Brisbane pop singer-songwriter, Jade Not Jane's newest single is titled 'Cherry Cola'.
An 'escapism song' with a sonically sweet melody and super-cool guitar riff throughout that's punctuated at times by heavy drumming, the second half of 'Cherry Cola' drifts into an epic, soaring conclusion.The track explores themes of yearning and the idea of missing your safe cave as the world begins returning to normal. "'Cherry Cola' is a song that delves into the idea of not wanting to face reality," Jade Not Jane says.
Inspired by female powerhouses like Joni Mitchell and Florence and The Machine, 'Cherry Cola' follows Jade Not Jane's most successful release to date, 'DNA' which has clocked up 45k streams on Spotify.
Howdy Jade, how are things?
Going great, thank you.
Last year you were selected to be part of the artist development series The Grid Series; how was that experience and what did you managed to achieve with the programme?
It was amazing. The Grid Series is such a wonderful programme that creates such beautiful and supportive environments for growing artists.
With the help of the amazing Grid Series team, I was able to have a song professionally produced and released for the first time. It was so wonderful to be able to have that level support for my first release.
The past 12 months; how do you feel you've grown as an artist?
The last 12 months have been crazy. I have learnt a lot about who I want to be and represent as an artist.
At the start of this year, I was being quite hard on myself and expecting to be the best I could be all the time. I think that has been my main growth – just allowing myself to not be perfect all the time and celebrate all parts of making music, not just the great parts.
Tell us about your new single, 'Cherry Cola' which you've described as an 'escapism track'?
I wrote 'Cherry Cola' in the middle of lockdown in my lounge room with my songwriting partner Lucas Montgomery.
It was about the weird feeling that COVID-19 has left the world in and wanting to stay at home and not face the unknown. Even though things are slowly returning to normal here in Australia, there is still the question of when exactly things will be 'normal' and that can be difficult to process.
How does this song follow on from your previous releases?
My last release, 'DNA', was really big and dramatic, so we wanted 'Cherry Cola' to still be upbeat but have a more dreamy feel to it. We also really wanted to lean into the guitar parts and make them more of a feature, which lead us to the really cool guitar riff that plays throughout the song.
Live performances; you must be itching to get back onstage? I see you and the band have a support gig :)
Yes, we played 28 November at O'Skulligan's for the first time since March and it was awesome.
I am lucky to be able to work with some incredible musicians that really bring my songs to life. I had forgotten how amazing it feels to share my songs live! I was supporting Annie Joelle for her single launch for her killer new track 'Monsters', and it sold out which was really cool.
You've released four singles since last year; are you working on a larger collection of material for an EP, album?
Well, I am jumping back in the studio in January to work on some really exciting new music so. . .
The response to your music, particularly on Spotify (45k streams of 'DNA'); you must be inspired to continue creating, right?
Yes, for sure. It was such a big moment to see the support for 'DNA' as it was such an important song for me.
When I wrote it, I was feeling the worst about my music. Having people respond well to it has helped remind me that even when I am feeling my worst I can still write music that people can enjoy.
Looking ahead to 2021; Australia seems well placed to continue almost as normal – are you making mid, long-term plans for your career?
Yes, always making plans. As I mentioned above, I have got the new music in the works that will unfold over the next year and I am really keen to get on the road and play some shows.
The local music scene; have you found a supportive crew of creatives in Brisbane?
I feel so so blessed to be around the people I have met through music. The music industry can be so demanding mentally, so having people around that are living it with you really helps.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson?
Bindi Irwin because who doesn't love the Irwins and all that they stand for?
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why?
I love cities. I love exploring and I love that there are so many different people just living their lives all in that one place. I think it creates such a beautiful energy, so I would love to live in a huge city like London or Paris.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
Mmmmm, I love cooking and at the moment I would probably make something refreshing like rice paper rolls or cabbage tacos (like normal tacos but using cabbage as the shell) because IT IS HOT in Brisbane right now.
Do you have any phobias?
Cockroaches – they just make me so nervous. When I was around 9 or 10 I woke up to a cockroach crawling on my face and ever since I have not been able to deal with them.
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you for having me. Check out my new single 'Cherry Cola'.
Jade Not Jane joins the line-up for the next Sirens Of Brisbane showcase at The Bearded Lady (Brisbane) 12 March. The rest of the bill includes Jollee, Phoebe Sinclair and The Letter Elle.
