After spending the last year unveiling a breath of sweet and breezy offerings, which have since clocked up more than half a million streams in the process, London-based singer and songwriter Jay Blanes now returns with his latest vibrant delight 'To The Moonlight'.
Continuing his bright and glossy direction to date, 'To The Moonlight' perfectly encapsulates the soaring aesthetic he has been cultivating for himself. With his joyous vocal style married effortlessly alongside toe-tapping songwriting, we can be sure that things are only going to get bigger for him in the months ahead.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My grandma convinced me to start with the piano. I never imagined myself playing anything else until I got into my teenage years and watched the Jonas Brothers on screen and met people in bands. I guess my first true love was the electric guitar, but I soon focused on singing.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a child I didn’t have a huge opinion on it, my mum and grandma introduced me to most music: Spanish pop, Latin, musicals, 80s music, even opera. As I grew older, I discovered international pop and then indie, jazz, rock,… Now I love so many genres!
What was the first album you remember owning?
I believe it was Olly Murs, Right Place Right Time. I was about 17 and bought it on a trip quite impulsively. I guess my generation grew up with the mp3 player and then phones!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
So many! One for which I recently had this thought was “The Joker and The Queen” by Ed Sheeran. Its lyrics and melody are fantastic!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really! I love trying new stuff on the guitar all the time, so I usually start with a chord progression or riff. I also keep writing when I really have something to say. Once I have the main idea, I can schedule some writing time to finish it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Apart from mainstream artists such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa or Abba, I really love the indie scene, which never fails me when I listen to new releases: Fickle Friends, BANNERS, joan, Maisie Peters, Saint Raymond,… I’m also in love with some Spanish artists like Pablo Alborán, Melendi, C Tangana, Leiva or Maldita Nerea.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably Ed. It was during one of his shows that I realised I wanted to do this professionally, it changed my life.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Sharing your music with the world, giving it to make it someone else’s and then singing it together when you meet in a venue. It feels like we’re all one.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The loneliness of the journey when you start and haven’t proven enough yet. Or the huge unbalance between effort/investment and reward in your early years.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Make sure you enjoy the journey and make sure you have something to say.
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Jay Blanes' new single 'To The Moonlight' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.