London-based Co Meath independent artist JJ Bloom has released his new single, Where Do We Go From Here? We asked him the BIG questions . . .
JJ has co-written Jake Carter, Angelina (winner of The Voice Kids 2017/Finalist of Eurovision Junior 2018), and Danish artist Vinze.
In November 2022, he decided to really take himself and his craft seriously and began his '10 songs in 10 Months' mission.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I broke my collarbone on the first day of the Gaeltacht, playing Dizzy Dizzy Dinosaurs. Nile Rogers follows me on TikTok. I'm releasing a new song every month, until December!
How would you describe your music?
I'm influenced by a lot of different genres. I grew up in a house where there were all sorts playing every day. Right now, I would describe it primarily as R&B/soul. I've released some beat style tracks. I'll also be releasing some downtempo stuff, some jazzy ones, and some summer bops over the next few months. There's a lot of different flavours to my upcoming music, but I'm finally confident with the fact that they are all in the same wheelhouse.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Frank Ocean is a big one. I feel like that will become more apparent with some of my downtempo tracks. I'm a mega fan of Tom Misch, he inspired the jazzier side of my work. Biig Piig is another artist I've gotten really into the last few years. I saw her perform live a couple times, at different festivals. Her sound is so identifiably unique.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I believe it was The Coronas. It was in a GAA hall in Navan if I'm not mistaken. They were testing out their new material from their second album Tony Was An Ex-Con, and they absolutely smashed it. I was a bit of a fan boy for the years to follow (and still am).
What was the first record you ever bought?
Daryl Hall & John Oates - The Singles. That CD was on repeat in my little fiesta for a full summer, and I never got sick of it.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Kamal - Essential. I've been a fan of his for a while now. He recently released this single in the run up to his debut album, So Here You Are, Drowning, and I fell in love with it. I can't recommend him enough.
Favourite lyric of all time?
This is a tough one. If I had to pick, I'd go for "Love yourself today. Okay, Okay" - Damien Dempsey. Written down it seems like a simple lyric, but it is so powerful when you hear it live. I went to see Damo in London there recently and he always leaves you with that message. Just thinking about that gig gives me goosebumps. Honestly, I've never experienced anything like a Damo gig.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would probably go with Fleetwood Mac - Dreams. It's a bit of an obvious one, but I just don't think I'd ever get sick of it!
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me on my website, all social platforms @jjbloomofficial, and JJ Bloom on all streaming services.
