Melina Duterte, known artistically as Jay Som, has revealed details of her upcoming album, 'Belong', marking her first full-length release in six years. The record, scheduled for an October 10 debut under Polyvinyl, promises a rich tapestry of sound, showcasing collaborations with esteemed musicians. This long-awaited offering follows her acclaimed 2019 effort, 'Anak Ko', and signals a new chapter in her evolving musical journey.
The creative process behind 'Belong' saw Duterte drawing on diverse talents within the music community. Among the notable contributors are Hayley Williams of Paramore, Lexi Vega from Mini Trees, and Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World, each lending their unique vocal stylings to the project. The synergy of these artists is particularly evident in the tracks now available to the public. Two singles from the album, 'Float' and 'A Million Reasons Why', have been released to build anticipation for the full collection.
The track 'Float', featuring the distinctive voice of Jim Adkins, is accompanied by a visually compelling music video. Directed by Nina Ljeti, the video is a deliberate homage to Jimmy Eat World’s iconic 'The Middle' clip, weaving a narrative that resonates with the song's thematic depth. Duterte elaborated on the inspiration behind 'Float', explaining that it delves into the human inclination to cling to former versions of oneself as a form of self-preservation. She articulated the profound impact of the unknown, suggesting that confronting rather than evading this fear can be the most effective strategy.
In the interim since her last album, Duterte has remained prolific, engaging in various artistic endeavors that highlight her versatility. Her collaborations extend to artists such as Troye Sivan and Anjimile, showcasing her ability to blend her unique sound with others. Furthermore, as one half of the duo Bachelor, alongside Palehound’s El Kempner, she has explored new creative avenues. Beyond performing and collaborating, Duterte has also made significant contributions behind the scenes, serving as a producer and engineer for highly praised albums like Boygenius’ 'The Record' and Lucy Dacus’ 'Forever Is a Feeling'. Her creative touch also graced the soundtrack of Jane Schoenbrun’s film 'I Saw the TV Glow'.
With 'Belong' on the horizon, Jay Som is also gearing up for an extensive touring schedule. After concluding a series of performances supporting Lucy Dacus over the summer, she will embark on her own headlining tour. This upcoming tour will span across Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom, including appearances at prestigious events such as the Pitchfork Music Festival Paris and Pitchfork Music Festival London. These performances will provide audiences with an opportunity to experience her new material live, further cementing her presence in the contemporary music scene.
This new album represents not just a return to solo work for Jay Som but also a consolidation of her experiences and influences from a period of diverse musical engagement. The collaborations featured on 'Belong' underscore her artistic growth and continued relevance, promising an emotionally resonant and sonically rich experience for listeners.