Victoria, BC’s Rising Star JAXXEE Makes a Stunning Debut with “GONE” – A Perfect Fusion of Trip-Hop and Soul
Blending elements of trip-hop and soul in just the right proportions, the new independent face on the Canadian music scene, JAXXEE, makes an impactful entrance with her debut single, “GONE.”
Paying homage to the obscure Bristol scene of the 90s, while also emanating a fresh and present-day aura, the track serves as a cathartic passage, navigating the intricate emotions of frustration, love, and sorrow.
With a voice as deep as the emotions evoked, JAXXEE poses a poignant question: “Have you ever felt so fragile?” The lyrics unfold a tale of vulnerability, of being depleted by others who take relentlessly.
“This musical journey is about finding my voice. Having an opinion and not just being a people pleaser. Pushing myself to be out of my comfort zone and vulnerable,” explains the artist.
“GONE was the first song I ever shared with anyone,” continues JAXXEE. As a biracial individual from a family of Chinese migrants, her musical path provides a canvas to articulate the intricate shades of her ordeals and growth.
Amidst the turmoil woven by deceit, JAXXEE’s vocals channel the essence of blues and soul—a nod to the classics. Yet, this is no mere imitation. Classic intertwines with contemporary electronic elements and innovative production techniques infuse the old-world charm with a modern heartbeat.
“GONE” serves as a potent embodiment of multifaceted sentiments—frustration, grief, and the profound act of release. Mixed and mastered in San Francisco by Grammy-nominated Count (aka Mikael Eldridge) and engineered and produced by award winner Neil James Cooke-Dallin, “GONE” conveys an empowering message, urging individuals to release relationships that have completed their chapters and no longer contribute positively to their journey.
Face to face 20 years later
Girl he’s the one who made you small
I won’t excuse your indiscretions
Won’t give you any piece of me
Hey diddler, lock your door
The launch of “GONE” is accompanied by dual visual narratives, both shedding light on the song’s duality. The official video unveils a mesmerizing contemporary dance performance, showcasing the artistry of her 14-year-old daughter. This representation is JAXXEE’s ode to her inner child, offering a glimpse into the shadows of her early years. Contrasting this, the bonus video adopts a different perspective, portraying her current self as a resilient, alluring, and vulnerable adult. This portrayal encapsulates her journey of discovering her voice and embracing self-expression, all while exulting in the ongoing celebration of music and art.
Beyond its lyrical content, “GONE” stands as a testament to JAXXEE’s newfound strength in vocalizing her thoughts while still cherishing profound bonds. Her ongoing celebration of music and art remains an ever-present thread in her narrative.
Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Carole King, Aretha Franklin, and Erykah Badu, as well as the resonances of Portishead, En Vogue, and the Black Pumas, her vocals exude an entrancing blend of moodiness and sensuality. We can expect a whole lot more on this newly released journey.
Watch the video for “GONE” below and learn more about JAXXEE via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
Hello! I’m JAXXEE – a self-taught singer-songwriter who found my voice later in life. I guess really I have been singing my whole life but wasn’t brave enough to share with people until I was in my 30s. At the time my kids were young and I wanted to find something that was just for me, to set an example for my kids that you can be a mom and wife while still nurturing your own passions and working hard to pursue them. My husband and children have been my biggest supporters, and I’m so grateful for their encouragement. I take pride in my half-Asian heritage, and I was fortunate to grow up in a tight-knit family, surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. When it comes to food, I’m an enthusiast, though I often struggle with the dilemma of deciding what to order. I’m also a devoted dog lover and share my life with a charming doodle named Butter. I find solace amongst the trees and consider hiking and dancing my preferred forms of exercise. Being an island girl, the ocean soothes me and is one of my favourite places to connect with my friends and family.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording ‘GONE.”
I crafted the lyrics for this song over a span of two years, with the initial verses flowing unexpectedly during a plane ride one day. However, it wasn’t until I reconnected with my ailing father, whom I hadn’t spoken to in two decades, that the song found its completion. Back then, I never even dreamed of sharing, let alone recording and releasing it. This marked the first instance of me sharing a song with anyone, as well as my maiden venture into a professional studio setting.
To be honest, I was gripped by nervousness and intimidation, and I kept postponing my studio session for months, convinced that I wasn’t quite ready. It was only when I sang the lyrics and melody to Neil that everything began to fall into place naturally. We discussed the song’s genre direction, and it was a no-brainer for us to infuse it with trip-hop and neo-soul influences, both of which hold a special place in my heart. On the production front, we delved into how to seamlessly blend these genres, incorporating classic synth textures while also enlisting live session musicians to capture the contemporary sound du jour. We toiled tirelessly for months, adding layer upon layer of sound until we collectively felt that it was finally ready to meet the world.
What’s It like being a musician in Victoria, BC?
Victoria boasts an incredibly nurturing community. The artists here not only champion one another but also elevate each other’s work. I’ve been told by musicians who’ve ventured far and wide that this isn’t the norm elsewhere, where the atmosphere can be intensely competitive and shrouded in secrecy. Here, it genuinely feels like we’re all part of each other’s successes, and I’m consistently amazed by it. As someone relatively new to the world of music releases and the intricacies of the industry, I’ve been surprised by the outpouring of support and wisdom offered by fellow artists. Many of them have generously shared their experiences and insights, recounting what has worked for them. Their willingness to engage in conversations and offer guidance has been invaluable. The calibre of talent in Victoria is nothing short of awe-inspiring, providing a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
Growing up, Joni Mitchell, Tamia, Deborah Cox, and Alanis Morissette were very influential. Even now, belting out ‘You Oughta Know’ remains a guilty pleasure I can’t resist.
More recently, I have been blown away by Charlotte Day Wilson and Charlotte Cardin. Guess I have a thing for Charlottes –ha! I can get lost for hours listening to either of these talented women. I was fortunate to catch Day Wilson when she played at Rifflandia in 2017 and I am so excited to see Cardin live this November at the Capital Ballroom here in Victoria.
As you are just starting out, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before releasing your first song?
Give yourself more time than you initially anticipated! This project has demanded an immense amount of effort, and looking back, I truly wish I had taken a week or two off from my 9-5 job. While I’ve thoroughly relished the creative process, I’m the kind of person who can’t do things halfway, which inevitably extends the time I invest to get everything just right.
Numerous individuals advised me to meticulously plan and calendar my tasks before embarking on the release process, I swear I tried but I am not really a scheduled person by nature and once I got it going it was so hard to hit the brakes. I had set a deadline and was determined to check off tasks one by one as I went along, even if it meant enduring many sleepless nights to ensure everything fell into place in time.