Pale Jay - The Celestial Suite (EP) + 10 Questions
The first two singles ‘Dos Uvas’ and ‘Shameful Game’ already displayed a deep connection between Pale Jay and his musical guides such as Donny Hathaway, J Dilla and Khruangbin. ‘The Celestial Suite’ let’s Pale Jay’s fragile falsetto float over dusty beats and serene strings, glued together by ageless arrangements.
The international response so far has been positive through and through with tastemakers like COLORS, Wordplay Magazine, DIFFUS, BBC1 and more showing love for Pale Jay and his Soul soaked ballads.
When asked about his inspirations for ‘The Celestial Suite’, Pale Jay recently stated in an interview: ‘The concept of the EP was initially to write songs for some of my musical heroes who had passed away. Additionally I wanted to fully indulge in singing falsetto-which is probably the most natural way to sing for me. An immediate and not overthought extension of my emotions in song and performance.’
Pale Jay sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Literally hitting on pots and pans was my first musical output from a very early age on-yes, I was that annoying kid. Hearing Bobby Mcferrin's 'Don't Worry Be Happy' on the radio when I was 4 charged me with an emotion I hadn't known before. My mom got me the song on cd and it was on repeat for a long time.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Madlib, Flying Lotus and James Blake just to mention a few.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
To be honest the pandemic didn't change too much in my professional life. Before the pandemic I had been working in my home studio creating music for mainly online usage. This phenomenon seemed to be quite similar for many of my peers who were focused on music composition and production. Obviously it was a different story for people focused on the live music business.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Soulful, dusty and straight from the heart.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Difficult question...I studied Jazz at university and my final concert to conclude my studies was quite perfect in how I want a live show to feel like for me. Intimate and meaningful.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Learn an instrument, work on your craft e.g. music production on a laptop and diversify.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I stumbled over stevedoesmusic a while back and I think his style is amazing!
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7CUS7pHoycfMAdISZoexiU?si=9Ky9t3fwQ6O_Ad8cBuTxHg
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib-Bandana
Carlos Niño & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson-Suite For Ma Dukes
Phantom Thread Soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Cycling, hiking and being outdoors.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Computer, water and light