For all the hopeful romantics out there, you’re about to feel a whole lot less alone when you press play on Jelani Aryeh’s captivating new single, “I’m in Love!” It’s a beautifully hazy daydream exploring how we view crushes and relationships, walking the line between excitement and illusion. As Jelani imagines “a fantasy version” of him and his partner, he wonders whether the kind of love, or the person, he’s dreaming of truly exists.
“It’s me zooming out and analyzing this specific aspect of my character that plays out in romantic relationships,” Jelani tells TREMG. “I think it’s usually anything but love and more of this kind of obsessiveness. Obsessed with the idea of who I believe this person is to be in my mind and falling in love with that version of them.”
Since his 2017 debut, Jelani has undeniably mastered the art of creating immersive indie-pop. His work sits somewhere between Conan Gray and Katy Perry, blending heart-wrenching lyrics with a radio-ready sound that will get you on your feet. You could listen to his discography on a loop for hours without ever getting bored, constantly finding a new line or guitar riff to cling to and welcome into the soundtrack of your life.
“It’s sometimes hard to tell but i think i’ve grown a lot,” Jelani admits. “I used to want to fill up so much space with my voice. Say a lot and overcompensate. I have a better idea of where it likes to sit in a song. I think I have a clearer view of myself and the world around me, for a long time I was living in a constant state of fight or flight.”
You can find “I’m in Love” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Jelani Aryeh on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter! Keep reading for more from our Q&A with this dynamic artist.
Hi Jelani, congrats on the release of “I’m in Love!” How does it feel to share the song with the world and see how your fans are reacting?
thank you so much. it’s been nice. i think i kind of dissociate or detach around releases but i’m definitely feeling the love this time around. people have been saying really kind things. i’m just excited to be putting songs out again, it’s been too long.
What does the song “I’m in Love” mean to you?
i think it’s me zooming out and analyzing this specific aspect of my character that plays out in romantic relationships. i think it’s usually anything but love and more of this kind of obsessiveness. obsessed with the idea of who i believe this person is to be in my mind and falling in love with that version of them.
“I’m in Love” has so many thoughtful lyrics, with one of our favorites being “just let me hold onto this feeling we’ve imagined.” Is there a certain line you’re especially proud of?
i’m really proud of the hook although i don’t have a specific line i’m necessarily crazy for. it made the verses really easy to write.
Alongside “I’m in Love,” you also dropped a fun music video! What was the creative process like, and what was it like on set?
i would drive over to my friend silken’s place and for a couple weeks we’d just sit in her living room and spitball ideas. lots of coffee, open books, and tabs. the general energy on set was pretty laxed. it was super nice having the band. i feel like everyone felt like they could be themselves. it was very respectful and wholesome. second day i’m kinda biased towards, because we got to play with dye and make these crazy cosmic explosions. i just felt like this is what i expected science class to be like.
You’ve said that “I’m in Love” reminds you of a Katy Perry song, and we totally agree! If you could have Katy hop on a remix of any of your songs, which would you choose?
it’s such the expected answer but i think “stella” would go crazy. i wish i could just hear her sing the whole song with the energy she had singing “hot n cold.”
One of the biggest things that sticks out to us about your work is how well you convey the emotions of a song in your vocals! How do you get in the right headspace to tap into those emotions when you’re recording?
i appreciate that. i kinda don’t think. i light a candle and just go. try to really be in those words and keep a picture in my mind’s eye.
Back in 2018, you set up a playlist of songs that you listened to while working on your Helvetica EP for fans to check out, which is such a fun way to let fans into your mindset. If you made a playlist of songs you’ve been listening to while working on your latest project, what kind of artists would make an appearance?
New Order ! Wilco! Eno! Broken Social Scene! Donavan! Blur! Bauhaus! Sega Bodega!
You’ll be playing a show in Round Top, NY later this month! How do you prepare for a show and choose the perfect setlist?
true! it’s going to be so cold there. the songs usually know where they want to go though. i think it’s easy when you don’t have that big of a discography. we usually do a few rehearsals and we’re good to go. it’s going to be our first time running tracks which i’m kind of excited about. we’ve been rawdogging it for six years.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since releasing I’ve Got Some Living To Do in 2021?
it’s sometimes hard to tell but i think i’ve grown a lot. i used to want to fill up so much space with my voice. say a lot and overcompensate. i have a better idea of where it likes to sit in a song. i think i have a clearer view of myself and the world around me, for a long time i was living in a constant state of fight or flight.
What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2024?
there’s definitely a lot coming. i won’t say too much but they definitely won’t have to wait much longer if it’s the album they want. the new set is going to be so fun, i can’t actually wait to tour.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
to fans of my music, i’d like to say thank you for sticking with me all this time. it’s worth the wait.
thank you for giving me a career, i hope i don’t disappoint. i don’t plan on taking that long making a body of work ever again but you never know, things move at the speed they need to.
By Madison Murray
Featured Image: Silken Weinberg, Courtesy of Wackermann & Partners
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