Jared Gelman – Check Your Files

By starrymag | July 30, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I consider it electro-pop. It’s often dark and frequently inspired by my love of girl groups, boy bands, divas and sometimes hip hop. Often, it’s pretty campy and I try to always have a polarizing element in the production.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love 2006 adjacent pop music. Fergie, Gwen, the Pussycat Dolls, etc. sonically. I’m a sucker for harmonies, and production with a lot of ear candy.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Check Your Files” and your prior single, “Proximity.”

 

A) “Check Your Files” is super sassy and I wanted to make a song that could be played at any pregame, club, bar, dance class, etc. It’s a very dance-driven record.

 

“Proximity” is more laid-back. It’s about being intimate with somebody; the record is meant to evoke that same level of intimacy. It’s very sensual and layered with pretty harmonies – my homage to Janet Jackson/Britney Spears.

 

Q) What do you think it is about your music that fans connect to?

 

A) It’s one of my missions as an artist to be someone that the younger me could have looked up to and felt less alone. I think people feel most connected to the unapologetic spirit of honoring my true self.

 

Q) What kind of fan reaction have you been getting to the track?

 

A) People really seem to be enjoying it which makes me feel good. I’ve gotten messages from people already been asking about when new stuff is coming. My answer is always soon! But, in the meantime, we need to get everybody streaming my music!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) I actually write lyrics first. I think of it like poetry. Once there’s music, I then adjust the lines accordingly to fit the musical timing.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) I’m super hands-on. Even if I’m not the one who’s making the instrumental, everything from the sound design to the arrangement of the song is done with me in the room giving my ideas.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Jared Gelman performance?

 

A) I play on my strengths and keep it a dance-driven, all-around entertainment show. I’ve never been into artists who feel “relatable” onstage. I like the escape that pop music brings. I’m not gonna be on stage in sweatpants and a shirt.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) There will be a lot of music, but instead of it being an EP I think it’ll be consecutive single releases…For now at least. One day there will definitely be a cohesive long-form body of work.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) I love when I get to perform in places that I already go to regularly. In West Hollywood, I’ve performed at EVITA, the Abbey, Rocco’s, etc. I already go to those places a lot, so it’s special going there with a different intent.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) All of my friends in Los Angeles are super talented artists.In a dream world, I would collaborate with all of them. An upcoming collaboration I’m excited about is a song I did with Maty Noyes.

 

Q) What artist are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Today I’m listening to Raja Kumari. Last night I saw her show for the first time and was blown away by her skills as both a vocalist and a rapper. I was unfamiliar with a lot of her songs, but her performance alone turned me into a stan. She is truly bridging Eastern and Western music in a fun way. I’m excited to see her rise.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Gone are the days where you need to rely on a big corporate machine to support your art. Through the internet you can connect with people all around the world and find like-minded people who remind you that you are not alone.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Life is your biggest artistic creation; it is totally possible to create yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be. Thank you for supporting my music and I promise there’s more to come.