INTERVIEW: Jade Not Jane releases beautifully raw new single ‘Illusions’
Brisbane’s magical synth-rock songstress, Jade Not Jane, has released a beautifully honest and ethereal new single ‘Illusions’ today.
Following her huge 2020 releases DNA and Cherry Cola, Jade has been expanding and refining her unique synth-rock sound to bring us this gorgeous release. ‘Illusions’ brings story telling together with a powerful vocal performance that will bring you into the fantasy and have you wishing that the Illusion never ends.
Recorded at Hunting Ground Studios with the wonderful Luke Woollett, Illusion has Lucas Montgomery on guitars, synth, and bass, while Nick Keogh-Peel smashes the drum kit. With the synth and guitar riffs adding whimsical textures, the bass and drums drive home the desperation of not wanting to face the reality outside the daydream.
We had a chat to Jade about the new single, wanting to be trapped inside a movie and her love for film imagery…
Hey Jade, how are you?
I am well thank you!
First things first, for anyone that isn’t familiar with your ‘Jade not Jane’ – describe your music to us in 4 words…
Raw, Powerful, Dramatic, Synth-Rock.
Now you’ve just released your beautifully raw single today titled ‘Illusion’ – talk to us a bit about that! What does the song mean to you?
I wrote Illusion about wanting to be trapped inside a movie; I love how film imagery transports you to a place that feels like a dream. Illusion is about desperately wanting to stay inside that dream state.
What do you want people to take away from this release?
I really hope that people can just lose themselves inside the music, it is a song about not wanting to face reality and music is one of the best tools to do that. Sometimes we need to step back and escape into music!
What’s your typical songwriting and recording process?
Depends on the song, some songs come really easily – Illusion was definitely one of those songs. I wrote it around some key words I liked - aerial, reality, hypnotise, illusion – and the song sort of just fit in around them. It was recorded at Hunting Ground Studios with Luke Woollett – who is just incredible. I have a great creative relationship with my Guitarist, Lucas Montgomery and my drummer, Nick Keogh-Peel so it was so fun recording in the parts!
What influences you as an artist outside of music?
I absolutely love doing make-up, I am constantly looking on Instagram and Pinterest for fun looks to recreate. At the moment chunky glitter and clear gloss are my go-to!
Was there a certain moment that you told yourself, “yeah I’m going to follow the music path?”
There was so many almost moments for me. It was like I was trying to avoid commitment largely because I didn’t think music was a ‘real’ option for me, I tried to become a teacher, and then almost joined the army and had a million different jobs until I knew there was no point trying to fight it. All I wanted to do was write music! So the moment I realised that (about 4 years ago) I started studying music and didn’t look back.
What can fans expect from Jade not Jane for the rest of the year? Could we be seeing some shows?
YES! I am playing at BackDock Arts on the 27th of May with Beckah Amani and Jaeger Brodie. And as for the rest of the year – lots more music!
Now to support local, give a shout out to 3 other artists making their way through the music scene that you love.
Dusty, Oh Bailey and Beckah Amani!
Finally, to wrap it up let’s do a few rapid-fire Q’s:
· Best song to sing in the shower to?
Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan
· Favourite Brisbane venue?
The Zoo
· Best beverage?
Vodka peach iced tea
· If you could tour with one artist, who would it be?
Maddy Jane
Listen to Illusions now!