Underground musical artist JYou has recently released his new album "Living on The Edge", a body of work that showcases his artistic growth and maturity. The album title perfectly encapsulates JYou's state of mind during its creation. It speaks to the inner turmoil he experienced, grappling with the complexities of life and the challenges that come with it. JYou bravely tackles the struggles of coming of age, the pressure of societal expectations, and the impact of systemic racism in America, all while attempting to find purpose, peace and progress in life.
JYou’s journey of self-discovery is evident in each track on the album, as he collaborates with a talented group of artists including Nobody’s Home, KON, WowJus7in, Chuck iNDigo, and Ashley EMJ. Each song serves as a testament to his raw and emotional lyrical style, and the production showcases his ability to craft a sound that is both authentic and innovative.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Can’t Believe", a song that reflects JYou's disbelief in the world and its injustices, while also exploring his personal journey of self-discovery. "Broke Boi" featuring KON, is a tribute to the hustle and grind required to make a name for oneself in the music industry, while "Handle" delves into the pressure of life and the emotional weight it can bring. Finally, "Backkk" with Chuck iNDigo, speaks to JYou's journey of shedding past trauma and moving forward in life.
JYou’s unique approach to music has earned him a dedicated fanbase, and with "Living on The Edge", he is sure to gain even more recognition. He believes that this album has the potential to reach a wider audience, and that its themes will resonate with listeners for years to come. With its captivating sound, raw emotion and thought-provoking lyrics, "Living on The Edge" is truly a standout album, one that should not be missed.
JYou, it’s been some time since we had you on Nefarious Supply, and we are excited to have you back to get this interview started. Give us an update on what's been going in with you since out last interview with you?
So much it’s truly been a blessing. I’ve been working on music of course, that’s 24/7. Expanding my knowledge and skills in all areas, performing and shit. My bros and I decided to launch our creative collective Inner Circle, so that’s been really exciting as well.
All the musicians out of Nashville have been going crazy and you’re no different. How is the area now for underground music? Has there been more musicians coming onto the scene?
It’s really beautiful, I can’t speak on how things were before I’ve come around the scene but I see a lot of folks now really being unafraid to be unapologetic themselves. I think that inspires everyone to do more and push us all forward. The sense of support in the community has been the best I’ve felt. And it’s so many new people moving here too, so that's really grown our creative space.
Who are some of your favorite artists right now, and what albums have been in your current rotation?
I have so much music in my rotation that things change by the month. I’ve been heavy on that yatchy album which is a beautiful listening experience. Jordan Ward, Kaycee, LAYA, and of course myself have been the main rotation these past couple weeks.
Last we talked you had just put out your new single “G.L.C” since that time, how have you grown as an artist and what are some things you’ve learned about yourself, the industry, as well as being an artist since then?
I feel like I’ve grown in so many ways since. I was having a conversation with a friend and we were talking about finding my sound. And I can’t say I’ve found it, but I think now I’m not necessarily looking for it. I love making music and I've learned to be more free flowing in my process of making it. One big thing I’ve learned is just be you! Do what makes you happy, don’t function by an algorithm.
Following up on “G.L.C.” you released two songs in 2022 with Casein “Soberimwitchu”, & “Addict” walk us through both songs including what inspired them, what was it like making both, and what was the creative process like working with Casein?
Casein is a great producer! He hit me up earlier in the year to work and we made a couple tracks. I believe he sent me a few beats and I wrote to them and recorded. We are supposed to collaborate again so stay tuned for that!
Bro your new album is crazy! Walk us through the album including the meaning behind the name, the overall creative process behind it, and what this album means for you as well as your career?
Thank you so much! This album is like a baby to me, I’m just now presenting it to the world. I made the first song (backkk) in early 2021 and the last song (nest) in November of that year. It was hella organic, we had a bunch of sessions over a couple months. We listened back to them midway in the year and found like 5-6 songs that were in that same vibe.
Living on the Edge, the title relates to how I was feeling at the time when making it. The tug of war in feelings and actions, the questioning of purpose and faith, the overwhelming pressure that life can put on you along with the horrors of being black in America. I want to feel better and be better for myself but what does that look like for me? The album talks about all that, and my struggle with coming of age and having to shed past trauma while still progressing and elevating in life. I feel like this album really is money, like it could be charted or something with the right eyes on it. I believe it’ll be one of those projects that’ll age really well.
Talk us through the production of the album including who you worked with?
Nobody’s Home (the trio of Greg Walton, Jackson Thatcher and Jack Keller) the goats man! We got like a catalog full of songs together. It's crazy! They produced every song except one (handle). Super fire group, I had reference tracks and a few demos for some of the songs, and they really brought that shit to life. If you’re an artist and you are reading this, go book them boys mane! Handle was produced by KON and WowJus7in. It was actually KON’s beat he was going to make a song too. I heard it in a session with Justin and fell in love with it. I wrote the verse in like 10 minutes lmao. It just felt right
So front to back we love the entire album but our favorite songs on the project include the opening song “Can’t Believe”, “Broke Boi” with KON, “Handle”, and “”Backkk” with Chuck iNDigo, walk us through each of these songs?
“Can’t believe” was a true tug of war. Picture that guy that thinks he’s good but his actions never follow suit. Very vulnerable song, and the keys+drums+bass combo hits your soul. “Brokeboi” like a lot of these songs was written in one session. I remember being in the studio with Nobody’s Home and KON, Jackson was playing the rift and I immediately made the chorus. Told bro the theme and we got to writing. We replaced all the “I’s” with “He” to make it feel more story-like and relatable. “Backkk” was originally from a YouTube beat, it was way darker. S/o to Nobody’s Home for creating a more of upbeat rendition. I showed Cole (@mixedbycole) an early version and he suggested to get Chuck on the hook.
On this new project you featured KON, Chuck iNDigo, and Ashley EMJ, what was it like working with each of them?
It’s amazing, they’re all very talented individuals that inspire me. I’ve worked with KON since the beginning so it’s amazing to see our growth. Imma fan of Chuck’s music so it’s always dope when we can collab. And last but certainly not least Ashley EMJ is so wonderful to work with! Incredible writer and vocalist, it’s so seamless anytime we are in the studio together. We got a couple of crazy unreleased tracks, hopefully y’all will get to hear those too.
So what’s next for you in 2023, where do you want to be by the end of this year, and where do you want your career to be by the end of this year?
INNER CIRCLE! We got a bunch of things planned this year so follow our socials @inn.circle and stay up to date! Personally imma drop more this year too. I have a bunch of unreleased songs so I'll be back on heads before the summer for sure.
For an artist just getting started right now what is some advice you would give them?
Work everyday! However long you need to on each day , just work on your craft. A little bit goes a long way and days stack on each other. Don’t push it off until tomorrow, do it right now!
What artists should we interview out of Nashville in 2023?
Ashley EMJ
Any last words?
Love y’all
This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI.