- Words Notion Staff
- Photo Credit Mariah Hamilton
Jasmyn chats about go-to karaoke tunes, the power of peanut butter, current obsessions and much more.
Jasmyn is an artist in transition, and she’s proud to own that label. Having expanded beyond her role as frontwoman of the Toronto band Weaves, she’s now embarking on a new chapter of her career in which her singular creative voice is front and centre.
The result is her debut album coming early next month, ‘In The Wild’, which realises that state of transition in absorbing style. It’s a record that runs the gamut of quietly introspective and boldly cathartic, reflecting the multiple possibilities inherent in becoming something else, typified by the absorbing lead track “Cruel Moon”.
On the single, Jasmyn says, “I wrote this song during this moment when I was so tired of staying indoors most of the time and having this pulling instinct of wanting something new for myself. I felt almost like I was in an escape room with no door out. So this song was about imagining having this out of body experience where I was going outside and moving and just peeling off layers and making room for a new identity, dancing my way through the growing pains.”
There’s a lot to be discovered in this new chapter for Jasmyn, so we sat down with her to chat about pet peeves, alternate life paths, current obsessions and much more.
If you could bring three music icons to a dinner party, dead or alive, who would you bring?
If I could bring three music icons to a dinner party it would probably be Odetta, Tina Turner and SZA. I think these three women seem like they would be so expansive in conversation. It just seems like there is an organic and authentic element to the way they approach life, and I would love to learn more. And the interesting stories from their experiences in different times of history – iconic. I would love to learn more about how they create music. What they enjoy doing outside of music. Basically, just kind of vibe out in a room full of plants and incense or something.
If you were transported back to the start of 2020, what’s the first thing you’d do?
If I were transported back to the start of 2020, I think I would just give myself some forgiveness. I just feel like it’s been a tough time for everyone. So maybe just giving myself a hug, going to some sort of public event, and just really taking it in without the worries of today. But ultimately just kind of saying to myself, “it’s going to be okay and you’re going to do the best that you can. Give yourself some kindness and open your heart to change.”
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is probably when someone is unaware of others in line. Like if there is a giant line-up and the person ahead is taking their time and asking questions or moving slow. I dunno, I just get irritated. Maybe it’s because I worked at Costco years ago wherein, they checked our speed as cashiers — it’s like you feel uncomfortable when things move slowly. They ingrain that mentality in you. So, it just irks me hah!
Three things that inspire you outside of music.
Three things that inspire me outside of music would probably be getting out in nature — taking long walks through the trees. That kind of inspired my album title In the Wild. Lately I’ve also been really inspired by movement and contemporary dance. Seeing how dance can help express a song or emotion is something I’m very interested in. And thirdly, I would say animals. Just seeing how they operate sort of one day at a time, always looking forward to each meal and being around the humans or fellow animals they love. That sort of contentedness is very inspiring.
What’s your life mantra?
Always trust your gut. I feel like everyone has a gut feeling that is usually speaking to them if they choose to listen to it.
What are you currently obsessed with?
I’m currently obsessed with wigs! I’ve been wearing them in every music–video for this album and I just find them so freeing. I kind of feel like they are my armour as I release new music. They help me to feel comfortable and get used to being in front of the camera and performing in front of people, as it feels sort of intimidating having been so insular the last few years.
What has been your biggest pinch-me moment so far?
My biggest pinch me moment was probably when I flew down to L.A. during the pandemic to record with John Congleton. I was so used to being indoors with little stimulation. We had sent demos back and forth working on this album, but suddenly, I was flying down and making this record with him, and it was really a pinch me moment. The airports were empty as I travelled down, I felt a bit like: is this real life. But completing my first solo album was a really big accomplishment.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Ugh I have so much anxiety when it comes to karaoke! The only times I’ve gone, I will do “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus or “Believe” by Cher, but I usually just sit in the corner watching everyone else sing away.
What song always gets you hyped when you hear it in the club?
Hmmm… I don’t really go out to club’s hah, but I would say a song that I was obsessed with during 2020 was Kim Petra’s “Malibu”. What a jam! That really helped me when I was feeling low during isolation.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life it would probably be a peanut butter and banana sandwich. I was thinking pizza but that would probably feel intense after a few weeks. But peanut butter and banana – so delicious. Simple but hits the spot. I also literally eat peanut butter all of the time so I think if it’s already a staple it’d probably continue being a staple if given no choice.