Following on from the release of his stunning debut EP 'Cc: I Love You' earlier this year, Ghanian artist Jéermain returns once again with his breezy new delight 'Long Time No See'.
Harnessing more of that rich and groove-filled aesthetic he is quickly earning a reputation for, 'Long Time No See' makes for a wonderfully warm and emotive listen. With his vibrant vocal performance layered across a smooth and tender production from start to finish, he continues to establish himself as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I loved the piano first, the sounds induce my brain to rest. But I love the drum better now because of the energy it brings. Drums make me want to dance.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I fell in love with gospel music when I was growing up. I literally woke up to Don Moen on my parents’ stereo every morning before we prayed. The first song I loved that wasn’t gospel was Jidenna’s “Helicopter”. My friend and classmate “Shaquille” introduced him to me when I was in high school.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember that! It was Khalid’s American Teen. I sang it all the time, so many times I eventually could imitate all his pauses and riffs. When someone told me I sounded like him, that was the first time I felt good enough to do this music thing. Because if I could hit that pitch on “Angels” then I could sing.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Aaaaagh! Yes! Cold blooded, by Khalid. I wish I wrote that song. That album…everything I was going through that album spoke about it. I feel like if he didn’t write that I would have.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really. But I’m trying to start praying before I write nowadays. Because I want it to be divine. Usually, though it comes to me naturally. I can’t even wait to write when I hear an instrumental or something playing somewhere in the environment I’m in. It could be anything, a horn, a bird call, a giggle. It inspires new music.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I love Khalid ofc. Bazzi has made me love music and encouraged me anytime I felt like giving up. I idolize Kojo Antwi, both culturally and musically. I also like Ogranya, Raury, and Harry Styles. Harry because if I was born in a foreign country, I’d probably be doing his type of music.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Khalid definitely! No one else has my heart like Khalid does. First love and all that. Yeah.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I’m not so good at expressing myself normally. I’m typically a quiet person because whenever I talk, I feel like I’m fumbling around for the words and it’s frustrating. But it’s not like that with music. When I sing, I feel like I can truly express every degree of my emotions and meaning, even beyond just words. It’s like magic. I instantly know how to portray what I feel to others and when they tell me they understand or feel the same, it’s elating. It’s like being seen for what you actually are for the first time.
Even before I loved music, I’ve always been a visual person. I look around me and want to capture the world, so I could show other people what I see. So, videography is another thing I really find rewarding aside from music. I won’t have to explain, I can just show. So, I have it as a hobby too.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Frustrating part is that now music is my job too, and it needs to pay. But people aren’t so good at paying for creative services in this part of the world. But I don’t blame them, it’s probably the culture and the economy.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“If you are liked by everyone then you’re doing something too wrong”. I love this. Maybe it’s cope but I tell myself this so when some people don’t show interest in something I made then I’m not as bothered.
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Jéermain's new single 'Long Time No See' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.