If at any point you loved the 2012 “Odun Yi (This Year)” Crooner, Jaywon, who left us with a thread of hope for the inaugural season of every year, “Evergreen” is an extensive continuation of the pellucid quality of hope that keeps us moving despite it all. The 42-minute, 17-second album pierces our hearts systematically from its heartfelt lyrics to evocative honesty and pop melodies.
For Jaywon, his artistic journey hasn’t been entirely smooth. From being the face of a new generation of artistes at a point in his career to a debacle with his former label at Kennis Music where the grass was illusioned to be green, he has risen like a specter and poured his heart painfully—on songs like “Time” and “I Believe”—and joyfully—on “Turn Up Remix”—into his new album “Evergreen.
“Evergreen” is a tad bit different as it fuses collaborations with an array of artists with the sole purpose of creating timeless music for listeners. Jaywon opens his hearts and takes listeners on tour, but with an even clearer perspective at Album Talks, he leads us into the creative orbit of his mind.
What was your motive behind creating “Evergreen”?
As a creative, I created the album “Evergreen” to capture the essence of timeless emotions and experiences. I wanted to create something that resonates with listeners on a deeper level, something they can relate to regardless of the time or place.
Discuss the creative process behind creating each track on the album.
Each track on the “Evergreen” album tells a unique story while contributing to the overall theme of timelessness and connection, making the album a cohesive body of work. It was a remarkable experience, working with different creatives around the world. Working with them sprinkled a whole lot of rich sounds in the project. Due to distance, most of the songs were recorded in the USA and most of the works were done via file transfer and virtual calls.
Are there any real-life experiences that influenced any song on the project?
Absolutely! Many of the songs on “Evergreen” were influenced by real-life experiences. For instance, “I believe” is very personal to me, it reflects my struggles, self-acceptance, down and lows and I found myself especially with God’s support. These personal stories not only shaped the lyrics but also influenced the melodies and overall vibe of the tracks, making the album feel authentic and relatable.
The journey so far has not been easy. Kennis Music was obviously the start but it was not as easy as most people thought. The people at the top were perceived as angels and it wasn’t necessarily so. I touched on some of these topics on the new album.
How did you navigate creative blocks while working on the project?
Navigating creative blocks while working on “Evergreen” involved a few key strategies. I took breaks to clear my mind, changed my environment for fresh inspiration, and collaborated with other musicians for new perspectives and ideas. Journaling my thoughts helped me process emotions and listening to different genres sparked new ideas.
This is a tricky question, but which song is your favourite off the album?
That’s a tough one! Each song has its own special meaning to me, but if I had to choose, I’d say my favorite is “I Believe”. It captures the journey of overcoming challenges and embracing self-acceptance, which resonates deeply with me.
As an artist, what would you say makes “Evergreen” stand out from your other projects? What did you do differently?
“Evergreen” stands out from my other projects because I focused on personal storytelling and emotional depth. While creating, I also experimented with different sounds and collaborated with a diverse range of artistes around the world. Plus, I consciously blended different genres, creating a unique sound that feels both familiar and innovative. This project is more introspective, reflecting my growth as an artist and person, which I think resonates with listeners.
Diverting a little bit off topic. What are your comments on the ongoing feud with Odumodublvck??
The problem with Odumodu is that he’s doing too much. Trying so hard to be Burna Boy without the talent to back it up. It’s so Sad to see.
Other new school acts doing great music inspire me. I love Omah Lay, Tems , Rema, Magixx and there is this new guy call Dwin the stoic, fucking amazing talent and so much more.
What goal did you have in mind when recording the album, and since its release do you think it is serving its purpose?
My main goal was to create an album that resonates emotionally with listeners and reflects personal growth. I wanted to share authentic stories and connect on a deeper level. Since its release, I believe it’s serving its purpose well. The feedback has been incredibly positive, and many listeners around the world have shared how the songs have impacted them, which is exactly what I hoped for. It feels rewarding to know the music is making a difference!
