After spending much of last year turning out a wealth of warm and illuminating releases, Brussels-based artist senna JMB is now back for 2024 to deliver his pulsing new single 'Lotus'.
Lifted from his forthcoming debut album 'Purity', which is set to drop on the 2nd February, 'Lotus' sees him return to that innovative aesthetic he has become synonymous with of late. With its broad and progressive energy perfectly set to his distinctive vocal flow throughout, we can't wait to hear what this new full-length will have in store for us as well.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It’s the one instrument I think I know how to play a little bit and the one I’ll definitely always return to: guitar. Lately, I find myself playing more and more and it feels rewarding to learn something new every time I pick it up.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I guess the first music I consciously clicked with on a deeper level were bands like Pixies and Radiohead and other classic bands and artists, as well as acts in the so-called post-punk revival around 2010. Then I heard Yeezus for the first time when I was fifteen and suddenly the door to rap and electronic music opened. I have to say that I owe a lot to my childhood friends for mutually sharing the discovery of both classic names and exciting new artists when we were in our teenage years. And to my dad for introducing me to The Beatles when I was still very young, and to my mom for throwing in Brazilian music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Thriller, I think. If I’m not mistaken I bought the CD when I was eight years old at a shopping mall in Brazil, in a store called Lojas Americanas.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
A lot of songs spring to mind. Lilac Wine by Nina Simone. Some Things Last a Long Time by Daniel Johnston. Nights by Frank Ocean. Construção by Chico Buarqes. Prototype by Outkast. Across the Universe by The Beatles. A Little Lost by Arthur Russell. Heaven or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins. Word on a Wing by David Bowie.
I guess what links these songs is a sheer but deceptive simplicity, a combination of beauty and a minimal but powerful approach which makes them extremely effective and timeless. And the painstaking and thrilling ability to synergetically match music and words.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
No rituals but just some small key principles. Every new project has to feel different from the previous one you’re doing, there has to be some unknown territory you’re treading. In that regard, some level of inconsistency can be a good thing - change has to feel a bit estranging before you can understand its value.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Excelsior by Slauson Malone 1 was hands down my favorite album released last year. Some other recent releases I’ve been enjoying include Suntub by ML Buch, Spike Field by Maria BC, Död Mark 4Evigt by Död Mark. Some other artists I’m (re)discovering or just delving back into include Lou Reed, The Durutti Column, Burial, Cluster, Blackhaine, Scott Walker, Young Nudy, Billy Woods, Playboi Carti. And I keep going back to artists like Dean Blunt, Yves Tumor, Earl Sweatshirt, Rosalía, Frank Ocean, Aphex Twin - music I’ll still be listening to when I’m old. And then there’s always Bowie and Brazilian music.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
On earth, Frank Ocean. In heaven, Lou Reed. I’d say David Bowie, but I would have shit my pants before going on stage.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
To be able to free some inexplicable inward feeling. The satisfaction that your own work can subsequently give you is priceless; there’s nothing like it. You should never make music for anyone else, but the feeling you get from experiencing others connect with it is pretty special, though.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Luckily I don’t experience much frustration while working on music. Of course you can really get stuck while creating, but letting go is a wise lesson. Once you start worrying too much or as soon as fear enters your creative process: let go.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To never forget the good advice you get. I have, unfortunately.
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senna JMB's new single 'Lotus' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.