West London's J.A.E is an observer.
Initially a poet, she would sketch down the world as it passed by, this continual communication between her inner landscape and the streets around her.
Eventually, these poems became songs, with J.A.E – the letters are pronounced individually – leaning on the capital's soul tradition.
Seizing hold of the neo-soul records she absorbed as a kid, J.A.E learned at the feet of D'Angelo and Erykah Badu, two of the best to ever do it.
Debut single 'Poison' is online now, and it's about how jealousy within a relationship can so often be turned against women, pitting them against one another.
A soulful hymn of empowerment, this sultry bassline-bumper comes complete with guest vocals from Dotty.
J.A.E tells Clash: "I wrote 'Poison' based on personal experiences of girls showing hostility to their fellow females because their boyfriends were showing interest and being unfaithful. It’s a playful take on the confidence I have that situations like this can be diffused easily when you are grown and understanding about it.”
We're able to share the full video, and it's a neat, coy take on the song's theme, with J.A.E taking the starring role.
Tune in now.
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