Same Thing from VJ Jaxson: Pop, R&B with soul sensibilities
By Aideen O'Flaherty
Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter VJ Jaxson’s music fuses pop and R&B with soul sensibilities, which come to the fore in his recently released single ‘Same Thing’.
The genre-spanning track incorporates electronic, soul, R&B and rap elements, while the music video for the single was filmed all around Dublin, showing familiar street scenes around the city while VJ sings under neon skies.
VJ Jaxson releases single ‘Same Thing’
VJ, who is from Rossfield in Tallaght and is a past pupil of Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole, discovered his love of singing when he took part in a church choir and school talent shows as a child.
His time spent singing developed into a passion for making music, that saw him become a busker and attend BIMM (the British and Irish Modern Music Institute), and he’s been releasing music since 2012.
VJ took some time out to talk to The Echo about what ‘Same Thing’ is about, what the reaction to it has been like, and he offered some advice for young musicians who are starting out.
What’s your best memory of growing up in Tallaght?
My best memory of growing up in Tallaght was when my friend took me to the studio near my house, that was where my music career started properly. I can still remember the day clearly today!
You recently released your new single ‘Same Thing’, can you tell me about the idea behind the song, and where the inspiration for it came from?
The song is actually a true-life story. I wrote it about a girl I was seeing. She was very depressed with her life, and she was going through a lot of emotions.
I tried to get her on her feet again, but it wasn’t working, she just kept going back doing the same thing over and over again. I got inspired to write a song about the situation she was going through, so that’s what the song is about, really.
VJ Jaxson
What has the reaction to the song been like?
The reaction I got from it was positive, because a lot of people are going through depression during this pandemic, so they connected to the song differently. A lot of people like the video and visuals, because it showcases Dublin city.
In a previous interview with The Echo you said that when you were younger you were interested in the music industry because of the fame, but that your love of music quickly overtook that. What would you say to any young people starting out who want to be musicians?
My advice to any upcoming artists starting is be focused on your craft, be consistent and don’t be afraid to have your own style – because there are a lot of people in this industry who just hop on the same thing, and don’t have their own sound. Just work on your own sound and be patient.
Do you prefer being in the studio or being on stage?
I honestly prefer being on stage, because I can feel people’s energy and I can interact with every single one of them. But I want to get a lot better in the studio because I have a lot to learn about being in the studio. Right now, I’m learning how to record the right way and using interims, like using my vocals as an instrument and adding backing vocals using a different sound on my voice. There’s a lot to learn in the studio and I’m just starting on those things right now.
When you put out new songs, what response do you hope listeners will have to them?
I hope listeners can relate to the message of the song and the feel of the song.
‘Same Thing’ is available for streaming now, while the video is on YouTube.
To keep up-to-date with VJ’s music, following VJ Jaxson on Facebook and Instagram.
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