As festival season kicks into high gear, New Jersey-born singer-songwriter Jason Bembry returns with a radiant new single that’s already turning heads. Titled ‘Liability’, the track bursts with infectious energy, blending vibrant pop melodies, funk-infused rhythms, and a glowing sense of optimism. With its nod to 2010s nostalgia and dancefloor-ready grooves, ‘Liability’ showcases Bembry’s growing ability to craft emotionally charged yet feel-good anthems that demand to be played loud.
A classically trained pianist with a background in music theory and composition, Bembry has been steadily carving out his space in the alt-pop scene since his debut in 2018. Known for fusing introspection with big, bold hooks, he continues to evolve with each release. So we caught up with Jason to talk about the inspiration behind ‘Liability’, his creative process, and what’s in store as he gears up for a milestone year of new music.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I always had a constant trajectory of music. I always knew it was what I wanted to do. When I was really young, I taught myself how to play piano. At the age of 10, I began taking actual lessons. From there, I just became invested in any and all music opportunities like musical theater, choir, and orchestra. I began songwriting in high school and started recording my own songs in college. That was really when this idea became reality.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
It’s always so challenging to pinpoint a few influences because I love writing music that bounces between styles and genres. I hear my voice as a cross between Kelly Clarkson and Adele, the high emotional belt and the soulful lows. I then started to reach out and listen to Zedd and Madeon. It opened my ears to a new way of writing, where pop music didn’t have to follow one harmonic formula. And it gave me more freedom to go where the song takes me. Lastly, musical theatre is just in my blood at this point. The storytelling and dramatic orchestrations have framed a lot of my instrumentals on my tracks.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
I remember an early college gig where I was playing piano in the back for an artist. I watched as they commanded the stage, and I thought, “I should be there. That should be me in the spotlight singing.” And I’ve been determined ever since to make that a reality for myself. That moment really kickstarted the drive I have now.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I find that I have a weird way of songwriting. I often come up with words or phrases that have some rhythmic or melodic line to them. For example, my latest song “Liability” just began when the word got stuck in my head. I kept hearing the phrases “I’ma lia-bili-ty” and “Make me wanna stay a liability(ay).” From there the song just flowed. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and write it out on my phone, and then wake up to have a full song written. From there it’s just about sitting at the piano, humming the melody, and finding chords.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Sometimes it’s just a word or phrase that gets stuck in my head. Other times, it’s something someone said to me that I became really passionate about. Most of the time, though, it’s an experience that I or my friends have gone through. Something that I feel is better sung than said.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
The singles released this year have all thematically been along the same path. I wanted to tell the story of what happens when you grow up. What happens when you mature and see the world in a different way? So far, my releases — as pop focused as they may seem — have all been written about a young kid with dreams of being an adult. And as he becomes a teenager he starts to see the problems that affect his friends and himself. There is good and bad in every song. It might not show itself but we don’t always see it in the moment. I really want listeners to identify with these songs and themes so that they can know that someone else has gone through the same struggles in life that they have. I hope listeners can relate to these songs and can know that there are others out there who are growing up just as they have and have made it to the other side.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
It’s difficult to break through the noise. The industry is in a constant state of change with how Social Media has used artists and not the other way around. Instead of using Social Media as a way to find fans, Artists are creating music that works best for the algorithm. Shorter songs with faster hooks. Now, while this was great for artists who were the first to the platform, it’s become even more difficult for those who are late to the game. Social Media has become oversaturated with independent artists trying to make it. And cutting through that has become more difficult than ever.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Every once in a while, fans will message me and let me know how a certain song or lyric has really affected them. I think the most rewarding aspect is just knowing that my songs connect with other people and not just myself.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
I find that blocking out the “no’s” and ignoring the hate is really important. There are always people that put you down and try to break you, but the way to be true to yourself is to trust your instincts and know when to ask for help. The industry always changes and when it does there are people out there that want to see you succeed. It’s about finding those people and sticking with them.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I have a new single each month for the rest of the year which is very exciting. I also plan on starting up shows again in the coming months. But most importantly I am finishing up an album I have been working on for the past 5 years. It’ll be releasing next year which is definitely the biggest project I have done so far.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I plan on releasing a few albums and going on larger tours. I really want to get back into shows because I miss performing and the live atmosphere. More importantly, I want to make the jump into having a larger fanbase and really making my name stand out among the crowd. All this and more, definitely, within five years. Hopefully, sooner than we think.
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Listen to Jason Bembry’s new single ‘Liability’ below.
