In celebration of NZ Music Month, this week we have Jayden Paul join us for TBIYTC. As the lead singer of New Zealand indie psych band, Daily J, Jayden explores the challenges and opportunities in the local music industry, emphasising the balance between staying true to one's artistry and adapting to fast-changing trends.
Kia ora koutou! My name is Jayden Paul and I am the lead singer of the band Daily J.
A small background about us; most of the band is made up of three brothers, and the drummer is our brother from another mother, Rick. My brothers and I are from the sunny coast of Blenheim. We’re taught to sing at a very young age by our beautiful Ma, she's super talented and owes a lot of our success to our very supportive parents. Growing up in this environment, and realising all of our unique talents, we naturally came together as a band, and the rest is history!
In terms of the field I am passionate about, well of course, that would have to be my music.
I believe change is always inevitable in the industry - as the way we listen, relate, and feel towards music, is constantly growing and evolving - almost too quickly to keep up. The new ways of listening, the trends, are so fast and so recyclable, it’s hard to create music with your soul and passion for writing, especially in mind- knowing the industry and what is popular is ever-evolving. You want to write with your heart, with what you know, but the world now suddenly needs a 6-second lyrical "hit" that is bound to go viral on TikTok, in order to get the maximum amount of engagement. And then once that 6 seconds of fame, that quick scroll is over, now what? Are you willing to jeopardise your integrity for the best possible reach of your music? When did it stop being about the soul and start being about the quickest fix possible? It's hard to find a happy medium. I think what goes really well for the longevity of music will always be about what's real. But damn, those TikTok trends are catchy.
And that brings me to the possibility. Without the hope of it, none of us would be able to keep going. There is so much hope for the future of Kiwi musicians out there. We have been so fortunate to be supported by funding like NZ On Air, and just recently we completed one of our biggest dreams by playing at Laneway Festival. Our biggest up-and-coming adventure is now going to be that we are playing a tour in the UK in August; somewhere at 29, I have never even been before. All from just following our dreams, writing with our hearts, and pursuing our passion.
At the end of the day, it's a huge privilege to do what I love as a career, and even more unreal that people connect with what we do. The music industry is forever growing and evolving; we must be malleable with it, while still sticking with our roots! I am so grateful every single day to be in this industry. And hey, happy NZ music month everyone! (You better go stream our new single "Happy Slides" now... I think)
Written by Jayden Paul
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