My dad loves classical music, he showed me Andrei Segovia when I was around 10 years old. I remember seeing him close his eyes and sway to the music like he was being transported to some far off place. He isn't a musician or anything, but I saw how the music touched him, and that stuck with me. My mom put me in piano lessons at an early age, but I didn’t connect with music fully until I started writing songs in high school. Writing music came very naturally to me and I never stopped. It’s like eating or taking a shower, it’s just part of my day.
**What is your process like?**
I get a little beat going on my laptop, then a chord progression, just something that moves me. Then I’ll start improvising some lyrics and melodies. Singing over a brand new beat like that is the most exciting part of the process because it’s pure stream of consciousness. The lyrics sound like a bunch of mumbling at first, but then real words start forming and I start singing about really personal stuff - things that are bothering me, exciting me, etc. It becomes like a diary and a really cathartic experience.
**When do you feel the strongest?**
My friend who knows a lot about astrology said that as a Taurus, I get a lot of strength from being alone, which I completely agree with, but I also feel strong when I’m around my friends and family. I think I need a good mix of solitude and community.
**Who would be a dream collaboration?**
I’ve always wanted to work with this producer Renaud Letang. He did the early Feist records. I messaged him on MySpace when I was like 15 asking to work with me, but I didn’t hear back.
**Ultimately, what are you trying to convey or impart on your listeners?**
You can’t control your feelings. All you can do is let yourself experience them.
**What was the idea/inspiration behind this new track?**
I wrote 'Like U Used 2' right in the middle of a bad breakup. I remember going on a walk while it was all happening and getting this thought stuck in my head: 'you say you don’t love me like u used to, and that’s gonna take some getting used to.' It became a mantra for me as I started to heal. It’s a melancholic thought, but ultimately it led me to a better place.
**What music are you currently listening to?**
Bill Withers, Dua Lipa, Delroy Edwards, Conan Moackasin, Yo-Yo Ma’s Instagram series #SongsOfComfort, Sam Gendel.
**Where do you draw inspiration from?**
Mostly from the music I listen to, but also if there is a character in a book or movie whose story resonates with me I’ll write about them or from their perspective. Like when I saw Agnes Varda’s film Vagabond, I loved the main character so much that I started writing a song about her.
**How are you staying balanced and uplifted in this time of chaos and uncertainty?**
I know everyone is saying this but…. self-care. If I go a day without exercising or FaceTiming with friends I feel totally off-balance by the end of the day. I’m loving cooking right now too. It totally clears my mind and I’m learning a bunch of new recipes.
**What are you currently working on and what is next for you?**
I'm taking advantage of this time at home, chipping away at some songs and learning how to make 3D visuals. I’ll be releasing a couple more singles and music videos throughout the year… maybe more.
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