Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Jazzygold

THE RELEASE

Originating from the beautiful Faroe Islands, Jasmin Mote, who has Kenyan heritage, was a singer of great influence in the band "JASMIN" from 2017 to 2022. In Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, she captured the audience's imagination. G festival (2018 and 2019) and Sørveiv (2019), as well as Uhørt (2021), were among the festivals where the band took part. After releasing two EPs, winning three Faroese Music Awards and travelling for performances, Jasmin felt that it was time for her to take a break from JASMIN. Feeling the need for a change, Jasmin sought comfort in Stockholm. She also found herself in London, writing music and finding inspiration. Now, she has a new moniker, Jazzygold, releasing four tracks in 2023 to fulfill that artistic identity.

Jazzygold is unveiling her latest single, 'day off,' just in time for her performance at Icelandic Airwaves in Reykjavik. Following her earlier hits like 'dyed my hair red' and 'lonely afterparties,' 'day off' is the fourth release of 2023. The song delves into the nuances of life in one's 20s, capturing different facets of heartbreak and self-expression. Unlike its predecessor, 'lonely afterparties,' 'day off' stands out as an honest reflection on the struggle to prioritize mental health during the darker days. Jazzygold candidly shares that the track was conceived on a day when the studio felt overwhelming, turning that experience into a therapeutic anthem that embraces the concept of taking a break without guilt. The song touches on the universal challenge of balancing productivity and self-care, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being. With its soulful and unobothered vibe, 'day off' invites the audience into Jazzygold's world.

THE INTERVIEW

If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?

1. Kendrick Lamar: He’s one of those artists I've experienced four times live, and every time I see him live, I leave the place feeling more inspired than ever. His visuals are out of this world, and his live shows are that and more. And it's the same with his albums; my first impression is always me crying because I can’t take it (in the best way of course).

2. Mahalia: She has always mesmerized me with her R&B sound. Exactly like you have comfort movies and series, the music she makes is my comfort music; it’s music I can always put on in any situation. Her authenticness has always inspired me to be me, so that’s why she’s on this list today.

3. Frank Ocean: I guess Frank Ocean taught me that it’s okay to make music however you feel; being hella introverted and not loving performing is also normal. In my early stages of performing, I really did not like it because I felt uncomfortable speaking to the audience, and that’s actually one of my biggest fears still today: not performing or putting my heart and soul into these songs, but talking to the audience. I’ve found different ways to cope now, and I'm starting to enjoy it, which is awesome because it makes everything so much easier.

4. Lil Halima is from northern Norway (which reminds me a lot of the Faroe Islands, where I'm from), has a dad from Kenya (like me), and was one of the first Scandinavian artists that I felt really connected with because I could relate to her, and she made me feel less alone and more comfortable in my own skin, body, and hair. She’s one of the reasons why it’s so important for me to send the same message out to the world the way she did with me. So you can definitely catch my music videos and see that I'm representing the girls that don’t look like all of the other girls here in Scandinavia. ;)

Were there any specific challenges or breakthrough moments during the production of your new single that had a significant impact on its final form?

Actually, the bridge of the song was a whole different version when we recorded it in Stockholm than what the final version sounds like. The first version was extra chill, and I knew I wanted it different and more intense, but I just couldn’t figure out how to break it, no matter how many times I re-recorded in my living room. But then i started playing the song at concerts with my live band and i had two friends who sang backing vocals as well and the part just had way more energy and had a perfect buildup of intensity that i loved and it just gave new life to it and so i ended up singing the bridge that i used at live concerts and re-recorded it into the studio version and voíla.

Can you share insights into the collaborative process behind the creation of your latest single, including any notable contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers or featured artists?

I was in Stockholm when I wrote “day off’’ and the days before I had sessions where we wrote these big and loud songs, and I just remember me arriving at the studio the day we wrote day off, and I was so fucking tired, drained, and sad, and, , to be honest, can’t remember why, i just remember having that feeling over me, AND we only had 4 hours, so it couldn’t be “too big’’ of a song.

Instantly the timer was set and we wanted a song out of it. Some of the best songs I've written were written in a short amount of time, and I can’t explain it. I think you just have to follow your instinct and intuition, which always end up being right. But back to the story: I arrived with a shitty feeling and I was just tired, so I guess that was the vibe we went after, and it worked out perfectly. And all in all, it ended up being a “big’’ song as well, and I'm really proud of the work that went into this song.

Can you articulate the impact or impression you hope your new song leaves on listeners long after they've experienced it for the first time?

I always write music with the intention that people somehow can relate, and “day off’’ has always been one of those songs that people come and ask about after my live performance because they feel heard and seen, and I'm so grateful for that. So yeah, I hope people get the feeling that it’s okay to take a day, weeks, months, or years off if that’s what your mental health needs. that’s my most important message with a day off.

Looking ahead, how does the release of this single pave the way for future projects, and are there any hints or clues about the direction your music might take in the coming months?

This was the fourth and final release of the year, and before I start focusing on my debut EP. And these four singles and especially day off has made me feel so alive this year, and i’ve gotten the chance to show four different parts of me and what’s going on inside my head. These songs have also made me comfortable in my own creative skin, which means that going forward, I feel like I'm more open creatively, and that’s a very important thing that’s needed while I'm working on this new music.

I honestly don’t think people know what’s coming, and I like that the most. I like surprising people, and I love surprising myself. You guys just have to be ready, because it’s coming, and I can say it’s better than ever.

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