Jaymes Young‘s “Stoned On You” is a sultry song about someone Young is crazy about. The track borrows elements from r&b, synth pop and alt rock, centered around a super catchy synth hook and Young‘s gorgeous singing voice. “Stoned On You” is all of the feelings of being so infatuated with someone that you can’t stop thinking about them and the things they do. It’s hypnotic and chill, ideal music for kissing and chill Saturday nights with your friends.
His latest – “Feel Something” – sparkles a little more, conjuring images of Young as the male equivalent of Lana Del Rey. Not only is the song incredibly appealing, layered and beautiful in its composition, but his vocals are so astoundingly unique that he keeps you playing his music on repeat.
Check out our recent interview with Young below!
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What was the first song or album you remember listening to, and who introduced it to you?
I couldn’t tell you the first album or or song I listened to, but early on I was introduced to Led Zeppelin, Elliott Smith, Kansas…. most of my early listening tendencies came from my parents.
Does that song or album have any bearing on your sound now?
I’m sure every piece of music I’ve ever liked has had some sort of impact on my production style or writing, probably on a subconscious level.
Was there a defining moment when you realized you wanted to pursue music in your life?
I can’t define a specific moment, but I did pick up my mom’s classical guitar one day, and I never put it down. I used to tinker around on a badly out of tune piano that we had in our living room. Those experiences provided my first interactions with instruments.
You write and produce your own music. How did you get into that, and is it something you’ve always wanted to do? What’s your process like?
I think when you pick up an instrument at a young age, without any direction, writing can come pretty naturally. Production on the other hand, is a different beast. I know I got into production simply out of necessity. I couldn’t find any other way to express and capture the sounds that I wanted. I don’t really have a standard process for production, it really varies. It’s more important for me to feel like I have a great idea for a song, before I begin production.
Your voice… honestly, it’s so beautiful. Did you have any classical training by chance?
I’ll take that compliment, thank you! haha 🙂 I’ve been to a couple vocal coaches over the years just to see how that felt. Never had any regular or serious training. I often wonder how things would be for me vocally had I had any training. I’m not particularly fond of or crazy for my own voice, its just a tool for communication.
“Stoned On You” is such an easy listening, intricate track. What inspired it, specifically?
“Stoned On You” actually started with a song I wrote years ago, I only took the chorus from the old version. Its hard to say what inspired me to write it then, but once I reformatted it to my current liking I really wanted to finish it. I just felt the need to write a love song from that inebriated point of view that many of us feel when we’re into it way too deep.
What made you choose it as a single?
I’m not sure what even defines a single anymore, but I wanted to drop it first to remind my fans that I was coming back with some new tunes, and also that it wasn’t going to be all sad and depressing songs this time around hahah.
How do you imagine people listening to “Stoned On You”?
I imagine people listening to it however they want to! (preferably in a very sexy situation) Oh sorry, did I say that out loud? Really in all seriousness, I don’t care how they listen, I’m just so glad they are. As long as they feel like the coolest human on the planet while they’re listening….
Your debut album Feel Something comes out June 23rd. That is coming up SO fast. How do you feel about it, as it comes closer?
I’m excited to put this album out. It’s been a long time coming, and I’ve got too many stories that I want to tell, even outside of this album. I’m getting excited to see things growing again.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
I was not a comic book kid… but I’m pretty sure Superman really has got it going on. Basically I would be really down with flying around in a cape. I wonder how fast he could fly to Hawaii?
Do you like green eggs and ham?
I’m allergic to eggs, I try not to eat too much pork. But I do like regular eggs, and ham.
So of COURSE we asked you that question! With so many issues facing our world – and our country – today, what is something that helps you keep your head above water, so to speak?
Well, I’ve never been a fan of politics, (not that I don’t have my opinions) but how can I interact with something that is often so misleading and so incredibly steeped in BS. I’m tired of listening to people talk about the issues without any real direction. My only aim right now is to keep being honest with my own life, and with my music. If I’m going to make any difference I’m pretty sure I better start with myself.
What else is down the pipeline for you in 2017?
I’m going to be touring this year, and I’m going to keep writing. Feel Something isn’t the biggest story that I want to tell with an album, I want to keep going. All I can say is thank you to my supporters and those who have helped me spread my music over the years, I’ll see you on the road, or on your favorite streaming service soon 😉
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Feel Something is out June 23rd and is available for preorder now. Keep up with Jaymes here.
