Jhyve
Photo Credit: Lane Dorsey
Jhyve’s music creates a new world all on his own. The Toronto-based artist has a distinct R&B sound, with clear influences from the hitmakers of the past: Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, and Andre 3000, just to name a few. His singing is powerful and, at many times, seems effortless. His distinct tone in songs like “Down” and “Sanctified” draw you into his unique soundscape. They are just two of the tracks off Rapture, which was released earlier this year. The EP is a showcase of just how far the artist has come since his debut with “Ruby” in 2015. Jhyve has accumulated a substantial fanbase as of this year, generating over a million Spotify streams along with 29k monthly listeners. We recently spoke to the artist about his come up, dream collaborations, and more!
How did you start making music?
I can’t say my story is the typical artist story — I actually started singing in my 20s. With a little encouragement from my girl at the time, I entered a singing competition and did really well! That kind of gave me the confidence to do it more — so I started writing more and playing guitar and here we are 14 years later!
It’s collab time: Who are you making a song with?
My idols: Lauryn Hill, Andre 3000, D’Angelo, Kanye, Jay... The people I listened to growing up. Of the current generation: DaBaby, WESTSIDE GUNN, Tom Misch, Tyler, The Creator. I could keep going! Anyone who’s inspired me in any way would be welcome on my songs.
It’s your day off. Where are you going?
To the studio! Past that, I like being by the water. Something about waves calms me. I’d also visit my family; they’re the only ones who I’ll love regardless of where I end up.
Take us through your typical process in writing a song.
When I start writing I’m just looking for a feeling — something that captures my imagination. That could be anything from a melody, to some chords, or a lyric. But once I get it, I usually focus on melody because a good melody is what makes me want to keep singing it. Once I have that figured out I start writing lyrics — which is basically the process of me writing all the truest thoughts on my mind onto paper and trying to organize them into a message.
What was the inspiration for your song “Down”?
“Down” is a song about cycles. At the time I was going through some really tough times personally and I had to come to terms with the methods I use to deal with my issues — my own cycles, so to speak. What I didn’t expect to happen was that in singing about how I go down, I started to heal from it spiritually. I started to forgive myself because music gave me the strength to face myself in a difficult way. To this day it’s still the most personal song I’ve ever written.
Where is your go-to location when it’s time to write a song.
I do all of my work from home so I’m usually chilling out: playing games, on a walk, reading, or just reflecting. For me, I like to stay ready and open to any ideas that may come my way.
Any future projects for fans to get excited about?
I’ve got my EP Rapture, which is out now! That's the culmination of all the music I’ve been releasing since last fall, and I couldn't be more excited to share the full story with everyone.
