With over 900k career streams under his belt, R&B artist Jegz, is a rising star born and raised in the bustling streets of East London. Hailing from a Sri Lankan and Tamil-speaking household, Jegz’ multicultural background shines through in his music, adding a distinct flavour to his sound.
Inspired by iconic production styles of 2000s R&B artists such as Timbaland, Jegz honed his skills as a producer, crafting beats with hard-hitting rhythms and infectious melodies. Taking further steps into his career, the artist has looked up to the likes of Bryson Tiller and Drake, with smooth vocals coupled with his signature bounce-infused beats.
Jegz’ sound is so unique within the scene, he has curated his very own genre he likes to call RNBOP— a fusion of R&B and Hip-Hop elements. The upcoming star’s latest single, “Nothing New”, is a feel-good summer bop that has a silky smooth and melancholic R&B feeling that will be sure to have you grooving all night long.
He tells us, “It is an R&B single about me repeatedly messing up in my relationship and she’s constantly complaining when she knows it’s “nothing new”. A little cheeky lyrically but with catchy and bouncy melodies. Produced, written and performed by me!”
We sat down with Jegz to chat through his distinctive sound, musical origins and future moves.
Stream “Nothing New” now…
Read the interview…
What are your musical origins? How has your upbringing influenced your journey as an artist?
I grew up listening to 2000/2010s R&B – I believe this era of R&B music really influenced my sound and creativity. I wouls study Timbaland’s production work and song arrangement. I was amazed at how he could create bounce and also his choice of sounds. I also admired signers such as Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Justin Timberlake. Even though I started singing years after I started producing, I can see all those influences and styles in my music still today but with my own new flavour.
How would you define your sound?
I would define my sound as RNB with a bounce. I take a lot of inspiration from other genres as well (Trap, Rap, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats) and try to infuse them into my sound. Even with this record “Nothing New” the beat I made could easily be used for a rapper. But I believe having that singing R&B tone with choppy melodies like a rapper creates a fresh sound. This is definitely what I’m moulding my sound into.
Who would you say have been main influences in your music career so far?
Growing up my main influences would be: Producers I would say Timbaland and Artists would be Chris brown, Trey Songs & Justin Timberlake. However currently I would say Producers would be Noah40, Hitmaka and Prince Chrishan and Artists would be Drake, Bryson Tiller and Tory Lanez.
What has been a stand out moment for you since starting out?
2019 was a crazy year for me just before Covid started. In 2019 I performed at The Ends Festival alongside UK’s Top artists. This was a surreal moment. I was also featured as BBC Music Introducing Artist by Bobby Friciton. We also hosted my first ever live show, it was something to give back to the fans and we had sold out tickets in a week.
Congratulations on the new single “Nothing New”, we are obsessed! What is the story behind it?
“Nothing New” was actually made in 2019. I believe it was the winter of 2019. I was in my studio in East London and I had just come up with the beat. I was trying to make something with a serious bounce to it but it still had enough pockets in it for me to catch some melodies with my voice. The lyrics and melody you hear in the hook is literally the first thing that came out of my mouth. I just knew instantly it worked and from there the rest of the song formed easily. I had this song finished, mixed and mastered all in 2019. Once covid hit I was just waiting for the perfect time to release it.
What is your creative process when writing a new piece?
So my process always starts with the beat, most of my beats I produce myself or I’ve co-produced on it. I try to keep the beat very simple at the start so that I have enough space to find some melodies vocally. I always start off mumbling a bunch of melodies into the microphone. Once I hear something I like I write lyrics based off that melody. I would usually start with a title and concept for the lyrics or I would hit up my boys Bhxlu or Silla and co-write with them. Once that’s all done I would mix and master the track. I do it all in-house.
What is your opinion on the R&B scene currently?
Currently the R&B scene is thriving. With the way TikTok and Instagram is pushing content, I’m seeing a lot of new R&B artists getting so much love. The music they’re making as well is very good. I think this year and next year will be exciting for the scene. We should see some back to back global hits.
Who is one artist we should all be streaming right now?
Would it be cheeky for me to say JEGZ? Jokes aside, I do truly believe my music is fresh and unique. I believe I have a lot to bring to the table with my production and melodies. My story is also something many people can relate to. It’s a journey and it’s gonna be a memorable one.
If you had to pick one dream collaboration, who would it be with?
Production wise It would be an honour to work with Hitmaka and Prince Chrishan. These guys are creating hit after hit after hit. Artist wise definitely Drake, I would love to see his creative process aswell.
What is in stall for the rest of 2023?
Winter of this year I will be dropping a 7 track EP. I think it’s been long overdue and I’m finally ready to give a body of work. Along with the EP we will be putting on a live show for the fans.
Until then will be nonstop singles.