Following on from the release of his much-loved offerings ‘Hot Skin’ and ‘Catching On, Catching Up’ last year, emerging artist Jah Frida is now kicking off his 2023 in style with the woozy new single 'Baby, I'm Too Faded'.
Channelling more of that smooth and breezy neo-soul vibe he is known for, 'Baby, I'm Faded Too' makes for a brilliantly refreshing listen. With his sweet and alluring voice layered against some beautifully warm production, this new one will sweep you off your feet from start to finish.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano. I started playing when I was a about 8/9 and I became pretty obsessed with playing songs I’d always wanted to play.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up mainly listening to oldies radio station, because that mainly what my parents would play. So songs from 50s/60s/70s/80s. Being the youngest of 5 siblings, I would always hear my older sister or brothers playing anything from rap, to emo and I’d find myself growing my taste towards what they listened to as well.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I believe the first album I owned was one I stole from my mom’s car, and it was Mayer Hawthorne’s - Strange Arrangement. Either that or CD’s my brother or sister had around.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
My Cherie Amour by Steve Wonder.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Frankly, I wish I did. I’m always approaching songs differently. Whether it be with chords first or drums/cadences. I don’t have a strict process; I just do what I’m feeling in the moment. One thing for sure is I will always start with production.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Currently I’ve been rocking with L’Impératrice.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would say at the moment I would absolutely love to open for Harry Styles.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is hearing people resonate with your music. All my songs come from a very real place and genuine emotion. So for people to tell me they relate to or adore my music gives me a deep sense of connection rather than isolation in my emotions.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I’d say the most frustrating part is the constant internal warfare you have with yourself. I can only speak for myself, but there are times where I’m in love with a song I’ve written, or completely sick of it. But hearing my music in different contexts and settings is what always reels me back, and helps me hear it like I did when it was fresh, rather than listened into the ground.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
If you’re doing it because you love it, then keep doing it. If it doesn’t feel right, then stop, take a breather, and find inspiration. It’s only music after all, and there’s no need to break your soul over it. Always gotta remember why you do it.
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Jah Frida's new single 'Baby, I'm Too Faded' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.