FEATURE:
Spotlight
where I am trying to run as many Spotlight features as possible before 2024. Tipping artists who are going to make some big moves then. This takes me to the wonderful Jazzy. She is quite new on the scene, so I hope that she gets a Twitter, TikTok (there is one but no videos or content) and Facebook page. You can follow her music on the links at the bottom. I am sure that will change in 2024. The Jamaican-Irish artist is someone that everyone should check out. Signed to Polydor, she has already been highlighted as one of Vevo’s DSCVR Artists to Watch. I am going to come to interviews that she has been involved in. To be fair to her, Jazzy has only released a bit of material so far. Some singles and an acclaimed E.P., Constellations. It has been a busy year, mind. She was recently interviewed by The Times. Giving Me, her debut single, broke records recently. I am going to start with an interview from HotPress, where they celebrated what a remarkable feat this was. Showing, perhaps, what a male-dominated thing Spotify’s Ireland Top 50 is, Jazzy will pave the way for other Irish female artists:
“Currently sitting at No.2 in the Irish Singles Charts, DJ Jazzy's debut solo single 'Giving Me' has made the Dubliner the first Irish female artist to hit No.1 on the Spotify Ireland Top 50.
Achieving this incredible milestone, Jazzy knocked Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding’s 'Miracle' off the top spot this week. Thumping dance banger 'Giving Me' was released in March and has already been streamed 1.7 million times in Ireland and been certified platinum.
Arriving on the solo stage with a bold statement, the Irish-Jamaican newcomer Jazzy’s debut is soaring in the Irish and International Charts, with Jazzy earning the No.1 spot on the Homegrown Irish charts.
'Giving Me' is a club-ready slice of Irish house with lyrics that see Jazzy relinquishing the responsibility for the hurt experienced from a past relationship and getting back out on the town after having healed from all “the sunshine in the rain”.
On writing the track, Jazzy shares “my solo debut has been a really long time coming, so we made sure that we edited and tweaked the track until it felt perfect. I’ve been anticipating this moment for some time now and am buzzing to share 'Giving Me' with you all”.
Jazzy is no stranger to the dance music scene, having already graced massive collaborations with the likes of Irish dance duo Belters Only on their hit singles ‘Make Me Feel Good’ and ‘Don’t Stop Just Yet’. Her entrance into the music world has turned heads and connected internationally.
With over 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, as well as a Top 5 Platinum certified single in the UK, it looks as though this will be the year that see’s Jazzy bring Irish house music to the masses. Having already built a community around her sound through consistent releases of her ‘GEWAH’ DJ mixes on Soundcloud, the release of ‘Giving Me’ see’s Jazzy entering a new sonic chapter; one that will see her create a musical legacy of her own”.
There are a few interviews that I want to cover off. The Irish Post spent ten minutes with an artist who is doing the country proud. One of the big and exciting names to watch closely next year, it has been a truly remarkable year for her. I suspect that a debut album will come at some point very soon. Her awesome debut E.P., Constellations, came out in October:
“What are you up to?
Right now I am spending as much time in the studio as possible - making new music!
Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?
Everything But The Girl - Missing
Which musician has most influenced you?
Lauryn Hill would have been one of the first who influenced me to start singing. As of late we have so many amazing artists who inspire and influence me too though; RAYE, Eliza Rose, Carla Monroe, Hayley May, Karen Harding… the list goes on!
Who would be in your ideal band?
My ideal band would be with my friends because I’d just love to spend that much time with them messing about and working together, but sadly none of them sing.
How did you get started in music?
The school I attended had an amazing music programme so everyone had the chance to learn a string instrument. I went on to do all my grades in violin before I started to sing because of that, so actually I guess I started on the classical side
If you were told musicians are no longer welcome where you live, where would you go?
Anywhere with a temperature over 28 degrees. Answer inspired by the miserable Dublin weather as I’m writing this.
Where are you from in Ireland, and what are your roots?
I’m from the south side of Dublin - born and reared. My mam is originally from Swords
What’s on your smartphone playlist at the minute?
It’s Your Time - Bklava
Take It Easy - Spencer Ramsey
Shinin - Ethan Healy
More Money Girls - Joshwa
Pantomime or opera?
Pantomime for sure. I’m not an opera kinda girl!
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Dublin is my home so that will always be my favourite, but if I had to say somewhere else it would probably be Galway. I love visiting, it always feels super homey and the people are so nice.
What would be your motto?
“Live in the now”
Which living person do you most admire?
My niece Savvanah, she’s more like a little sister to me to be honest. She’s only 4 but she could teach us all a thing or two I swear”.
The wonderful NOTION recently spent some time with an artist who, as they say, is just getting started. Such a fresh and original talent who is distinct and memorable - it is going to be exciting to see how she steps into 2024. I would imagine a mix of solo tracks and some collaborations to happen:
“Striking a friendship with DJ duo Belters Only helped Jazzy become the breakout star she is today. A few years ago, she tasted her first dose of mainstream success when their collaboration “Make Me Feel Good” soared to number 1 in Ireland and reached platinum-selling status in the UK. It became an overnight hit and announced Jazzy’s equally imposing and alluring vocal range to the world. Despite the instant triumph, she’s been biding her time, waiting in the wings to release her debut solo single. No one, not even the 26-year-old could have imagined what came next.
Where do you go after a number one debut single? For Jazzy, it’s a question with a simple answer. The Jamaican-Irish singer is hungry for more success, hungry for more chart-topping singles, and eventually, to produce a debut project with the same trajectory. But before she accumulates more accolades, Jazzy sits down with us to speak about Dublin’s music scene, reaching new heights and why she’ll always keep herself grounded.
Taking it right back, what were your experiences of music growing up? Can you remember your early musical infatuations?
I started to learn music at the age of 10 and quickly became eager for it to be my career. I also studied violin, which introduced me to the classical world.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jasmine Engel-Malone for NOTION
We read that you fell in love with clubbing and house music as a teenager. Where was good to go out in Ireland growing up and what are some of your fondest memories of that time?
There were so many amazing places to go out in Dublin a few years ago. Some of my favourites included the Hanger, and District 8. Going to see Kerri Chandler live was definitely one of my fondest memories.
And now, you’ve just played Longitude festival, pulling a massive crowd. How did it feel to play to such a large audience in your home city?
Honestly, I don’t know how to put it into words. It’s such an amazing feeling hearing everyone sing the lyrics back to you, and so loudly that you can barely hear yourself! I’m so grateful to have everyone’s support; it’s been amazing.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jasmine Engel-Malone for NOTION
When you made “Giving Me”, did you know that you had a hit on your hands?
I don’t know if you ever know when something will be a hit. All I know is that I absolutely loved it! So, I guess it’s about going with your gut, which seems to be working for me.
You now have two Irish number one’s under your belt. When working in the studio, what do you listen out for?
When I’m in the studio, I’m just vibing and hoping to create another Jazzy track, keeping with everything I have done so far.
An act you’ve worked very closely with is Belters Only, how do they bring out the best in you when in the studio and why do you think that you both work so well on tracks?
The first time I went into the studio with Belters Only, it was such a good vibe! We have worked so well together from the beginning, I’m a big fan of their style and everything they’ve made. They are super talented and I was delighted to be able to work with them. I think we go really well together in the studio and always come out with a banger!
From the underground to the mainstream, Dublin has a thriving electronic music scene. What do you think makes the city so special?
I’m so proud of everyone on the Dublin scene right now, there’s so many amazing Irish acts killing it and we love to see it. Dublin always gets behind their own and that’s something you don’t always see.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jasmine Engel-Malone for NOTION
Jazzy rules the world for the day, what’s going down?
It depends on how much power I have exactly. I’d want to get the biggest group of dogs together that the world has ever seen. And more generally, free flights for everyone who wants to participate and bring their dog to visit me.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years’ time, I’d like to have two albums under my belt, to be working on a third, a European tour, breaking America and just doing my thing!
What’s next for Jazzy? Do you have any music, festivals or gigs coming up that you’d like people to know about?
I’ve got lots of gigs over the next few weeks and I’m in Ibiza rocks this weekend! You can find all the info on my socials. A new single will be coming out really soon, and an EP is in the works! I’m really excited to share with everyone!”.
Let’s come to an interview with Wonderland. They spoke with the extraordinary and rising D.J., producer and singer about the Irish scene, her introduction to the industry, and a truly and memorably busy summer. If you are compiling names of artists to follow through next year, there is no doubt that Jazzy should be on there:
“How would you describe your essence as an artist?
Passionate and fun.
What’s your opinion of the Irish scene?
I absolutely love it, it’s amazing, there’s so much talent going in Ireland right now I’m super proud!
Do you think that the UK industry should be paying more attention to the scene over there?
Yes absolutely, I feel like it’s already drawing attention so it won’t be long before it happens!
You announced yourself to the industry with your work with Belters Only. How did that collaboration come about?
My partner grew up with Conor from Belters, and they had seen I was doing some singing bits, so he mentioned to me that he invited us to do a session with them, so we went, ended up recording make me feel good!
Was it a conscious decision to wait till now to release solo material after working on the collaborations?
I think this was the start of something new for me and it definitely happened organically!
Your debut solo single, “Giving Me”, went #1 in the Irish charts, how did it feel to achieve that, and why do you think the song resonated so widely?
Honestly it was such an amazing thing to happen to me on my first single, words can’t describe how it made me feel!
We love “Feel it (Club Edit)”! Talk us through the creative process of the track?
Feel it was a song that came around by chance, and when I heard it I fell in love! I knew it had to be a jazzy track.
What does the song mean to you?
This song is my second single as a solo artist, so it means a lot to me as I begin to grow.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
Right now I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing, stay in the studio as much as possible and be consistent with the music that I’m releasing
What else is to come from you this year?
I have lots of gigs and festivals coming. And also working on my EP right now for towards end of the year so lots going on!”.
A brilliant and stunning Irish talent, this artist and D.J. is going to be on the radars of many publications as they share their list of artists to look out for in 2024. It is interesting seeing which artists appear and whether there are standout names that feature on several. Jazzy is going to be one who will score a lot of kudos from a variety of publications and websites. On the evidence of what she has achieved so far this year, there is no denying the fact that she is…
PRIMED for greatness.
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