Delving into the universal language of music, and fangirling with Jaydie.
Fresh from dropping her latest single ‘So Far,’ Jaydie steps onto the stage to share her musical journey. Hailing from Australia’s Sunshine Coast, she draws inspiration from morning walks with her dog Harley and intimate family moments.
With a diverse musical palette ranging from ABBA to Enigma, Jaydie’s passion defies genre constraints. Her debut album, a 16-track masterpiece, unfolds as a personal expedition divided into four chapters.
From R&B to New Age, it charts a course of self-discovery, empowerment, and gratitude. Jaydie’s live performances forge deep connections, evoking tears and cherished memories.
Jaydies process is thoughtful, guided by the kind of mindfulness and meditation, that offers up positivity amid challenges. Through her melodies, she speaks a universal language that resonates with others on a profound level.
Join us as we chat to Jaydie about the things that matter.
Happy: What are you up to today?
Jaydie: Today I have had a relaxing morning, taking my dog Harley down to the creek and then out to breakfast with my family.
Now I am just doing bookwork and cleaning the house before I jump onto the guitar and practise a few tunes.
Happy: Tell us about where you are from?
Jaydie: I was born in Brisbane, Australia and now living on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Happy: Describe an average day?
Jaydie: An average day for me starts with a meditation and a cup of tea and then a nice walk with the dog. After that, depending on the day, I’ll be heading up to the studio, or getting ready for a gig.
If I have time between practising, I help my partner with admin in his electrical business.
Happy: What about your ultimate day?
Jaydie: I love going to the beach with the dogs and family, having campfires and a feast and playing/listening to music! My absolute ultimate day would be performing a live originals show!
Happy: What did you listen to growing up that fuelled your passion for music?
Jaydie: I have been passionate about music ever since I can remember. My parents had very broad tastes, so growing up we were listening to artists such as ABBA, Dire Straits, UB40, Fleetwood Mac, Enigma and Coldplay.
My mum put me into dancing at the age of 3 and so performing to a lot of different genres was the norm. They bought me my own CD player and microphone and so the latest singles were always on the birthday wish lists.
I was also very fortunate to go to quite a few concerts (Kylie Minogue, Australian Idol Concert 2002, Katy Perry, Jessie J, Coldplay to name a few) which inspired me to want to become a musician.
When I was 10 I started singing lessons which is where I developed a love of musical theatre, Wicked being my all time favourite musical.
As I grew older I continued to explore different styles which has enabled me to become really versatile.
Happy: Your musical journey began at a young age, and you’ve explored various genres throughout your career. How has this diverse background influenced your current sound and style as an artist?
Jaydie: I think that through exploring so many genres, I really can’t pick one to refer myself to. I listen to different genres depending on what mood I am in and I write my songs the same way.
I also love the freedom that comes with realising that you can write a song about ANYTHING and it can be in ANY style and that, for me, opens up so many more creative opportunities.
I know that as my journey continues, my styles will too and maybe one day I will focus solely on one and have albums with just one style, but for now I will keep rolling with what wants to be created.
Happy: Australia is renowned for its rich artistic heritage. Could you share some Australian artists who have had a significant impact on your musical development?
Jaydie: When I was younger, I was inspired by the vocal abilities seen on Australian Idol from artists such as Matt Corby, Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian and years later went to their concerts.
I listened to a lot of Angus and Julia Stone in my teenage years which I feel helped develop my songwriting skills.
Vera Blue has also played a major part in influencing me in my music which shows our similarities in vocal layering and harmonies.
Happy: Your latest single, “So Far,” reflects on a pivotal moment in your life and your partner’s. How do you infuse personal experiences into your songwriting, and what role does storytelling play in your music.
Jaydie: I use my songwriting a lot as a release of emotions and the best way for me to create a good song is when I am feeling the emotions (good or bad).
Channelling that creative energy and putting it into a song helps me to get my thoughts out of my mind and let go of what doesn’t serve me.
I also love writing songs to motivate and empower myself and others which is what I was wanting to depict with “So Far”.
At the time when I write a song, I never intend for it to be shared with other people because they’re very personal to me, but once the “therapy” part of the process is done, I feel excited and ready to share it with others.
Happy: The blend of RnB with elements like the Native American Indian flute and Arabian scale is intriguing. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind incorporating these diverse musical elements into “So Far”?
Jaydie: One style I love and always listen to is New age, meditation music. I have always loved the idea of blending the native instruments from this style together with other mainstream genres like R&B and Pop.
These elements weren’t initially planned for this song as it wasn’t originally on the album. After a last minute decision to add “So Far ” to the track-list, we were quickly throwing around lots of ideas for the track (including the flute & Arabian scale) as we just wanted to have fun with it! There are also hints of these elements in my debut pop single “Reality”.
Happy: Creating an album is a substantial endeavour. What can your fans expect from your upcoming debut album in terms of themes and musical exploration?
Jaydie: This album has been a HUGE project and so much bigger than I could have imagined!
The 16 track album has multiple genres (of course!) including Pop, R&B, Country/Blues, Reggae, Lo fi and New Age.
I really want this album to be interpreted however the listener perceives it, however there is a storyline to it, which is how I like to perceive it.
The album is split into four parts which is based on my story. Part 1 – Discovering the power within oneself, Part 2 – Using the tools discovered, Part 3 – Letting go of what doesn’t serve me anymore and working through tough times, and Part 4 – Feeling grateful for all that we have achieved and discovered and looking forward to what’s to come.
I like to think that the different genres can reflect the feelings I had when writing the songs and hope that other people can feel it too.
Happy: As an artist who has been performing live for a decade, what do you find most rewarding about connecting with your audience in a live setting?
Jaydie: What I love most is bringing joy to others through music. I love watching someone’s face light up when you play their favourite song or if someone can feel what you’re singing so much that it brings a tear to their eye.
Recently, I was playing a cover of John Denver’s, Country Roads and a lady in her 90’s was very emotional and got up to have a dance.
Afterwards, I discovered that it was a special song that she shared with her late husband.
Making these kinds of connections is what it’s all about for me and what I hope to achieve with my originals.
Happy: Pursuing a career in the music industry can be challenging. What keeps you motivated and driven in the face of obstacles, and how do you maintain a positive mindset throughout your musical journey?
Jaydie: I definitely have my ups and downs, just like everyone, but that’s what inspires me to create and write more music (Sometimes the best songs are written in this state).
Things like meditation and other mindfulness practices are really what helps me stay on track and allows me to manage obstacles with a level head if they arise!
Happy: Your debut single was released earlier this year. How has the response been so far, and how has it influenced your approach to subsequent releases?
Jaydie: It has been such an exciting year so far with finally releasing some of my music into the world and I am so glad that my first single was “Reality”!
The feedback has been really positive but I find it’s really hard to get the music heard in such a saturated environment.
I have basically been learning “on the go” about how to release music and what’s involved and I am still trying to navigate my way through this process.
Happy: Nyssa Ray Recordings has been involved in the production of your debut album. Can you tell us about the collaboration and how it has impacted the overall creative direction of the project?
Jaydie:When I was trying to find someone to produce my album, I really wanted to find a local and someone who I would gel with!
We caught up to have a chat about the plan and were throwing around ideas. We were super excited to work together on this project.
Nyssa is super talented and we clicked straight away. She totally understood my vision and the direction I was wanting to go. We have had a lot of fun bouncing off each-others creativity and bringing these songs to life.
Happy: Your music is described as “feel good,” spreading positive energy to your listeners. How do you hope your music can resonate with and inspire your audience on a deeper level?
Jaydie: The messages I share through my lyrics can be interpreted in multiple ways. It sounds cliche I know, but – I feel that people who are supposed to hear and resonate with these messages will and when the time is right for them.
Even in my sadder songs, I always try to find the light in a situation or experience and I hope that the listeners will see that too.
Happy: Lastly, what makes you happy?
Jaydie: Making music and singing, hanging with my Partner and Harley, family dinners, camping trips, gardening and growing my own food and being out in nature.
