Prone to a transformation, PARTYOF2 have reshaped themselves using the remnants of their past identities. Once known as grouptherapy., every time Jadagrace and SWIM are compelled to evolve, they seem to draw closer to their true selves. At their most defined yet, PARTYOF2 is undoubtedly reaching their peak.
Their visuals for ‘poser’ have gone viral on social media, astonishing both old and new fans with the intricacy and harmony of their performance art. Surpassing 5 million views on YouTube, this has propelled their new era to extraordinary heights, making it their most unmatched yet.
CLASH spoke with the former child stars after their main stage performance at Camp Flog Gnaw, reflecting on the sweetness of grief, reimagining their aesthetic, and the craft of a collaborative diss track.
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You've transitioned through numerous identities, almost as if grief fuels your creativity.
SWIM: I believe there’s significant strength in unpredictability. When you’re faced with unexpected challenges, you uncover new aspects of yourself. We embrace that, accepting both the positive and the negative, since art mirrors our existence; it can't always be positive.
JADA: There will always be highs and lows, and we might experience a low after this. We just have to persevere. We constantly seek ways to channel those experiences into our art.
What makes this era so unique is the way you’ve redefined your style, particularly in the music videos. What influenced this tonal transition?
SWIM: We were very deliberate about that transition when we changed our name to PARTYOF2. Our fashion aesthetic draws inspiration from the Black Panther Party. We’re really focusing our vision now. We spent a lot of years as grouptherapy. experimenting, and now we’re much more directed.
JADA: We have a passion for art and visuals and want to be involved in everything we do. Every aspect is crucial for us, and while we sometimes stretch ourselves too thin, our enthusiasm drives us.
That ambition feels very reminiscent of child stars.
SWIM: Oh, absolutely.
That commitment to unfettered expression is likely why people are responding so positively. ‘Poser’ has over 5 million views on YouTube; I’m curious about the brainstorming process behind that performance art piece.
SWIM: That was all Jada.
JADA: It was just another video, you know? I conceptualized the treatment, envisioning it in black and white. We gathered a variety of references for unique shots that are rarely seen of us as a duo.
SWIM: We showcased our individuality while highlighting our partnership. I remember you were particularly excited about the probe lens, especially for the shot that went into the mouth.
JADA: I didn't expect the reception to be so overwhelming, but we trust our instincts and create from a place of authenticity. Our passion shines through.
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Has collaborating as a duo introduced any new production dynamics you weren't accustomed to?
SWIM: For sure. Everything runs more smoothly. We’re more in sync, and a lot goes unspoken.
JADA: Yes, we have a deep understanding of each other. We trust each other’s instincts, which makes collaboration effortless. There’s a lot of magic in that.
Regarding your collaboration, splitting a diss track was brilliant. It’s one of the most expertly executed concepts I’ve seen. Did you collaborate on your verses or write them separately? Were there any pre-established boundaries?
JADA: We wrote it together!
SWIM: We literally sat in a room where I listed all my insecurities and everything I would dread someone saying about me, and she did the same. It was a blast because, on the surface, people may think, “You’re dissing each other,” but I feel like I’m also dissing myself. She’s expressing things about me that I’d hate to hear. It was therapeutic and a lot of fun.
That sounds like its own form of therapy.
JADA: Definitely. I think it also showed how close we are. We’re so at ease with sharing and performing this; it will last for a long time.
It's remarkable how much safety you’ve created between one another. How do you maintain your connection outside of work? Do you hang out often?
SWIM: Oh, we hang out all the time. We were just on a press tour in Europe and had a random day off in Paris, so we thought, “Let’s go to Disneyland!” We acted like kids, wearing hats and going on the Ratatouille ride. It was fantastic. Even when we finish working, we just enjoy the time together at the festival.
Is there a particular set you’re eager to see?
JADA: Tyler! I’ve never seen him live before. I’m so excited.
A perfect segue to my final question: what’s your favorite Tyler album and why?
JADA: Oh wow! I think it’s ‘Call Me If You Get
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Susceptible to change, PARTYOF2 have reshaped their identity using the remnants of their past selves. Previously referred to as grouptherapy., it feels as though each time