Breaking away from the group mold: what JADE’s solo debut reveals about forming a personal identity…
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Understanding and embracing who you truly are requires bravery. In both personal and professional realms, the world prompts you to discover this swiftly and be prepared to leverage your skills. This is why artists like JADE, a former member of a girl group now thriving as a solo pop artist, hold significant value in our culture. Contrary to what industry norms might suggest, finding what resonates with you at your own pace appears essential for a successful and creative career.
Though previously one of the four singers in the record-shattering girl group Little Mix, JADE has forged a distinctive path that emphasizes individuality. Hailing from South Shields, her lifelong passion for pop music and its various facets has shaped her dedication and ambition. Her love for the genre is reflected in her admiration for iconic performances, from Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi at the MTV Awards to Diana Ross’ shows at the Montreux Jazz Festival—Ross being her favorite artist. This appreciation extends beyond music to classic independent horror films, which also inspire her artistic vision.
Transitioning from a group environment, the challenges of aspiring to be a pop star were familiar to JADE. To navigate the shift of focus solely onto her, rather than sharing it with three other members, she prioritized understanding her unique sound as a solo artist. Following the group's hiatus in 2022, she promptly entered the studio and engaged in multiple writing sessions with various producers, generating songs that too closely mirrored Little Mix's sound. It wasn't until she collaborated with the right people, like producers and songwriters Mike Sabbath and Pablo Bowman Navarro, that she felt prepared to harness the confidence built during her collective years.
From a young age, her passion for the genre has influenced her artistic references. In an interview with The Guardian, JADE revealed that some of her significant influences were the drag queens of Benidorm, instilling in her an appreciation for theatrical and melodramatic aspects of performance. This flair is evident in her solo venture, which embodies her personality and values as an Egyptian-British artist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity. Influencers such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Janet Jackson, who have crafted their unique artistic universes, also inform her work, providing a sense of freedom that transcends prejudice and limitations.
Exploring alt-pop while incorporating elements of Motown, musical theater, and classic club tracks, JADE’s music exhibits a distinct originality that highlights the grandeur of pop. While production and instrumental arrangements are vital, she ensures they never overshadow lyrics that convey genuine sentiment. The thoughtful care and purpose behind each facet of her music production are integral to her creative process, making the presentation of her work a significant aspect of her artistry.
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Why JADE shines alone
JADE’s debut single, ‘Angel Of My Dreams’, marked the beginning of her solo career. The track, characterized by grand production and her stunning head-voice vocals, features contributions from mentioned songwriters and Steph Jones, co-writer of the pop hit Espresso. It fuses electro-pop instrumentation with a dramatic chorus hook, resulting in a compelling pop statement. Making this release the first glimpse of her as a full-fledged artist was both strategic and daring.
Following an experimental approach, her second single, ‘Fantasy’, delves into the boundaries of sexuality within a secure relationship, featuring club-inspired production and a captivating vocal delivery. The spoken verses, combined with an alluring pre-chorus, serve as a powerful tribute to her disco influences, showcasing constant key changes, unexpected beat drops, and a sense of liberation through experimentation.
Beyond her melodic shifts from her girl group past, the music industry itself is a central focus of JADE’s fascination—imbued with affection, aversion, admiration, and fear. Listeners expecting sugary, radio-ready anthems exclusively about personal relationships will likely be pleasantly surprised by the depth she offers. With a blend of sharp wit and insight, she examines the complexities of the industry that shaped her, tackling the challenges of fame with determination and ambition—after all, that’s showbiz, baby!
JADE aspires to create a continuous and clear dialogue between visuals and sound, always mindful of her ultimate objective: to cultivate her unique world. It’s a vibrant, expressive realm teeming with power and emotions, infused with inspiration and self-respect.
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Related: Simulated Reality: JADE Interviewed
‘THAT’S SHOWBIZ, BABY!’ is available now.
Words: Eduarda Goulart
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Breaking away from the collective identity: what JADE’s solo debut reveals about shaping a personal identity...