Born near Barcelona and now residing in London, Jay Blanes is a singer-songwriter and producer destined for greatness. Infusing indie, pop, disco and folk with his Latin roots, Jay’s diverse music style could land him in front of industry specialists. Receiving praise from VENTS, NOTION, The Yorkshire Times and Music Crowns, Jay has also gathered over 12,000 followers and 560,000 streams.

To anyone new to your music, name 3 words that best describe your sound.|

Passionate, Honest, Sensitive.

What’s your writing process like? Do you write the music or lyrics first?

Most of the time, I try new chord progressions or get ideas from songs I admire on the guitar. I come up with riffs or melodies and add a message to it. Sometimes it is just music I write, as I cannot write lyrics if I have nothing to say. Therefore, when there is a strong emotion or message inside of me, I go through my voice notes and see which one resonates with me to add lyrics to it and finish it. On other occasions, if the inspiration is very strong and I really need to get it out of my chest, I might write the full song in an hour (might even postpone eating until I finish it).

Who are your main musical influences and why?

I love Ed Sheeran, from him I take his attitude, work ethic, values and songwriting techniques. He is a fantastic honest and pop writer. At the same time, I have always enjoyed 80s and Disco music, especially Abba, Grease or Tina Turner; so I am really digging this retro wave we are in, with artists such as The 1975, Parcels or Dua Lipa. At the same time, I am influenced by having grown up in Spain… I love Pablo Alborán, Melendi, and C.Tangana’s latest album!

What’s the best advice you’d give to your younger self?

Stop trying to be perfect.

Tell MoggBlog viewers about your latest release! What’s the inspiration behind that?

For the first time I have fully embraced my Spanish roots and infused them with my love for British and American indie pop. What I end up with is a “Señorita” style production and the beginning of a new era for me!

I can remember the moment when the chorus, both lyrics and music, came to me. It was very quick and easy, I was holding the guitar with my hands (no strap) and wandering around the room. I was getting to know somebody at that time and I really connected with the desire to be with her. However, when I developed the story I wrote it as if there was some history between us… I was probably thinking about someone else!

To celebrate the release, I got myself out of my comfort zone and set the challenge to learn a
choreography for the music video. I was very lucky to find Rachel Kearon (choreographer), Zoë Slatter (dancer) and Carys Hughes (videographer). They really made it true (them and all those hours I rehearsed in the parking lot on my own lol). This single is the first of a series that will culminate with the 6 song EP I mentioned earlier! Stay tuned!

You can find Jay Blanes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.