In the ever-evolving music landscape, few artists carve out a niche as distinct and captivating as Jade De LaFleur. With a sound she dubs “psychoPOP,” Jade seamlessly blends psychedelic funk, pop, and R&B elements, challenging conventional norms and inviting listeners into her vibrant world. Let’s dive into the mind of this genre-blending artist through a candid Q&A, followed by a narrative exploration of her journey and influences.
Q&A with Jade De LaFleur
Your debut studio album, “The Green Horse,” is an upbeat fusion of psychedelic funk, pop, and R&B. What inspired you to blend these genres, and how do they reflect your personal growth?
“A lot of Rick James, James Brown, and Tina Turner interviews; I also had the documentary ‘Soaked in Bleach’ and the film ‘Love and Mercy’ on repeat. I think that I grew more confident in myself as a songwriter while writing this album, and I wanted to play around with and showcase that.”
You’ve coined the term “psychoPOP” to describe your sound. Can you elaborate on what “psychoPOP” means to you and how it differentiates your music from other genres?
“Mmmmm, so I think that ‘psychoPOP’ was specifically related only to ‘The Green Horse’ album. During that era, I was going through many changes (relationships, friendships, business relationships, not to even mention what the world was going through), and sometimes change is hard for me to accept. So I knew that I needed to make music that lightened my mood, and then I just got really into it because I was writing songs that weren’t necessarily upbeat in content, yet the sound was; so psychoPOP = CrazyPop…kind of just challenging what society generally considers ‘Pop.’ My sound is ever-changing though. My album after next might be straight Jazz or Gospel…who knows.”
In creating “The Green Horse,” you mentioned being in a place where you had to let a lot of things go and that dancing helped you level up. How did this personal journey influence the themes and emotions conveyed in the album?
“The album was also heavily influenced by an extreme amount of social/racial injustices happening while I was writing it; which is made clear through the interludes that tie the songs together. I also had real life happening, you know… I’m an Indie Artist! I handle my own bidness DIY; so there’s a lot that goes with this journey. So the content and context of the album touched on some very serious and sometimes dark subject matters while the sounds were very upbeat and bright. I also think that because I had ‘Love and Mercy’ (about The Beach Boys) on repeat at the time; the film inspired my approach to melodies, harmonies, and writing throughout the album.”
Your music showcases an experimental mix of R&B, jazz, pop, and psychedelic funk. How do you approach the songwriting and production process to integrate these diverse influences seamlessly?
“I just stay true to my real-life experiences being reflected through song, and whatever that experience feels like is the picture the song paints. Whether I start writing an idea or melody on my own, or I reach out to one of the great musicians in my band like Shellz, or my writing partner Corey ‘Chorus’ & MississippiThaTruth (Adrian Levy), or even my producer Davix…it comes from a personal experience, a story someone shared with me, a film or show that spoke to me, a thought or feeling I’d like to provoke; and whatever sounds that are required to tell the story properly…I just go with that.”
Collaborations have been a significant part of your career, such as working with James Fauntleroy on “Smoking In My Car.” Are there any new collaborations on “The Green Horse” that you’re particularly excited about?
“Well, ‘The Green Horse’ came out in 2019 right before the pandemic, but I was excited about ALL the collaborations on that album. To name a few: ‘Wave’ featuring Seun Kuti, ‘NYC Real’ featuring Kamauu, and ‘WUTM’ with James Richardson. But it’s the upcoming collaborations on the album that I’m currently recording that I’m most excited about! And there’s also more collaborations to stay tuned for coming real sooooon. Like Spring Soon.”
Your early exposure to music came from your mother, a soloist in the local church choir, and listening to Whitney Houston. How have these early influences shaped your musical style and the direction of your new album?
“Wow! I like this question! I love my Mom, and I love Whitney Houston and the effect that they’ve both had on my artistry. My mom is a soloist that leaves no dry eye in the church when she sings. I aim to have that connection through my music and writing; it’s in the way that I hear harmonies and the way that melodies come to me. Both are heavy influences on my upcoming album for sure…I’m going back to my roots!”
“The Green Horse” is described as challenging society’s standard of pop and serving as an exposé of black culture. What messages or conversations are you hoping to ignite through this album?
“That’s a very complicated answer that I don’t think would ever fit into one paragraph or sitting. I also make art to inspire and ignite, and leave interpretation to the people. However, through the juxtaposition of upbeat sounds against dark concepts, and weaving relevant issues into the tapestry of the album with interludes meant to provoke thought, I hoped with that project to paint a picture of the resilience of my people through the struggles we have sustained past and present. Even now as I’m saying a new thing on a new album, those issues are at least still relevant, and quite possibly more relevant than ever.”
Having toured internationally with Solange and The Hadley Street Dreams for three years, how have those experiences influenced your artistry and the creation of “The Green Horse”?
“I would say that in general I just learned so much during that era. Performing with a live band and appreciating the stamina and intricacies of live performance; traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures and styles of music…all that has 100% stayed with me, and I’m forever grateful!”
Your first EP, “Jaded,” received critical acclaim and was featured on Solange’s compilation album “Saint Heron.” In what ways does “The Green Horse” build upon or diverge from the themes and sounds of your earlier work?
“It’s soooooo different from ‘Jaded.’ And I’m not sure if many people can appreciate that, but I feel like I’ll always make music that changes with where I am in life. It’s just the type of artist and writer that I am. I see myself writing every style and genre of music, to be real; it’s just more fun and challenging to me
Fan-girl here!! I can’t wait to see what Jade does next!
OK PsychoPop! I love the way she doesn’t put herself in a box it’s so inspiring. I can’t wait for the new project to drop. Listening to Sweet Love until then!