Introduction:
In the world of music, artists often draw inspiration from their personal experiences. Jamaican neo-roots reggae artist, Jahdon, known for his down-to-earth messages and upbeat musical style, takes us down a melancholic road with a recently released, new single titled "Pain”. “Pain", is a poignant musical tribute that will resonate with any and everyone who has encountered the loss of a loved one.
Life is often a rollercoaster of emotions, and Jahdon is no stranger to losing a loved one. He lost his father when he was 3 years old and as a father, the life-shattering experience of losing his daughter is a pain that never truly heals. Jahdon found solace in channeling his emotions and experiences into his music.
The lyrics of "Pain" are a testament to the artist's ability to convey complex emotions through his music. The song speaks of the deep void left by a loved one’s absence and the emotional turmoil that follows. Yet, within the sorrow, there is a glimmer of hope as Jahdon navigates the path toward healing. The music complements the lyrics, drawing listeners into the artist's world and allowing them to connect with the emotions expressed in the song.
Produced by Broomie LLC/Look Ya Noww Entertainment
Distributed by Tuff Gong International
Stream on all digital platforms: https://ingrv.es/pain-okc-e
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/T3nAjnx3joY?si=ge36ME_yEC2-7izN
Biography:
In the world of reggae music, where authenticity and storytelling reign supreme, Jahdon has emerged as a vibrant voice worth hearing. Since his debut in 2017 with ‘Congo Bongo EP’, he’s been on an exciting musical odyssey. His debut album, ‘369,’ earned praise from the Jamaica Gleaner, labeling him ‘Reggae Music’s Next Messenger’ in 2020. Jahdon’s sophomore release, ‘i,’ featuring a collaboration with Dean Fraser in 2022, solidified his position in the reggae scene. Now, he’s set to captivate us once more with his upcoming single, ‘Pain,’ offering a glimpse into his ongoing exploration of life’s intricacies. In Jahdon’s melodies, we find a timeless journey through the heart of neo-roots reggae, where every note resonates with a captivating story. “Pain” marks the beginning of Jahdon’s 3rd album, set to be released in 2024.
Interview Segment with Jahdon:
Q1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single? How did you find the strength to create music during such a difficult time?
Greetings my tribe, this heart-wrenching single, 'Pain,' draws its very essence from a profound sorrow, a sorrow born of the unfathomable void left in my life when I lost my beloved daughter. It's a testament to the excruciating agony that comes with the departure of a cherished soul. When you do what you love, and what you love becomes your work, it becomes therapy. Doing music during that time was therapeutic for i n i (me). I could go back to my previous songs. Those songs became my rock, my strength that I could go and lean on and listen to the messages. Honestly doing this song (Pain), I had to put myself through the experience again and again. And by doing that I started to heal. This song is a healing process for i n i and I’m still going through it. It’s a process, a journey as I release it to the world.
Q2. Grieving is an incredibly personal experience, yet you have chosen to share it with the world through your music. How have you and your family navigated the decision to open up about your loss?
Grieving can be any way that you want it to be. You can get emotional from it or you get strength from it. In my case, I am an artist who always talks about my life journey in i n i music; real-life stories that connect with people. My Empress (wife) is i n i manager so it can be very challenging sometimes for her. For i n i, I have to be real within my music and talk about experiences, even ones such as this. It is a journey in different ways. Being open in my music may be my strong point, however, there are other parts of the journey where my Empress is the strong one and vice versa within different times or moments. It’s just a life journey, we always try to comfort each other in the best ways we can. Releasing “Pain” to the world gives us a bigger platform to create awareness, for many people who are going through or experiencing chapters like this. The way we perceive death culturally, it’s the wrong way we look at it. Energy cannot be created and it cannot be destroyed, so if we are energy we are always here. Life is forever. It’s just to find a way to connect with that force and energy within i n i self. My daughter lives forever through us. We just have to keep her memory alive.
Q3. Music has often been a source of healing and expression during challenging moments. How has the process of creating this single helped you cope with your loss and connect with your emotions?
The experience of creating “Pain” was comforting in different ways. The Engineer, Lamar “Audiotraxx” Thompson, is like a brother and always gives i good energy and a good time when we are working together. Also a part of the creation process is my family: reggae Artist Derajah Mamby, who is the percussionist on the production. Worm Bass who is active with the iconic reggae band, Inna di Yaad and who is also a reggae artist was the bass player, Ras Pizzle, (Agents of Change) and Militant General to the Emperor, it felt like a whole family. Everyone tried to give us that energy and strength to make this song what it is today.
Q4. Do you believe that your music can also offer comfort to others who may be going through similar experiences?
Definitely, it is already giving that comfort to i n i. And individuals who get the opportunity to hear “Pain” especially if they’ve experienced loss, share with i that it is a beautiful song. I see it happening and I hope that it will continue to heal ones. The beauty of this song is that it brings you through so many emotions. The feeling of wanting to cry, wanting to smile. But after all is said and done you’re going to come back to that place where you just accept it and choose to move forward. To aim to be the best that you would want that person to be.
Q5. Your previous album showcased your growth as an artist. How do you think this new single fits into your evolving musical journey, both in terms of style and emotional depth?
The evolution within i n i music is based on where I am within life. My latest album “i” was the chapter where I was expecting my daughter, and starting my journey as a father. I dedicated that album to my daughter and my Empress. My daughter is the Executive Producer of the project. Most of the songs on it were inspired during my Empress’ pregnancy. On that journey, my daughter was the one that raised the level, the one that raised my musical bar.
Q6. Were there specific experiences or emotions that guided you in its creation?
The emotion that guided the creation of “Pain” was the loss of my daughter. That feeling of knowing that I will never see her again. I know about this feeling, I lost my father as a youth growing up. My father passed away when I was 3 years old. I know that feeling to know that I will never see this person again.
Q7. Are there any coping strategies or resources you've found particularly helpful for dealing with grief and loss?
I think the strategy is just dealing with it head-on, accepting the reality, and finding ways to be happy within oneself. You still have to find a way to be positive. I treasure all the time I had with my daughter, it was time well spent. All those memories, I really give ankhs for them. When you know that you have done your best, what more can you do? You just have to give ankhs, give life, give thanks for what you have and what you receive and what you have to give. And what we have to give is straight love across the board.
Q8. Your fans have always been incredibly supportive. How has their response to the new single impacted you and your family?
The response from my fans has been “heartfelt “. I can feel that sense of awe. Ones (they) probably didn’t think they would hear me sing about it or talk about it. The way that I am dealing with it, ones (they) are in awe that I really found a way to express it. And express it in a way that anyone who has gone through an experience like this can have a song that can listen to and be one with that person.
Q9. Music has the incredible power to touch people's hearts and offer solace during difficult times. What message or feeling do you hope your new single conveys to your listeners/ fans through this song?
Yes, as you stated music definitely gives comfort, anyone who is going through any situation dealing with loss, doesn’t have to be the loss of a loved one. Loss is defined by the individual based on their experiences. You’re definitely going to need comfort, however, you will have to get up at some point and face it. And within everything it takes work. For i, my daughter is my strength. A greater strength that I could have ever had or dreamed of having. If I’m working out, doing a push-up and I feel that I can only do 10, when I think of her I do 20. It’s just an energy.
Q10. As an artist, how do you strike a balance between sharing your personal experiences and maintaining your privacy when creating music?
For i n i, I try to live a life where I don’t really have to be private. I find that balance within my team overall. I’m the creative one and most ideas come out of my heavens (mind), so to manifest we go through a certain structure of how we are going to share it or bring it to light in a way that can educate the masses meaningfully. When we do good, we want it to be impactful. It takes teamwork.
Q11. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are excited about?
One of my current projects is the Broomie brand. I have a song titled “Broomie “off my sophomore album “i” distributed by Tuff Gong International. It’s going really well, would love for everyone to check out the entire project: music videos and songs. Broomie currently has music merchandise in five (5) gift shops across Jamaica in the major tourism hubs (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Kingston). The Broomie merch are small souvenirs/memorabilia that represent the beauty, history, and strength of Jamaica’s diminishing broom-making industry. Something I am passionate about because within the community I grew up in (Canaan Heights, Clarendon), broom-making was a vital means of making an income. My family has a legacy of broom-makers and I am a broom-maker and this trade provided the capital for me to record my 1st demo and still sustains me. Now I’m pushing forward to transforming the broom from a local commodity into a cultural tourism artifact. I am looking forward to shipping Jamaican brooms all over the world. My newly released single “Pain” is the beginning of my next album. You can look for an album in the near future, next year.
Conclusion:
Jahdon's newly released single, "Pain," is a testament to the healing power of music. It's a profound and moving tribute and an invitation to others who have experienced loss to find comfort and understanding through music. This single is sure to resonate deeply with listeners, touching their hearts and inspiring hope in the face of life's most profound challenges. While experiencing this recently unveiled single "Pain", we hope this emotionally charged piece of music leaves a lasting impact on all who hear it.
To learn more about Jahdon, please visit his profile:
