Jay Som discusses new album “Belong” and collaborations with Hayley Williams and Lucy Dacus.
Jay Som’s latest album, “Belong,” marks the return of Melina Duterte after a six-year hiatus from dropping new music. Despite the absence of a new album during this time, Duterte has been busy making her mark in the indie rock scene. She took on production duties for Lucy Dacus’s “Forever Is A Feeling” and the boygenius project, which earned a Grammy nomination and solidified her position in the Indie music world.
Taking a break from creating Jay Som music allowed Duterte to refresh and rejuvenate her creative spirit. As one of the pioneers of the bedroom pop genre, she found herself hitting a creative roadblock, feeling trapped in her own thoughts and ideas. Duterte contemplated giving up on Jay Som and transitioning into a full-time producer, but the allure of writing and creating her own music pulled her back into the world of solo artistry. Collaborating with other artists helped her unlock new perspectives and ideas, leading her to seek out fresh influences for her music.
In her upcoming album, Duterte joins forces with guest vocalists like Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World and Hayley Williams to breathe new life into her songs. Working with Williams was a dream come true for Duterte, who found herself awe-struck by her friend’s exceptional vocal range. Their collaboration on “Past Lives” brought a fierce and intense sound to “Belong,” inspired by a band’s cancellation experience and the concept of karmic debts in life.
While Lucy Dacus does not appear on “Belong,” Duterte credits her with improving her songwriting skills by encouraging her to use her Notes app to jot down ideas as they come. Duterte values collaboration and draws inspiration from her peers in the indie rock scene to refine her craft and explore new musical territories.
Reflecting on her place in the indie rock landscape, Duterte acknowledges the challenges faced by emerging artists in the digital age. Platforms like TikTok and streaming have transformed the music industry, making it essential for artists to build their own following to secure record deals. Despite these hurdles, Duterte remains introspective about her own journey, recognizing the competitiveness and limited space available in the indie music world.
As a naturally reserved person, Duterte finds solace in creating her music independently, channeling her vulnerability and emotions into her art. Starting as a teenager trying to find her voice, music became an outlet for her to express her innermost thoughts and feelings. The process of producing one’s music can be a deeply personal and vulnerable experience, one that Duterte embraces as a means of self-expression and creativity.
With “Belong” set to be released soon, Jay Som fans can look forward to a fresh and dynamic sound that reflects Duterte’s growth as an artist and her willingness to push her creative boundaries. Through collaboration with talented vocalists and a renewed sense of purpose, Duterte’s return to the spotlight promises an exciting new chapter in her musical journey.