Music Spotlight: Maddie Jay

Jul 27

Jul 27 Music Spotlight: Maddie Jay

LA-based producer + multi-instrumentalist Maddie Jay recently released her debut EP Mood Swings, and the 6-track EP is our quintessential summer soundtrack with its hazy west coast laid-back sound. Plus, her reflective lyrics explore a multitude of mental health related themes further fueling our introspective time in self-quarantine. We caught up with Maddie to discuss the EP, music’s role in our current climate + what’s next.

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on your latest release! Can you tell us the story behind your EP Mood Swings?
Maddie Jay: Mood Swings is a collection of songs that I wrote as I transitioned careers in LA. I was moving away from being a session musician and working on other people's visions into really exploring my own artistry. I was also coming to terms with my fragile mental health and trying to find ways to talk about it without being a cliché. Every song is exploring a state of mind that I was actually experiencing in this time.

AM: Is there a track off the EP that you resonate with the most?
MJ: My favorite is the title track Mood Swings. I cried when I wrote it, I cried listening back to the mix the first time, and I cried when I released it. It’s honest AF.

AM: Are there any consistent themes you typically pursue through your music?
MJ: I definitely focus on realism a lot. I want to talk about my own experience very literally. It's therapy in a weird way, and I also think I am doing some emotional labor for anyone who is listening and going through similar things, because I am literally working through my issues in real time.

AM: We love your cover art for Mood Swings! How do you think it complements your sound?
MJ: Thanks! My sister did it. She does all my art; I love all her work. She has been drawing these little people for a really long time, and I love how they are so colorful, and it has this DIY homemade feeling to it. My music is also very colorful and DIY, so yeah I guess it compliments it pretty perfectly.

AM: For first time listeners, how do you like to describe your sound?
MJ: It is pretty and cute and messy and warm.

AM: During this pandemic, time of quarantine, and current Black Lives Matter movement, what's been keeping you grounded?
MJ: My cat Moon and my boo. We are a little family now.

AM: Speaking of the BLM movement, how do you think music impacts social change? What's your outlook for the future of music's role in political and/or social change?
MJ: It's been a trip for me. I came to the states from Canada right when Michael Brown was killed, so I was thrust into the deep end, as far as playing catch up educationally. I never learned about the reality of being Black in America until I was here. I feel that I have a huge responsibility as someone who is coming to this country by choice in order to pursue a career in Black music—even more so than the people who live here. I am directly choosing to profit off of this music, and I've realized that there is not a world in which I can pursue this career and not pay my respects, reparations and time to the movement. I have been giving lessons, with the money going to a variety of Black organizations, and I am trying my best to use my platform to raise awareness. I think it's important to remember that we artists are not necessarily professional activists. We have put our 10,000 hours into music, not into educating people on racial issues. We should be amplifying the voices of the people that know more, rather than trying to put our own spin on it.

AM: What other musicians have you been listening to in quarantine? Do you have a favorite playlist?
MJ: I have a playlist of some of my faves: Real Canadian Cheddar on Spotify.

AM: Where is one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self and your music?
MJ: My lil apartment. Nobody can mess with me here!

AM: What is something that inspires you outside of music?
MJ: Design, crafting, color palettes, clothing/fabric textures, anti-hero TV shows.

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
MJ: I have a single coming out in August! I also am making a stop motion video with my scanner for it. It's way too much work, but I'm excited!