All Around New Music got the chance to interview New York born and raised singer J-LINE.
J has recently released the single “I wanna dance”, an infectious track produced by Noisecastle iii (Dawn, Daya) and written by the artist himself.
And here we speak exclusively to J-LINE about his new release, passion for dance, future plans, and much, much more.
How are you? How has your week been?
I’m doing great. I’ve been enjoying the summer in NYC, writing and recording new music and just came from one of my favorite thrift shops in Brooklyn called Buffalo Exchange. I was shopping for some new looks for a photo shoot next week and I found some really cool vintage gear.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “I wanna dance” ?
I wrote this song about the struggle I have (and I think a lot of people have) with self-acceptance and finding love. When the song starts, I’m a bit jaded, believing that all love eventually breaks. But, midway through the verse, I realize I don’t want to think that way-I want to accept myself, feel strong in my own skin and believe that I can be loved. And by the chorus, it’s happening-I’m falling in love and it’s euphoric.
What inspires you to write your songs?
I write about things that I’ve gone through in my life. This particular song was written just at the moment I was feeling the most jaded about love, thinking I’d never really connect with anyone and then found myself actually falling in love for the first time in a long time.
What artists are you currently loving?
I love artists who take pop music a little to the left and make my ears perk up. Betty Who and Fickle Friends are two artists that just make really great pop music. Catchy and bright tunes. Dawn Richard is an electronic artist who blends so many different genres, and also dances in her live show (which I love), so I look to her music when I want to be surprised or inspired. I also love Troye Sivan and the G.O.D, Janet Jackson.
What role does New York play in your music?
The energy of the city keeps my brain constantly stimulated. Whether it’s seeing someone wearing a cool outfit, or going to a concert, it all influences my music because NYC is part of my daily life. If I’m going through it, I write about it. So, some of my songs are directly or indirectly about NYC.
You are also a brilliant choreographer. How did your passion for dance begin?
First of all, thank you so much. I’ve loved dancing since I was a pre-teen, but growing up in a very small town, boys my age just did not take dance classes. As far as I knew, they were only for girls. So I didn’t start studying dance until I moved to NYC when I was 19. I took my first class at Alvin Ailey and was hooked. I had a lot of catching up to do, but I worked really hard to be taken seriously as a dancer and choreographer. Now, I couldn’t imagine performing without dancing. It makes me feel free and is another level of self-expression.
How do you spend your spare time?
Music and touring takes up a big chunk of my life, but if I have a few days off, I love going someplace warm, by the beach and just relaxing. I love humidity and the ocean, so being by the water brings me peace.
Do you have any plans to release a new album soon?
Yes! I’m so excited that my new album, Episode2, will be out this November and “I Wanna Dance” is the first single. I’ll be exploring themes of love, self-acceptance and, most of all, pushing through the darkness, on this album. Although I do have my dark days, I push myself to focus on the positive and what I can do to improve my life and make my dreams come true.
Have you something to add?
What’s important to me is connecting to people. Whether it’s through my music, my live performances or my anti-bullying campaign (I’ve visited over 1000 schools nationwide sharing my story of being the victim of childhood bullying and how I overcame it), I want people to know they are not alone and are of value.
