I recently stumbled upon a beautiful debut EP called ‘Something in the Water’ that challenged my usual musical preferences in the best way. Courtesy of Jamaican and Chinese-born artist JiuLing, who currently resides in London, the raw and intimate six-track offering had a warm and soulful energy that I found simply irresistible.
Intrigued to know more about the musician behind the music, I was over the moon when JiuLing agreed to an interview! Chatting with us about when she finally realised music was her passion, what inspired the themes behind ‘Something in the Water’, and what her general songwriting process looks like, please welcome our new friend JiuLing!
Welcome aboard JiuLing! I’m so excited to introduce you to our ever-expanding audience! Let’s kick things off with an easy one…What first drew you to music, and how did you discover your passion for it?
I have always felt a connection to music, as a child I would get lost in creating playlists or spend hours online trying to find new songs. I was taught piano from a young age by my Dad and that’s where I began writing songs and then I briefly studied music in school. But it wasn’t until years later while completing my art degree, I finally realised that actually music was my passion. I then started connecting with other musicians online and developing my artistry.
Your debut EP ‘Something in the Water’ has taken me out of my musical comfort zone in the best possible way! It’s just such an emotional, vulnerable, and honest offering. I’m wondering if you could tell our readers what inspired the themes and stories behind the tunes.
It’s an honest journey of the multitude of emotions I felt in my last relationship, from love to anger to confusion and then heartbreak. It wasn’t the healthiest dynamic, which I can see now, so time allowed me to really reflect and understand how I felt and validate my feelings, even if at the time I didn’t want to admit them.
When it comes down to it though, it is about a relationship falling apart, as a result of the extreme highs and lows that it came with and me finally having the courage to see that I couldn’t stay any longer, no matter how much I loved them, I had to choose myself.
Now, I’m sorry to pose such a tough question so early, but which of your songs would you select to skyrocket to the top of the charts and achieve massive success?
I would say off my debut EP it would have to be S.I.T.W’. The song is so universal with regards to the way you feel going through a break-up. The lyrics are so raw and just say it like it is, that you can’t help but feel everything I am saying. I know it will resonate with so many women and men around the world.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? And who would I see under “Recently Played” on your streaming service of choice?
I’m quite an old soul, so I really do love artists from the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson are two of my favourites. They have such unique vocal tones and have created timeless music. Amerie and Alicia Keys have incredible songs written and great musical melodies. Oh and how could I forget Brandy, her voice is iconic and she is the vocal queen when it comes to backings and harmonies.
What aspects of being a musician do you cherish most? And on the flip side, what would you say have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
I love being able to create and not knowing what I will make next. Making music is so magical and fun, and also emotional but it’s an outlet for me to say the things I can’t usually articulate day to day.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is staying true to who I am no matter what. A lot of people have tried to mould or change me into something that I am not because they didn’t understand my vision. So I definitely would advise anyone making music to keep being authentically you because that is what will make you happy.
Being an independent musician is a difficult path, as sometimes you feel like no one sees you or is really listening, but I know that my journey is unique to me and I try to block out everything else around me.
Please tell us a bit about your songwriting process. Not specifically for any song but just in general. How do you take an idea and turn it into a piece of music?
I usually start with humming or freestyling melodies which really quickly form the structure of the song. Then from there I listen back to the words or melodies I hear and start the basis of writing. I enjoy writing the chorus first, I think it’s the best part of a song and usually sets the tone for writing the verses, and so on.
If you were allowed to collaborate with any musician or band, who would you choose and why?
I would love to collaborate with Janet Jackson. I mean who wouldn’t? She has set a blueprint that so many artists including myself are trying to follow and I think our voices would sound really great on a song together.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us JiuLing! It’s been great getting to know you better! Before we say farewell, what comes next for you musically?
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. I would say keep an eye out for more music, more collaborations and some live shows.
