COLORSxSTUDIOS

Where does your artist name, Pale Jay, come from?

The name references the fact that, as a white soul musician, I am building on the rich, predominantly African American lineage of musicians who came before me. By calling myself Pale, I acknowledge the structural privileges that come with my skin tone. “Jay” refers to my real name.

You conceal your identity not only with your pseudonym but also by wearing a trademark red knitted mask. Why is anonymity important for you as an artist?

I am an introverted and private person by nature. Preferably, the music is the center of attention rather than myself, hence the mask. It doesn’t symbolize anything in particular, but I had a very clear picture in my mind of how the character of Pale Jay should look. I also always wear a bucket hat that I picked up at a tiny hat shop about 15 years ago.

Do you think you’ll ever want to reveal your identity?

As Pale Jay, I am sure that I won’t.

You’re a trained jazz singer and pianist. When did you first get into making music, and why were you attracted to jazz in particular?

I’ve been into music since I was very young. From an early age, I asked to get the music I heard on the radio or TV on cassettes or CDs. The first song I really liked was ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ by Bobby McFerrin. I must have been three or four at the time. Since then, music always played a role in my life: from playing drums, to learning classical guitar and being a hip hop DJ in my teens.

I never thought music would be a career because my main focus was always on sports. After a heavy bicycle crash, that path ended. Only then did I decide to pursue music more intensively. I studied jazz because, at the time, universities only offered courses in jazz or classical music. During my studies, I fell in love with the playfulness and complexity of jazz. It remains one of my dearest genres.

Tell us about the song you performed on COLORS. What are the inspirations behind it?

I remember the day when ‘Easy, Lee’ came about very clearly. I was sitting on a creaky wooden chair in a small hallway in a rental apartment in Barcelona. I was very sad and confused after a heated argument with a loved one. I bruise easily, but luckily writing music helps me heal and reflect on becoming a better person.

Do you have a favorite lyric from the song? 

The wordplay of ‘Easy, Lee’ and ‘easily’ is quite pleasing from a lyrical point of view.

‘Easy, Lee’ is the first single from your upcoming album ‘Low End Love Songs’, which will be released on 6th September 2024. How does it fit into the rest of the project?

It’s the final song on the album. I thought it would be nice to leave the listeners with a slightly triumphant and conciliatory tone.

What do you enjoy doing outside of music?

My big passion is cycling. To be honest, I spend more time thinking about that than about music. Besides that, my biggest joys are spending time with loved ones, going on extended walks, preparing and eating food, and taking care of my mental and physical health.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? 

I am very grateful for how things are going right now. My one wish is to continue to make music with people I admire. Besides that, I will take things as they come.