Over these last few years, Californian artist Jei-Rynn has quickly established himself as one of the more progressive names growing on the contemporary alt-rock scene. And after finding plenty of praise for his recent releases, he is continuing his ascent with his anthemic new single ‘never dying young’.
So with the new single available now, we caught up with him to find out more about his background and where he plans to take his sound next.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I learned to play piano when I was about 9 or 10. In middle school I started getting into bands and rock music, and I remember really wanting to emulate all those artists that I listened to. I saved up my money and got my first electric guitar at around 12, and that was it. I played in bands and wrote my own music ever since.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
On the latest songs I have coming out this year, I was inspired by 2000s indie rock bands like Bloc Party, The Killers, and Interpol. I sort of blended that post-punk sound with more power chord heavy bands like Nirvana. My latest single “never dying young” I think encapsulates this sound. Nirvana has always been a big influence for me as far as injecting some angst into my songs. My Chemical Romance is another big influence in the angst department, and I think their approach to their chord progressions influenced a lot of what I have coming out this year as well.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
To be honest, I don’t think there was a specific moment that made me decide to pursue music seriously. Ever since I decided to get my first guitar, it became the plan. Music was always so important to me on an emotional level. Listening to music gave me a sense of community and connection when I felt like I had none, and I always wanted to give that to other people too.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I generally start with the music when starting a song. A melody or specific chord progression will inspire me. The musical idea guides me as to what I should write about lyrically. The lyrics are sort of a decode of the underlying feelings of the music. Some songs are written quickly, in a few days. Others take more time. Each song requires a different creative process and experimentation.
For instance on the latest single “never dying young”, the initial idea was that first riff you hear in the intro. I remember coming up with that and feeling like there was something there. For that song, I felt like the song needed movement. On other songs, I’m perfectly okay with using just four chords to write a whole composition if it suits the song. But on “never dying young”, it felt right to have a few changes and to have different sections that worked together to create an experience.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I try to listen to lots of music; new music and old music. I like seeing what’s new in culture, what’s happening that’s new in the sonic landscape of culture. By engaging in other peoples’ art, I get inspired to make my own.
My music is very personal; I write about my own experiences. My lyrics are like diary entries sometimes. So much happens in life, good and bad, it’s easy for me to find something to write about.
On my latest songs coming out this year, I was writing a lot about feeling existential about my life and the crazy state of the world, like in my song “maybe?”. On “never dying young” I was thinking about death, about no longer feeling young and losing that spark, and about all the good and bad that comes with letting go of youth. So, I’m always drawing from a lot of my deepest fears and worries, I guess.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope people can feel a sense of connection when listening to my music. I want them to know that they’re not the only ones struggling. I want listeners to be inspired too; to feel like it’s ok to be exactly who they are. There are a lot of forces in this world that want to make you feel small, or that want to put you down for being different. I want people to feel good about who they are, no matter what people have tried to make of them, and I think music can help people to see life from a different perspective in this way.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
As an independent, solo artist, it does feel like I’m fighting a war by myself sometimes. Not only am I writing all the music and doing the creative work, but I’m also needing to do all the business side of things. Still, it’s rewarding to have control of my art in this way and it has been interesting learning the other sides of the music industry. I’ve also had great partners and friends help me along the way, so I’m definitely not going it alone. My friends help me with making content and music videos, and I’ve worked with a number of great producers who’ve helped me bring my ideas to life. I worked with producer Alex Newport on the latest songs coming out this year, and I’m really happy with how it all turned out.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
I love hearing from new listeners, whether it be on social media or in person at a show. It’s so rewarding to know that people have gotten something out of my music. I hope I can continue to write things of value for people.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
I think it’s about staying true to what you want to say as an artist. Always being true to your artistic voice. Creating something honest. The modes of the industry will always change, but knowing who you are as a person, and remembering why you wanted to do this in the first place, will keep your art true.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
The new EP drops soon. With a new music video too. Keep your eyes peeled…
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Five years is a long time, who can tell. I hope I’m just writing even better songs, and reaching even more people with the music. That’s always the goal. Just to reach as many people as I can.
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Listen to Jei-Rynn’s new single ‘never dying young’ below.
