JJ Julius Son of KALEO discusses the band's vibrant third studio album, 'Mixed Emotions,' which offers profound insights into life, society, and the contemporary world through ten impactful rock, blues, and soul-inspired tracks.
For over a decade, KALEO has captured poignant moments of the human experience with their soul-stirring music. The Icelandic band’s latest album, MIXED EMOTIONS (released May 9th via Atlantic Records), continues this tradition, delving even deeper into these reflections. The album explores the interplay between personal introspection and societal commentary, weaving together themes of love, loss, struggle, and resilience - the intricate emotions that define our existence.
Produced by GRAMMY® Award Winner Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell), and co-produced by KALEO’s frontman JJ Julius Son along with GRAMMY® Award Winner Shawn Everett (The Killers, Kacey Musgraves), MIXED EMOTIONS embraces American roots through a compelling mix of rock, blues, and soul. This is a sound that KALEO has previously experimented with and now showcases prominently in their work. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, JJ shares that he is still evolving as a studio artist and producer, noting that while some tracks for this album have been in the works for some time, others are more recent creations. He describes having “an unspoken language” with Spear in the studio that fosters a genuine and honest musical expression.
JJ reveals that the album's title conveys “a couple of meanings.” He elaborates, “Mixed emotions, you can have fun with that. The music clearly expresses emotions that are blended in the studio, but it’s also about mixed feelings regarding today’s society, the music industry, and being an artist in the current landscape.”
The album kicks off with “Bloodline,” a rock-driven number characterized by gritty vocals and synth-laden guitar riffs. KALEO sets a serious and almost aggressive tone that carries throughout the record, though calmer segments in the track illustrate the album's title and intent right from the start. This sentiment echoes in songs like “Rock N Roller” and “Back Door,” where vibrant riffs ignite an adrenaline rush, but one that seems fleeting and likely to lead to a crash, based on the album's overall vibe and title.
While KALEO’s rock sound has reached new heights, so too has their depth and authenticity. In this album, the Icelandic band addresses more profound issues relevant to today’s world. JJ candidly mentions that the record was filled with daydreaming, allowing himself to create imaginative narratives. He reflects, “‘Lonely Cowboy’ feels like creating a western film in your mind. Yet, I also enjoy pivoting to something very straightforward like ‘USA Today,’ where I comment on events I observe each week in the US."
So here we are
Fighting for America
Fighting for a new day
Trying hard to change
USA today
The four-minute “USA Today” addresses the persistent gun violence crisis in the United States. While composing the song, JJ experienced a shooting incident in a nearby Nashville area, just a few blocks from the studio. “Coming from a very peaceful country, I’m not attempting to be political or imply that I possess the answers,” he explains. “It’s merely my perspective as an outsider, and it's surreal.”
In “Run No More,” a song JJ is eager to perform live, the album adopts a cinematic quality. With hints of country twang and a gradual build-up, KALEO showcases their mastery of connection to music, highlighting its unifying power. As JJ sings, “One day, we will rise again,” it sends chills down the spines of listeners.
“I sincerely hope there are enough people out there who care for the kind of music I’m producing,” JJ shares. He notes that creating this album has been more challenging perhaps due to the trends of 'TikTok music' and short attention spans in listeners. “I suppose I’m trying to build an extensive catalog,” he adds, “which is rewarding during live shows where you can select your best hits. I still enjoy witnessing legendary artists. I saw AC/DC last summer and Paul McCartney – it’s breathtaking. Obviously, these artists boast an incredible array of songs.”
Roughly halfway through the album, KALEO presents “Lonely Cowboy,” a song released a year prior that encapsulates the essence of isolation with melancholic lyrics and a slower tempo. This track introduces a new rhythm to the remainder of the album, which is grounded in a tranquil stillness.
Share the silence with a fire,
roll the rest of my tobacco
Tellin’ stories to myself,
but I know them all too well (mm)
When the desert night is cold,
I just want someone to hold me close
I don’t wanna die alone,
who’s gonna love me when I’m gone?
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JJ Julius Son of KALEO discusses the band's vibrant third studio album 'Mixed Emotions,' which offers profound insights on life, society, and the contemporary world across ten impactful tracks rooted in rock, blues, and soul.