Following on from his highly-praised 2022 LP 'it came to me in a dream', Rwanda-born, Toronto-based singer, songwriter and producer Jozem is back once again to deliver his wondrous new EP 'SUMMERHAZE'.
Featuring the previously unveiled gem 'Foolish Heart', this new five-track collection makes for a wonderfully rich and absorbing listen. Filled with broad and immersive textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and his own captivating vocals at the helm, 'SUMMERHAZE' continues to cement him as one of the more innovative names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most recently.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Probably the cello - I don't play it but I've always found it so emotive and haunting.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up on the radio in the 90s in Nairobi, Kenya. I didn't really have access to CDs, Vinyl, Tapes etc, but we listened to whatever was on the radio so I basically grew up on 90s/early 2000s rnb/pop music, which I still love to this day (it's the best).
What was the first album you remember owning?
Oo. Outkast Speakerboxx/The love below, which I ripped from my cousin lol. I was obsessed with this. Still one of the greatest albums.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Doomed- Moses Sumney
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I try not to force it too much - it comes when it comes. I've often tried to trudge through periods of writer's block but I have learned to accept those as part of the process and am learning to be kind to myself when going through it. I think mostly I am conscious of allowing myself to have periods of quiet away from all the noise; allowing myself the space to feel things as that is where I will get my inspiration.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I've been listening to a lot of Saya Gray lately, the new album by JPEGMAFIA (don't rely on other men!), God Made Dirt by Matthew Progress/ Dan Only was also on heavy rotation this past year!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Getting to share myself in the most authentic way I know how to, to have folks genuinely connect with my music...
And what is the most frustrating part?
A lot of the non-creative parts of being a musician; the promo, trying to cut through the noise...
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Not really advice but a matter of perspective- someone recently described the process of finding your audience as trying to find yourself, or at least a version of yourself out in the world, someone that relates to and feels your music in a similar way that you do. I've been feeling this a lot recently with live performance- connecting with individuals- and feel a renewed sense of joy for sharing my music, which can sometimes feel like shouting into the ether.
-
Jozem's new EP 'SUMMERHAZE' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.