After recently returning to deliver his highly-praised studio album 'Commentarium De Paradiso', Manchester-based artist Jay Hofman is now looking to showcase his latest collection with the uplifting new single 'Good Kind (To Me)'.
Teaming up with fast-rising rapper Voilàh for the new release, 'Good Kind (To Me)' makes for an incredibly fresh and enjoyable listen. With its bright and shimmering textures perfectly set to their emotive vocal performances throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more enchanting names doing the rounds 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 inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
As a kid, I used to take piano lessons but my teacher kept smacking my fingers when I hit the wrong key so it wasn’t until I was a teenager and picked up acoustic guitar. I was really excited when I started putting some pretty basic chords and form my first songs. Guitars are up to date my favourite instruments to play even though I still need to learn a lot.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up in Poland so I was raised on our local artists such as Kasia Nosowska and group HEY, Anita Lipnicka, Edyta Gorniak. I’ve migrated to rock and indie bands in my teens and got really into The Libertines, Muse, Switchfoot, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys and t.A.T.u.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was ‘Emu’ by a band called Varius Manx as my very own CD but my parents were pretty big on current international music back then and I remember listening a lot to their wide range including gems like Michael Jackson’s ‘HIStory’, The Cranberries' ’To The Faithful Departed’ and Celine Dion’s ‘D’eux’ & ‘Falling Into You’.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Only one?! Hm…. I’d say ‘Mystery of Love’ by Sufjan Stevens. It’s simple in acoustic arrangements, rich in poetic lyrics and just so soothing vocally. Pure perfection.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
All of my songs are prompted by some life milestones. Something big’s got to happen and then I can write about it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lana Del Rey, The Libertines, Amy Winehouse, Muse, Bjork as a standard and an always-go-to catalogue. Recently, I’ve discovered Forrest Frank, MARO, Tunnelvisions and Voilàh and really enjoying their stuff.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Lana Del Rey. I worship the ground that woman steps on. I would also love to do a quick set before Muse goes in smashing their electric guitars.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being an unsigned and not so vastly known songwriter, it makes me super happy when someone says ‘hey I bought your record’ or ‘I really like that line in your song’ or simply ‘what did you mean when your sung that in your song?’ Which means they really tuned in and focused on the lyrics. It is mind-blowing to me that people take the time to listen to non-mainstream artists and become their fans. I cannot tell you how grateful I feel every time I see people come to see me sing live. It’s so humbling.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Marketing. There, I said it. I can’t promote myself properly. I cringe. I don’t know where to begin. I wish there was some sort of automation out there to spread the word and find the right audience every time I launch a song so that it flies in the right hands. Not knowing many people in the industry is a huge blocker when it comes to things like playlist placements or radio play. It’s so needed when you try to break through. I’ve been trying for over a decade. Hopefully I can reach more listeners with my new album ‘Commentarium de Paradiso’ and hopefully you guys will enjoy it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
‘Keep going’
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Jay Hofman's new single 'Good Kind (To Me)' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.