Jayden McGrath Conditions Interview

Exciting New Emo Pop/Rock Artist

Innovative upcoming pop artist Jayden McGrath has today announced his debut single Conditions, a fascinating track that explores a feeling of acceptance towards less-than-ideal circumstances in life, out May 31. The accompanying video to Conditions, made in collaboration with Dave Hunter of Band Factory Digital Media (Drown This City, Captives) and artist Joey Klarenbeek, is a dark, hypnotic reflection of that feeling of strange contentment. Jayden McGrath will be celebrating the release of his debut single with a headline show at Melbourne's Evelyn Hotel on June 7.

Conditions consists of an intriguing concoction of genres; pop, rock, RnB - just to name a few that Jayden dips his toes into on this track. That's a lot to work with, but somehow, it just all makes so much sense. Driving percussion and intricate guitar work in complete harmony with sweeping synthesisers and Jayden's unique, undeniable vocal. Conditions is hook after hook, and is sure to get audiences moving and singing along to that killer chorus. Speaking on the inspiration behind the single, Jayden says, "Conditions is a track that came up for me in a rather dark period of my life. After some big changes, I started to question the meaning and purpose of my life. At the time it felt like every step forward sent me two steps back. Conditions is a kind of morbid acceptance of everything being dull for me at this point in time. Luckily since then, things have changed!"

The video for Conditions is suitably opaque, set in shadowy hallways and dim, moonlit alleys. Each scene is punctuated by detailed, animated drawings by Joey Klarenbeek, flickering, momentary, and visually describing the mood of each character in the clip. Jayden explains, "I came up with the concept for the clip myself. I'm not sure exactly what I was after at the time, however, I know I wanted to address a dull scenic manner in the shots. Mainly I was trying to visually address humanity's lack of connection with one another and being 'switched off' from any real and physical interaction. This is where the emoji drawings come in. I thought it could be cool to take a visual approach to how things are heading - why talk when you can text right?! After a few meetings with Dave Hunter, we came up with some more concepts for additional animation and scenes which I'm really glad about. Without Dave's input, the clip would not be what it is!"

To celebrate the release of Conditions, Jayden will be playing an exclusive show at The Evelyn Hotel in Melbourne on June 7, and fans of this exciting new artist are sure to be in for a treat. Thrilled to be releasing Conditions and begin this new chapter in his life, Jayden enthuses, "To be honest it feels quite surreal to be releasing Conditions! It's been quite a long road for me to get to this point, and I have been lucky enough to accomplish a vague painting of my life through storytelling and songwriting. I feel like this track, being one of the first tracks I produced as an independent artist, is a fitting opening scene for whats to come from myself in the future."

Jayden Mcgrath 'Conditions' Launch Show
FRI 07 JUN | EVELYN HOTEL, FITZROY VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Oztix Outlets
http://evelynhotel.com.au/jayden-mcgrath-single-launch/

Interview with Jayden McGrath

Question: How would you describe your music?

Jayden McGrath: I guess I would describe it as my interpretation on electronic music as a "guitar and vocal" songwriter. I always find this question hard to answer because I'm trying as hard as I can to be me and it's not necessarily categorised on purpose!


Question: What inspired the song, Conditions?

Jayden McGrath: There where a few elements at the time that I was dealing with. Firstly, a girl (laughs)! I guess this depressive mindset on the back end of a breakup was the start of my writing for this project. However, bringing in thoughts on our way of life and the robotic steps we go through everyday is something I've always thought about and been intrigued by. So it's a bit of a mixture.

Question: Where did the idea for the official video, come from?

Jayden McGrath: I originally came up with the idea. I wanted something pretty gloomy and story based. It wasn't until I met up with Dave Hunter from 'Band Factory Digital Media' and we discussed the plot over a few meetings that it really came together.


Question: What was it like recording the video for Conditions?

Jayden McGrath: It was a massive day! I've never acted so I was a little stressed but it was actually quite a rewarding process! I'm always comfortable and confident shooting with Dave so we just had a bro day and got it done!


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Jayden McGrath: At the moment we have a couple of unreleased bangers that are lots of fun to play! We will be playing most of what I have written at the Evelyn on the 7th!


Question: What should we expect from your upcoming launch in Melbourne?

Jayden McGrath: We have been working really hard to put together a well-rounded show for this project and the 7th. There are a few instrument changes, guitar solos, electronic soundscapes and even some drum and bass! I really want people to enjoy the show from start to finish and after a lot of hours of refining, I'm really excited to play!


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?
Jayden McGrath: Ace Ventura, Pet detective.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Jayden McGrath: That's a hard one! I think there are so many beautiful elements in both that I enjoy, it would be hard to pick! Playing live is so pure and in the moment while recording is so timeless, I just love playing and writing music!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Jayden McGrath: Whatever crazy place my mind is at! Although lately I've been on a mission with production and the vocals have become a bit more natural. If I'm thinking about something, whether it is a personal thing or a world one, sometimes even a materialistic or spiritual concept I think, how would I portray this in a song…


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Jayden McGrath: I am listening to a lot of Col3trane, Frank Ocean, Maggie Rogers and Odette at the moment to name a few.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Jayden McGrath: My mum and dad by far! Being raised listening to so many bands and hearing dad play guitar was awesome! They have always been so supportive and helpful it has kept me going for a long time.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Jayden McGrath: I would love to do a track with The Baker Boy! Love his vibe and energy!


Question: What's a typical day like?

Jayden McGrath: At the moment it varies from day to day but if I am working I get up early and head to work as an electrician. After that I try to move my body to release some stagnant energy through yoga or going to the gym. Then I like to end my day playing guitar and producing, although sometimes I just read. On days off I like to write for most the day and take the time to relax.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Jayden McGrath: Facebook.com/jaydenmcgrathofficial
@jayden_mcgrath_official/
Youtube
@jayden__mcgrath


Interview by Brooke Hunter