Interview with Jazmine Mary about her latest album “I Want To Rock And Roll” and upcoming tour
Jazmine Mary’s latest album, “I Want To Rock And Roll,” released on Flying Nun Records, has been receiving acclaim as one of 2025’s standout music releases in Aotearoa. Renowned for its emotionally candid, poetic, and impressionistic songwriting, Jazmine Mary shared insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind her latest studio album. The album’s release is accompanied by a nationwide tour featuring live performances that fans won’t want to miss.
In discussing whether the album is a sonic memoir or less directly autobiographical, Jazmine Mary noted that while there are elements of specific experiences in the songs, there is also a sense of ambiguity and emotion that allows listeners to interpret the music in their own way. The songs are not meant to feel like journal entries but rather evoke broader emotions and sentiments that can resonate with a wider audience.
The album’s stunning visual imagery and accompanying videos were created through collaboration with talented artists Jim Tannock and Annabel Kean. Jazmine Mary expressed her gratitude for their contributions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in realizing her artistic vision. The intimate nature of the creative process allowed for a deep connection between the artist and her collaborators, resulting in a cohesive and visually striking album.
When asked about the meaning of rock & roll in 2025, Jazmine Mary highlighted vulnerability, emotional depth, and social consciousness as key components. For her, rock & roll represents a platform for expressing raw emotions, caring passionately, and advocating for important social issues such as the liberation of Palestine.
Drawing on her experience as a performance artist, Jazmine Mary noted the reciprocal influence between her work as a performer and her songwriting practice. Every aspect of her life informs her art, and she values the freedom and fearlessness that performance art brings to her creative process.
Reflecting on the album’s creation during a period of personal turmoil, Jazmine Mary acknowledged the raw emotions that fueled the songwriting process. While she has not listened back to the songs extensively since their completion, she anticipates that performing them live will bring new insights and emotional resonance to the music.
In comparing her solo work to her collaborations with Pony Baby, Jazmine Mary highlighted the differences in creative control and vulnerability between the two projects. Writing as a solo artist allows her to explore personal emotions and ideas more freely, whereas collaborating with Pony Baby offers a shared creative space where she can experiment within a defined genre framework.
As she prepares for the winter release tour, Jazmine Mary looks forward to bringing her new songs to life through live performances and dynamic arrangements. While she does not have concrete plans for international travel yet, she remains open to future opportunities for sharing her music abroad.