Inspired #362 - Jalle
Nottingham’s rising alt-star Jalle has just released his brand new single with pop-newcomer Issey Cross.
Emerging onto the scene in 2020, Jalle’s live energy has already seen him sell out a homecoming Nottingham show and perform at the likes of: Jack Saunders’ Hopscotch night, Dot2Dot Festival and BBC Introducing.
The track, produced with Josef Page (Aziya, Millie Turner), is a snappy earworm with a central message that rings true to many young people battling with anxieties in the age of the internet. Featuring Issey Cross who has spent 2 weeks in the UK Top 40 with current single ‘Used To This’ by DJ and producer Wilkinson, the pair have worked together to create something that encompasses their past anxieties and trauma in a track that radiates good vibes.
As Jalle comments: “My school life definitely had an influence on this song for me, particularly how I felt during my school years. I always hated school and never really felt like I fit in. I always felt like an outsider and was constantly changing myself to try and fit in. Issey and I really connected over this and had similar experiences so 'Downers' was created.”
He took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
This is a very hard question, because I think the answer changes all the time. If I had to give you my top 3 right now, I would say Bakar, The Neighbourhood & Amine. Bakar just knows how to write from the heart while inviting others to get lost in his world, he's sick. Jesse from The Neighbourhood’s voice is just great. He writes songs that I really relate to. Amine is just all round lit. His hooks are hard and he’s very versatile, he can either make music to turn up to or much deeper stuff.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
I'm not gonna lie, I don't really watch films that much, but there is a film that I do love, not sure if you’ve heard of it but it's called Shrek. It’s about an ogre named Shrek and his best mate, who’s a donkey, named donkey. It’s a pretty sick film, spoiler alert he gets to marry a Princess and Donkey marries a dragon. Yeah a dragon, kinda mad. It’s very inspirational the way they defy the odds constantly throughout the film, it just goes to show anything in life is possible haha.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
Probably Stockholm. I love writing there. I've been twice and each time I've had the sickest time and found it very inspirational. I don't know if it's just the fact that I get to disconnect from London a bit, but there is something magical about Stockholm that I love.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
I would probably say my Mum, she’s pretty inspiring. She has the kindest heart and has always been accepting of anyone who turns up at our door. She’s definitely helped me and my siblings find our own paths.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
My main inspirations behind ‘Downers’ come from my school days and how I felt trying to fit in. I didn't particularly enjoy school that much, but I also didn't always make the right decisions to make it easier for myself to fit in. In saying that, there is something I've always liked about being 'the misfit'.
How would you like to inspire people?
I would like to inspire people to try and beat their odds that are against them. I think most people at some point in their lives feel that they are not good enough and that they are set to fail. I know I’ve felt like this at points in my life, I definitely thought everyone had written me off and didn’t have faith in me , but you can't let other people's judgement set you back. So, I try to defy my odds and beat them. I think you can do anything if you really want it enough.
