JMSEY admires a crush’s fashion choices and energy on “Style,” a fun guitar-led single that sees the London-native-turned-L.A.-resident celebrating individuality and self-expression. The second of a string of singles he’s releasing this year, it’s the perfect soundtrack for end-of-summer memories and new beginnings in the fall.

“The song was more or less a recount of a real life situation during quarantine,” JMSEY explains. “I was sitting at a coffee shop and this girl came in with the coolest style. I was compelled to say something and we ended up hanging out the rest of the day. The song progresses with me imagining what a relationship might be like with her and what moments we’d share. I wanted the song to reflect this girl, her style and energy. The deeper meaning for me, is how style transcends ‘fashion’ or looks, and to me is more about how quippy or clever a person or moment is.”

The track comes alongside a colorful music video, where JMSEY and a group of friends show off their outfits on a runway, hang out in the sun, and lounge on the couch for a date night in. “My favorite part was seeing the girls involved be so excited to be part of it,” he shares. “They’re all my friends and I chose them specifically because I love their style and energy. It was truly beautiful to watch them all be so vulnerable and supportive of one another.”

Aside from his solo work, JMSEY is best known for slinging a keytar in Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers, a pop-rock band that has played at NPR’s Tiny Desk and earned acclaim from publications like Billboard and Rolling Stone. He recently opened for four dates of Hobo Johnson’s solo tour along the west coast, stopping in cities in California, Oregon, and Washington.

“How many people do you know play a bloody keytar?” he laughs. “Playing in this band definitely made me realize I had to take myself less seriously in the best way possible. Being honest to who you are and how you feel, truly creates the best art in my opinion. If it resonates with others, that’s a bonus.”

JMSEY’s previous single, “Sunny Days,” got plays on a cable MTV university network with a reach of 9 million viewers, giving him new exposure to a wider audience. “It was a pleasant surprise, and a nostalgic bucket list check,” JMSEY shares. “I grew up on MTV, rushing home to watch the newest music video releases. So, it’s nice to be part of that platform in some way.”

You can find “Style” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know JMSEY on Facebook, Instagram, and his website! Keep reading for more from our Q&A with JMSEY.

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“Style” is a lighthearted ode to love in its deeper forms, looking beyond someone’s appearance and focusing on their energy. What does the song mean to you, and what was the creative process like?

The song was more or less a recount of a real life situation during quarantine. I was sitting at a coffee shop and this girl came in with the coolest style. I was compelled to say something and we ended up hanging out the rest of the day. The song progresses with me imagining what a relationship might be like with her and what moments we’d share. I wanted the song to reflect this girl, her style and energy. The deeper meaning for me, is how style transcends “fashion” or looks, and to me is more about how quippy or clever a person or moment is. 

You also recorded a fresh, bright music video for “Style” with clips of a runway, a day in the sun, and a date night at home. What was your favorite part of making the video?

Mmm. My favorite part was seeing the girls involved be so excited to be part of it. They’re all my friends and I chose them specifically because I love their style and energy. It was truly beautiful to watch them all be so vulnerable and supportive of one another. 

Your last single, “Sunny Days,” appeared on MTV’s MTVU rotation, which has an audience of 9 million. What was it like to secure that placement?

It was a pleasant surprise, and a nostalgic bucket list check. I grew up on MTV, rushing home to watch the newest music video releases. So, it’s nice to be part of that platform in some way. 

What has playing keyboards in Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers taught you about performing and finding your own musical voice?

I actually play the keytar in that band. Proud of it too. How many people do you know play a bloody keytar? Haha. Playing in this band definitely made me realize I had to take myself less seriously in the best way possible. Being honest to who you are and how you feel, truly creates the best art in my opinion. If it resonates with others, that’s a bonus.

What was it like to open up for Hobo Johnson’s solo shows earlier this month after a year with no concerts or events?

It was strange. Strange to be back in front of people. People were definitely ready for it though, the crowds were fantastic and I felt truly received.  

Is there anything you want to mention that the questions didn’t touch on?

I’m excited to release more tracks by the end of the year. A couple more at least. I have plans of dropping a live EP from one of my shows at the end of the year. There’s something about live recordings that are just more bold, real and honest.