Image credit: Mikita
Pop powerhouse Jazzu is set to unveil her new single ‘Razor Blade’ on 18 October 2024, via the Creative Industries imprint. Over the course of her profound two decade career, Jazzu has amassed over 50 million streams across platforms, received an MTV Award and won Best Album, Best Music Video and Best Pop Artist at the M.A.M.A Music Awards in 2019. Additionally, she has graced stages with Grammy Award-winning Swedish band Koop, and notably opened for Rita Ora earlier this year in Lithuania. Jazzu also successfully hosted her own concert in June this year to an arena of over 20 000Lithuanian fans. The single is being distributed by The state51 Conspiracy, a London-based label and distributor known for its long history working with some of the most respected labels such as Fish People (Kate Bush), Lo Recordings, Ghost Box (Pye Corner Audio), and swim (linked to Wire).
‘Razor Blade’ begins as a ballad, with Jazzu’s vocals soaring through an impressive range with emotional depth and immaculate control. The instrumentation builds in intensity with foreboding drums and cinematic orchestral swells, culminating in Jazzu’s passionate closing sung passage, buoyed by epic choral backing vocals. The song recedes into a quiet, brooding outro, allowing the listener to emerge gentle from the powerful experience.
Jazzu comments: “When I sing this song, it’s like a ceremony for me – I sing all my pain away, acknowledging that I’m strong enough to always choose me and keep my heart safe. I’ll never let anybody hurt it again.”
What’s the main message behind the song?
This is a song about super painful love. Although I don’t believe that true love hurts, I do believe that true love heals. Otherwise it’s a lesson to learn or addiction to get over with. However, in life some lessons in life is necessary- this is how we grow. In this song, the subject finally finds a way to get out of a toxic relationship – I think many of us has experienced this unpleasant process. My soul has been healing with this song for many years – what a manifest to finally share it with the world! Together with this song, my musical direction was changing, my voice matured, I just felt that Razor Blade it is special not only for me, but also necessary for the whole world. I’m so gateful for Anthony Marshall, who trusted me on this one and who was throughout all long journey of creating and recording my album together.
What kind of influence does Lithuanian heritage and culture have on your creativity?
Lithuania is a wonderful land with a very rich history. Every Lithuanian in his own consciousness and in the collective consciousness bears everything: from the pain of war to the most beautiful forests and legends. From dishes that are strange to the world, which we are proud of, to Lithuanian folk moaning songs, which are authentic and cannot be mixed up with anything. In me lies the strength of my ancestors, love for people and a certain melancholy that is only found in Lithuanian people.
Who are some of your inspirations from a visual perspective?
As a romantic philosopher, I really like to just watch a fire, for example a candle while meditating or fireplace while having a glass of wine. Or the ocean from the cliff or the dunes. To look my child in the eye. To walk in my childhood’s forest. Well, I also really like the artists who depict the visions of ayahuasca. And I really like the movies of Pedro Almodovar and David Lynch!
Who is your favorite artist of all time and why?
Moloko and Roisin Murphy- complete rave mama! Whitney Houston- most powerful voice and such a diva! Adele- sometimes i feel that all her songs was written by me, it’s how strongly i hear so many things similar to her. Any Winehouse- she was the most iconic and unique artist for me. In my house I listen to classics, old jazz or medicine music.
What inspires your sound and musical persona?
People and relationships with them. Nature. Books. And finding silence in yourself – learning to protect your silence and truth is incredibly important to me. Chaos might inspire, but music is born only in silence.
What are your plans for 2025?
I just want to sing for the whole world. Travel, get to know people and places. Show the world to my biggest love- my son. Continue to improve spiritually and follow the path of self-love. Do a few crazy or scary things just to move life to more fun and productive mode. And finally release my long-awaited album.
