Rising pop artist Jae XO is entering a new era with their single Dancin’ in the Full Moon. The high-energy track was built on ritual, emotion, and queer power. We sat down with Jae as they opened up about their inspiration, creative habits, and what it means to build a career as an independent trans artist.
Jae said the song began with a personal moment. They shared that it was a strong feeling they couldn’t keep inside.
“There are some things that are simply too powerful to just feel, so we speak them. And every once in a while those things are too powerful to only speak, so we sing them,” Jae said. “When something that powerful comes to me, I know I have to share it.”
Jae shared how the track came together quite quickly compared to what they’ve written before. For artists like Jae, inspiration can strike at any moment.
“I can be walking down the street when a melody pops into my head or making tea when I feel a beat,” Jae said. When the idea feels like it could be a full song, Jae sits at a piano to build chords and lyrics. Some music comes quickly. Other songs take years.
“Dancin’ in the Full Moon” carries a mystical and witchy tone, something Jae attributes to a personal spiritual practice. Still, Jae keeps much of that world private. “My music is the part of my magic that I share far and wide,” Jae said.
The song leans into sexier pop elements. Jae’s goal was to create a fun Halloween track that listeners could enjoy. “I want the whole world to sing along to my music,” Jae said. “These fun catchy hooks are the way to kickstart that energy.”
Jae worked with producer Velvet Code and Grammy-winning engineer Denise Barbarita on the single. “The direction Denise gives me in the studio takes me from being a singer to an artist,” Jae said. “I am so lucky to be making music with them.”
Looking ahead, Jae hopes to collaborate with artists Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Lorde, and Adam Lambert. Jae also hopes to work with designer John Mangru and makeup artist Andrew Dahling.
Jae also spoke about the reality of being a trans artist in today’s music world. Though there is increasing trans visibility, there are still challenges that remain.
“I want us to be seen and respected and streamed and sell tickets at the same level as all the main pop girlies,” Jae said. “We have to work harder and make more content in hopes that we can catch up.”
Jae’s work is rooted in resilience and pride. Their trans journey has helped them evolve into the artist they are now.
“It took a long time for me to fully see and accept my true self,” Jae said. “Right now that is the journey, and a lot of the stories I tell will hold that truth. But I look forward to the day that we will be on the other side, and I will get to tell those stories with my music.”
“I want my listeners to feel powerful when they listen, like there is nothing in the entire universe that could ever hold them back from dancing in the light of the full moon.”
Dancin’ in the Full Moon is out now on all major streaming platforms. You can follow @jaexo.music for updates on new music and performances.
Be the first to comment