Get ready to meet Jai’Len Josey! This Atlanta-born artist has been on the rise, and with her major label debut, ‘Serial Romantic,’ she’s officially stepping into the spotlight. Released on Def Jam, the album boasts impressive collaborations, including executive production by the renowned Tricky Stewart, but at its heart, it’s all about Josey’s unique perspective and storytelling.
From Broadway to the Booth
Before diving headfirst into the music industry, Josey honed her powerful voice on the Broadway stage, even appearing in ‘The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!’. This experience sharpened her performance skills, but her true passion lay in telling her own stories. Early independent releases and songwriting credits for other artists showcased her versatility, and since signing with Def Jam, she’s continued to refine her signature sound, blending R&B, house, and Southern influences.
Josey describes the feeling of releasing her debut album as a whirlwind of emotions. ‘I have a lot of emotions going on,’ she shared. ‘On one side, I feel like I can cry on the spot just from the pure feeling of being overwhelmed, and on the other hand, I feel like I’m ready to get in the ring and put up my fist to fight.’ It’s a mix of excitement, anxiety, and deep gratitude as she embarks on this new chapter.
The Journey to ‘Serial Romantic’
The road to ‘Serial Romantic’ wasn’t exactly a straight line. Josey explained that delays were necessary to ensure the project had the right support, including visuals like music videos and visualizers. Additionally, waiting for all collaborator paperwork to be finalized was a crucial step. ‘It wasn’t about being upset that it was delayed. It was more about asking, “When is truly the right time?”’ she said.
Connecting with producer Tricky Stewart was a significant moment, facilitated by Def Jam. ‘The label put us together and started that relationship,’ Josey noted. ‘Def Jam definitely did their big one by bringing in someone like Tricky to help me finish the songs I already had.’
Atlanta’s Influence and Musical Roots
Josey’s Atlanta roots deeply influence her sound. From the everyday moments in the city to the legacy of artists like OutKast and Kandi Burruss who also attended Tri-Cities High School, the Southern energy is palpable. ‘The music is going to be Southern by default. It’s going to carry that energy no matter what genre I tap into,’ she explained. The expressive performance style found in Atlanta’s theater scene also plays a role in her music.
Her inspiration draws from legends like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, whose songs she often covers to share her influences. The emotional depth of Nina Simone and the instrumental beats her Detroit-born mother played also contribute to her unique R&B sound.
Decoding ‘Serial Romantic’
The album’s title, ‘Serial Romantic,’ came from a song on the project and resonated as a reflection of Josey’s experiences. She clarifies that it’s not about being promiscuous, but rather about navigating the cycles of relationships, learning from falls, and ultimately finding self-love. ‘It also means being optimistic about continuing to love, no matter how painful it may be, or being willing to do it again regardless,’ she explained.
When asked about her favorite track, Josey leaned towards ‘Won’t Force You,’ calling it her ‘call to liberation.’ It represents a moment of realizing she doesn’t need to force love from others because she can provide it for herself seamlessly.
Have you listened to Jai’Len Josey’s ‘Serial Romantic’ yet? What are your favorite tracks? Let us know in the comments!
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