JASMINE MATTHEWS JUST RELEASED A NEW TRACK AND WE'RE PRETTY NOSEY OVER HERE AT WIZARD WATER, WE THOUGHT WE'D DIVE RIGHT IN.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Jasmine Matthews, a rising star in the Alternative R&B and Trapsoul scene. Fresh off the release of her latest single, *Inamorata*, Jasmine opens up about her creative process, the personal experiences that shape her music, and the journey from performing across Victoria to becoming a semi-finalist in the ‘Unsigned Only’ competition. Join us as we dive into the story behind her emotionally charged lyrics and captivating sound. This is a paid collaboration with Jasmine Matthews.
TRACK REVIEW
Jasmine Matthews’ latest single 'Inamorata' captivates from the very start, showcasing her angelic vocals that tell a story you can’t help but follow. Known for her distinctive blend of Alternative R&B and Trapsoul, Jasmine draws inspiration from personal experiences, creating a sound that is both raw and ethereal. The vocals stand out, reminiscent of Billie Eilish, but with a unique touch that is entirely Jasmine’s own. When she hits those delicate falsetto notes, the song reaches new emotional depths, making it impossible to ignore the vulnerability and power in her voice. This track is a testament to her ability to blend storytelling with music, leaving a lasting impression that resonates deeply.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single, "Inamorata," and what message you hope listeners take away from it?
This character of “Inamorata” - a woman with whom one is in love, she’s navigating through being loved and hated and really starting to own the idea that her confidence can be used as a weapon. This song was inspired by the idea that when you push someone too far, they’ll turn into what you say they are. Contrary to the lyricism, she doesn’t want anyone else’s man. She’s not a villain. She leans into how she is portrayed out of spite. It gets old when people assume you’re not a ‘girls girls’ because of their own insecurities and projections. I haven’t really explored negatively portrayed emotions before in my music so I wanted to see what I could create. I know it’s not always the case and there are cheaters and liars out there, but I want listeners to focus inward and think about what internal issues are being triggered when they form certain opinions about others.
Your music blends Alternative R&B and Trapsoul with emotionally charged lyrics. How do your diverse ethnic background and personal experiences influence your songwriting and sound?
Being mixed ethnicity for me has always been something I struggled with, purely because I felt like I couldn’t fully belong anywhere. The disconnect within interpersonal relationships because of my issues with identity and whatnot are what inspire me. I want to create music that bridges the gap between different identities and experiences, relatable music that makes people feel connected and whole.
You explore themes of love, desire, and heartache in your music. How do you approach these universal topics in a way that feels fresh and relatable?
I’m definitely the type of person that feels so much all of the time, it would be very hard for me emotionally keep it all inside! We all feel love, desire, and heartache, regardless of how we react or cope, and so I try write in ways that are true to myself, and spark acceptance of those emotions in others too.
What has the journey been like for you as a newcomer to the Geelong music scene, and how does it compare to the other places you’ve performed?
I feel like I’ve come so far in my career in a short amount of time, and yet I also can’t wait to keep growing! I love the Geelong music scene because it is a tight knit community full of like-minded artists, people aren’t afraid to show their appreciation for each other and I think that’s so gorgeous. Playing in Melbourne comparatively is very different, it being a bigger city means there’s lots of opportunity, but there’s more market saturation too. This dynamic creates both challenges and possibilities for artists trying to stand out. Whilst the pop/rnb scene is still being developed to be at the same level as other genres in Geelong, we are all open to collaborating and support each other!
You’ve supported notable acts and headlined your own shows across Victoria. What have been some of the most memorable moments from these performances?
One of my most memorable moments was during my EP launch in Geelong where I debuted an unreleased song called "43," inspired by working as a bartender. I knew I wanted the crowd involved and so as I introduced the song, I asked for a volunteer to come up on stage. The first line in the chorus is ‘4 shots in of that 43’, and as there are three members in my band including myself, I wanted a fourth person to celebrate with us. As we got ready to perform, I surprised her and the crowd by pulling out a bottle of Licor 43 and shot glasses. We all took a shot together right there on stage, and the audience loved it! The song itself is all about desire and letting go, in a fun, cheeky way, and that moment perfectly captured the spirit of it. It’s definitely one of those nights that will stick with me!
Being a semi-finalist in the ‘Unsigned Only’ competition is a significant achievement. How has this experience influenced your career, and what has it taught you about the music industry?
Thank you! It definitely came as a welcome surprise, and I am so happy that my song ‘Reverie’ has been heard and recognised in the industry. Being a semi-finalist has added to my motivation to continue to write and trust in my artistic choices and vision for myself. What it has taught me about the industry is that they key to finding your own success is to work hard, and as cliche as it sounds, believe in yourself and your craft.
How do you balance pushing musical boundaries with staying true to your unique sound and artistic vision?
Staying true to my unique sound and my artistic vision means that I’m able to freely grow and evolve. My biggest focus as an artist is to push musical boundaries by continuing to learn from others and be inspired by the people around me, without having to sacrifice any meaning. Because I believe in what I create and I’m not afraid of the unknown, I’m able to balance the two.
What role does empowerment play in your music, and how do you hope to connect with listeners on a deeper level through your songs?
When I write, I enjoy knowing that listeners are going to take what I sing and think about how it relates to them. Each person having their own experiences while listening to my own, I believe connects with them on a deeper level. My goal is to empower my audience by showing them it’s okay to be vulnerable and sensitive, to be who they are without feeling weak or stupid because of it.
Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or what we can expect from you in the near future?
I’m so excited to be working on new music and new creative avenues too. I’ll be releasing another single before the end of the year, and then working on a bigger project to keep me busy!
As an artist making waves in the music industry, what advice would you give to other emerging musicians who are looking to carve out their own path?
One thing I always say to artists who aren’t sure about their future or what they should do, is to just do. Nothing needs to be (and it won’t be) perfect, but in order to have a career or move forward it needs to be out there. Believe in yourself, network, make authentic connections, accept feedback, do the things you hate so you can also do the things you love!
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