J3M unveils his new single “GYST” – blending pop, disco, soul, and R&B
Toronto, ON-based artist J3M has unveiled the brand new single, “GYST.”
AFRONAUT, J3M’s first EP, made its debut on CBC Q in 2022 and also earned him a spot as a top contender for the CBC Searchlight Contest in 2023.
The award-winning singer/songwriter/pianist has backed powerhouse artists such as Tanika Charles, TiKA, Zaki Ibrahim, Amaal, The OBGMs, James Baley and more, both locally and internationally.
Sharing stages with Kehlani, Weezer, Brandy, July Talk, and the Arkells (just to name a few), J3M is no stranger to the industry. He’s played everywhere from POP Montreal, Toronto Pride, Afropunk Paris, Osheaga, SXSW, and even on Carnival cruise lines. Based in Toronto, but born in Ottawa with Guyanese roots, J3M has been playing and singing for as long as he can remember. So, whether it’s lighting up rooms with his sharp writing, production, and arranging skills or bringing down the house with a vivacious live performance, the queer artist is aimed and ready to take the world by storm!
First off, care to introduce J3M to our readers?
Hey, I’m J3M! I’m a genre-bending artist living in Toronto! I love sequin/anything silver, performing, writing, producing, teaching music, swimming, and riding my bicycle 🙂
Congratulations on the upcoming release of “GYST”! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this new single?
Thank you! This single is inspired by situations when I had to call out toxic behaviors either in myself or others. Setting boundaries and protecting our peace is so important. In all relationships, platonic or romantic, we sometimes get caught up filling the cups of others, that we don’t realize that ours is empty.
“GYST” seems to promise a blend of pop, disco, soul, and R&B. Can you delve deeper into how these genres intersect in the song, and what listeners can expect from the overall sound?
This song is sonically inspired by a favorite song from the late nineties, “Don’t Call Me Baby” by the Australian House Duo, Madison Avenue. I’ve always been a sucker for a funky bassline and it turns out that bassline samples “Ma Quale Idea” (1980) by italo-disco artist, Pino D’Angio. And then THAT bassline is based on the disco smash hit, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden and Whitehead (1979). I feel like my vocal approach is inspired by Toni Braxton and John Legend, which is where the R&B/soul comes in.
How do you think “GYST” compares to your previous work, both sonically and thematically?
I feel like GYST really contrasts my previous work thematically because everything I’ve released up until now generally has a melancholic sort of vibe both in lyric and overall sound. GYST is definitely the most upbeat and uplifting song that I’ve released to date.
Can you highlight any specific musical elements or production techniques that you’re particularly proud of in “GYST”?
I’m proud of the whole thing. This is the first song from my solo project that I produced from my basement. I’m also very proud of the bassline, which really came to life when I sent it over to my friend Stacey Shopsowitz! I love a live bass moment.
Your EP AFRONAUT received recognition on CBC Q and in the CBC Searchlight Contest. How did these experiences influence your growth and artistic direction?
You’ve had the opportunity to perform alongside some incredible artists. Is there any particular collaboration or performance that stands out as a memorable moment for you?
I did a little collaboration with Lu Kala for TikTok that was super fun. Lu performed a handful of her songs in a beautifully decorated city bus! My keytar even got to make a little appearance. The bus was all covered in flowers, there were grass walls, I’d never seen anything like it!!
Your background spans from Ottawa to Toronto with Guyanese roots. How has your cultural heritage influenced your music and identity as an artist?
Growing up, there was always music within the black diaspora playing at home. Soca, Dancehall, and Gospel music were the most common when I was young. Disco was also very prevalent and my mother’s favorite song is “Ring My Bell” By Anita Ward. Luther Vandross, Al Green, Lionel Ritchie, Minnie Ripperton, Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton, and Boys ll Men were also favorites of the family. I was very lucky to be introduced to amazing black artists at such a young age.
Beyond “GYST,” are there any other projects in the works? Can fans expect a new EP, album, or perhaps collaborations with other artists in the near future?
Definitely, I’m constantly writing and sitting on 2 EP’s worth of demos, but I’m trying to be very intentional with all of my releases and taking things one day at a time. I’m just enjoying the creative process for now….but you can expect at LEAST 3 more releases from me this year. If not 3, then more 🙂
Last but not least, if you were able to work with any Canadian artist, who would you choose?
Fefe Dobson, Shad, Chromeo, Deborah Cox, Haviah Mighty, Metric, Tegan And Sara, Deadmau5, Grimes! Sorry, I couldn’t just pick one!