JSP
Jay Doodnauth, JSP, is a Canadian singer/songwriter whose music seamlessly blends the 90’s Hip Hop and R&B of his childhood with the LoFi beats of today. Writing since he was a teen, the artist first gained recognition for his 90s-inspired rap project, Behold. Since then, JSP’s seen success as the lead singer of R&B-Hip Hop-Pop group ROOM FOR 2. It’s the same signature sound heard in the music of his new solo career. He re-emerged onto the music scene with the release of “Don’t Worry” earlier this month. This followed a brief hiatus by JSP to bring attention to mental health of minorities in Canada, for which he was federally recognized. We recently spoke with Jay about his journey with music, other projects, and more!
How did you get started making music?
I got picked as a lead singer for my church kids group when I was very young. From there I went on to learn guitar and keys, then leaned more into percussion throughout high school. I started producing music at that time as well and moved into the vocal booth where I started enjoying the challenge. I embrace vulnerability in music.
“Don’t Worry” just rings out good vibes. Walk us through writing and producing the song.
I wrote my record “Don’t Worry” originally as a song to remind myself about the many situations I couldn’t control in the midst of an uncomfortable level of change and time. Through the beginning of the pandemic, I thought this is a very strange time to not know the future of connection. We go through certain lows when so many things change so fast. When we focus too much on expectations, we forget about the beauty of the unknown. I highlight the meditative state of the sun and its healing powers on me as I was going outside into nature a lot in this record. There's a crazy amount of bad in the world and if I digest too much of it, it does something bad to my mentality day by day. Some things I can't control that happen in the world — that's when the lyrics came to me. I have a good community of family and friends that is so important to my mental wellbeing. The unknown can also be looked at as something exciting.
We also understand that you’re also a talented filmmaker. In what ways have these two worlds collided for you?
As I wrote and directed "Perspective" with my co-creator Ryan Michaels, I noticed the importance of a mental state from the writing process to the recording process to everything in between. The film speaks on mental health in minority communities within the complexity of family and work life. As I write and record music, I embrace the uncertainty of feelings during the day and night and channel honesty during that specific moment. I use this to empower me as I create. Since making the film, I used the same skills I learned in creating a space to meditate and transferred that into my home studio.
Which artists would you say have had the greatest impact on your career?
The list below (in no particular order) has changed my view of energy and music throughout my career. I hold them and their records very dear to me:
D'angelo
Lauryn Hill
Shaggy
Sade
John Mayer
A dream venue?
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado is insane. I really admire when I can look at nature as I perform.
Any projects that listeners can expect from you in the future?
Yes, I am going to be releasing 3 more R&B singles before year end. I am going to be having vocal features on Pat Williams' upcoming project, as well as collaborating with select producers and vocalists across the GTA currently.
Favorite non-music activity?
I like to spend my time outside a lot — hiking, exploring, and doing yoga.
