Jae Franklin's much-anticipated second EP is dropping on December 8, 2017, and we're looking forward to hearing what she has to say. She promises her new EP will be a riskier and revealing set of taboo conversations which has a different flow than her first EP 'Cheers To Life'. 'Skeletons' is her kick-off single and the visual snippet debuted on her Instagram page.
Recently moving back to the States from Abu Dhabi, Jae is embarking on expanding her home base reach and reintroducing Americans to soulful R&B music. The songstress will mesmerize you with a subtle yet high-octave range. She is definitely the one-to-watch in 2018.
Jae was recently featured as one of our cover models for our 9-year Anniversary Issue Fashion Issue. Make sure you pre-order a copy of her new EP now on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.
Who is Jae Franklin? Jae Franklin is an artist. I'm a singer-songwriter. I'm a citizen of the world. I'm pragmatic with a wandering spirit.
Did you always want to be an artist? It may sound weird to some people, but I didn't choose music. Music chose me. I realized early on that I was different because of the way I expressed myself through music. I feel like I've been an artist my entire life.
Your EP is finally dropping soon. Tell us about it and what do you expect people to take away from it? Sometimes society puts us in this box. We think certain topics are taboo. Every song on the Jae Franklin EP talk about the taboo stuff. I'm braver, riskier and more revealing. I think my supporters and listeners will appreciate my candor. I collaborated with my friend Vicente Espi. He produced every song. The sound is effortlessly soulful but we worked to capture my signature style – modern progressive soul.
What's the story behind the lead single 'Skeletons'? I wrote 'Skeletons' when I lived in Abu Dhabi. It's one of the most honest songs I've ever written. It's about the uncertainty of our future when our past comes back to haunt us.
We love the mood for the video [Skeletons]. Who was the director? Explain the concept. The music video was directed by Jakoyea Wright. We wanted a deep visual to support the mysterious mood of the song. The concept was centered around the angst over the unknown. The visual captures the emotions you feel when you realize that one past decision could lead to irreparable damage to your present situation.
The creative direction and flow of your Instagram images are visually intriguing. What was your motivation for creating it? I'm a fan of visual art. I thought it would be cool to couple my love of visual art with my music and aesthetic. The flow of my Instagram page is simply a curated extension of me.
Do you prefer dinner during Thanksgiving or Christmas? I prefer Christmas. 'Tis the season. I learned about the history of Thanksgiving a few years ago. I was appalled. I wish I had learned the truth when I was younger.
Tell us what to expect at your performance in Los Angeles this coming January? You can expect to hear new music from my new project, The Jae Franklin EP. I love creating special moments too. I'm hype because it will be my first solo performance in Los Angeles.
Any big plans you care to share in 2018? I'm rolling out visuals to support The Jae Franklin EP, hittin' the road to tour the east and west coasts, and giving back to my community through the arts.