Finding Myself – Get kozy at the button factory with Vj Jaxson
By Aideen O'Flaherty
Elements of pop and rock are the defining feature of Tallaght musician VJ Jaxson’s latest single, ‘Kozy Kid’, from his debut EP ‘Finding Myself’.
Written during the pandemic, ‘Kozy Kid’ leans into the malaise that many people have been feeling during the uncertainty of recent months, and displays the Rossfield man’s genre-spanning skills.
Tallaght musician VJ Jaxson Photo by Sharon Crowley/@sharonaie
Outside of the studio, VJ, a past pupil of Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole, is looking forward to getting back on stage for a socially-distanced performance at the Button Factory next week.
VJ told The Echo about the idea behind ‘Kozy Kid’, the recording process for his recently released debut EP, and what the Button Factory audience can expect at his gig.
What inspired you to write ‘Kozy Kid’?
I wrote ‘Kozy Kid’ during the first lockdown. It was a few weeks in, and how I was feeling at the time sparked the inspiration for the song.
It originally started off being called ‘Lazy Boy’, as you hear in the chorus, but I wanted to change it up. I felt lazy at the time of the first lockdown – I couldn’t work, go to the studio, had to go on a social payment, didn’t see friends – but then I just had to relax, make myself ‘kozy’ for a while until this all blew over.
Then I decided to take those emotional feelings and lyrics, and make it an upbeat track to contrast how I was feeling.
The track mixes pop and rock. What is it that appeals to you most about traversing different genres in your music?
I like mixing things up. In a way, I think it’s being able to take my different music influences and blend them together.
I see it being done across a few different genres, and I love when something unexpected happens on a track or it takes a turn. I don’t think there are rules anymore, we can have fun with what comes out creatively.
The song also directly mentions the pandemic; what has the pandemic been like for you as an artist?
I think, like all artists, the live scene being taken away was extremely hard. For me, it was the isolation and not being able to do the usual things, not being able to start the production of my EP until later than I wanted, and not seeing my partner – we live on different sides of Dublin and with the 5km limit I wasn’t leaving Tallaght! But the good thing is, I had my guitar, I had my pen…I was able to write more and put plans into place for the next year.
‘Kozy Kid’ is the latest single from your new EP ‘Finding Myself’. What was the recording process for the EP like?
So the EP dropped on June 25, and it’s been very exciting! It’s a six-track EP and I’m pretty proud of it.
I got to collaborate with friends of mine, Solow The Astronaut on the production and Tony Konstone from Hare Squead features on ‘October Eye’.
It was a great process despite the lockdown. The recording process was a little different this time, I did a lot of planning and prep for it because we had to wait to get into the studio. I would usually spend a lot more time in the studio but this time we were limited.
You’re playing a socially-distanced gig in the Button Factory next week. How do you feel about getting back on stage?
I’m very excited! I haven’t been on stage since 2018! The last time I was there a friend of mine, Jafaris, was playing and ever since I’ve been dying to get up on that stage.
It might be a little different with limited numbers, but I think we’re all excited for live shows to be back. It’s very surreal. I’ve always loved being on stage. I love the energy; I love bringing energy and I love performing with a live band.
I’m very grateful for this opportunity and big love to The Button Factory for getting me on the line-up. They have weeks of gigs with great emerging artists playing. I’d recommend people reading to check them all out and get to a few if possible.
What can the audience expect?
Energy! Expect a lot of energy and a good time from me, because I’m coming for that stage! Performing is what I love to do and I can’t wait to share it with whoever comes! I’ve got a great band with me and I can’t wait for the songs to come alive!
VJ Jaxson’s ‘Finding Myself’ EP is out now on all streaming platforms. Tickets for his performance at the Button Factory on Tuesday, July 6, are available now on eventbrite.ie for €15 + booking fee.
