Striving against the stream, redefining the norm of pop music – this is what Jay Way aims to achieve as an artist. With his latest music video release to his song “Coolie”, we came across this unique musician and just had to know more.
In our interview we talk about how Jay Way sees responsibility in adressing topics that are usually suppressed or a taboo within his genre of music. These include depression and anxiety. Jay Way is art and therapie and thanks to his ambitions, we learn that it is okay not to be okay.
Besides that, Jay Way’s music is super vibey and his visuals extraordinarily inspiring and creative. He shows his audience how diverse and liberating Pop can be.
Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us what you’re currently working on.
I’m Jay-Way. A recording artist from Amsterdam, Netherlands. I’m a hip-hop artist that likes to bend genres.
On your website it says, you’d like to redefine music – what exactly would you like to change/ which impact do you hope to have?
My mission is to change the way people look at Pop (music). I want to create the hardest bops that actually help you through your darkest times. I want my audience to feel confident in confronting things we (as human beings) normally suppress. My music will always give listeners strength and hope.
Why do you call yourself Jay-Way The Alien?
I always felt like an outcast. Whether it was in school, work, wherever. At some point I just decided to embrace it unapologetically.
Your background is culturally rich. Your parents are from Ghana and you grew up in Amsterdam – which of these two different cultures had the bigger influence on your musical style?
They equally played a huge role in my musical style. It’s two different cultures but they have both shaped the way I look at the world and the way I make music.
Which part of your career so far are you most proud of?
The fact that I have a proud mother. It took me years to convince her [that my career in music would take off]. I feel like I can almost die in peace, but before I do, I just wanna buy my momma a crib.
You also openly talk about depression and anxiety. What does it mean to you to share your story with songs like “No, I’m Not Ok”?
It’s really liberating mentally. I’m grateful that music became therapeutic and a tool for venting. I never bought a diary in my life but listening to my EP feels like flipping through diary entries.
One of your latest releases “Coolie” strikes with some unique and very strong visuals. What is most important to you when producing a music video?
Giving a different dimension to a song. I like to translate them visually because it’s difficult to grasp by only listening. My music videos always give my songs proper context.
At TITLE we focus on staying true to yourself, your work, and art. Would you say you have found your True Identity yet? If yes, how would you describe it?
Yes, I’ve definitely found my true identity. I’m the alien, man (smiles). I can travel anywhere and adapt while remaining true to myself. I’m in this world, but not of it.
