Interview: Singer-Songwriter Rasha Jay Discusses Her New Song "BACKBONE"
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“I wrote “BACKBONE” in February 2020, having lost my aunt and uncle by then. I had nothing else to say at that point, and I needed to express myself and wail about that wonderful connection and acknowledge where my support comes from, my family.”
Tell us about how you got started writing music and singing, and which artists influenced you the most musically. Also, do you play any instruments?
I wrote my first song when I was 9 years old, called "Turn Around". I've been singing since I was a toddler, my mother and her mother are singers. I do play a little keyboard and I"m playing keys on “BACKBONE”.
I am influenced by so many artists from the past and present; however, the one artist that is consistent is Prince.
Congratulations on the release of your new single "BACKBONE"; tell us about your creative process for its development and what inspired you to write it.
I wrote “BACKBONE” in February 2020, having lost my aunt and uncle by then. I had nothing else to say at that point, and I needed to express myself and wail about that wonderful connection and acknowledge where my support comes from, my family. I couldn't do this music thing without them. I had no idea writing it then, that it would take on much more meaning to myself and others as the pandemic broke and many suffered unbelievable change and loss.
Can we expect a music video for "Backbone" to follow? Also, will the song be appearing on an upcoming EP or album?
Yes, funny enough I did the music video for “BACKBONE” in March 2020! All done on an iPhone 11 at the time. It's ready, set for release soon. I wanted to go back home and keep with the theme of family and support. My cousin was behind the camera, my sister was my PA and my mom was my stand-in.
I haven't decided yet if it will be on the next EP, I'm writing it now. “BACKBONE” was really a song all its own, an acknowledgement of how 2020 was for me personally.
Speaking of EPs, how would you describe your debut, "HIGH DIVE", and what are you most proud of with that project?
Actually, my debut EP was 2016 with “CICADA”. “High Dive” was released in 2019. However what I'm most proud of with projects is that no matter what the flow of the song is, I hear myself and I'm not stuck in one genre, I truly write from multiple moods and perspectives.
With "BACKBONE" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2021?
I want to complete my next EP, and honestly I am most excited about performing live again and singing “BACKBONE” to the people! I have performances in July and August so far.
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