JWords.
Isaac Campbell / via the artist
The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.
Turning on a project by JWords abruptly dunks you into her stream of consciousness. Whether on solo albums or collaborative projects as one half of H31R with maassai, JWords’s blinking, blooping instrumentals offer pensive-yet-propulsive backdrops for unvarnished inner monologues. The net result is a heady, off-kilter blend of introspection and insistent electronic beats, a snapshot of those moments when you’re a little too turnt at the club and your mind starts to race.
Yet Sound Therapy is neither as stressful as that description, nor as calm as its title. Instead, JWords tugs jumpy listeners onto the dancefloor, treating the club not as escapism but catharsis. Sometimes, she’ll let her synths do all the talking, as on woozy thumper “FELT” or the shimmering groove of “Gr8ful.” But the strongest moments on Sound Therapy are when JWords talks us through our emotions, whether she’s feeling lovelorn (“LoveCrime”), detached (“void 222”), or locked in, as on album standout “Clarity.” Her verses inevitably circle around to JWords’ interiority, and so her bars begin to feel sage-like, personal mantras etched into the memory via guided meditation over four on the floor beats.
JWords fans in NYC can catch her performing Sound Therapy live at Nightclub 101 on Thursday, June 11. Ahead of the show, The FADER caught up with JWords over email to chat about people misunderstanding her lyrics, being “somewhat scared” to get a tattoo, and her favorite performance from this year’s Dweller festival.
The FADER: What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
JWords: I’m from Union City, NJ and it's a very small city. I guess the coolest thing to do is take a nice walk in the reservoir, there’s also a fresh bread bakery that I love to get bread from.
Tell us about the first album you bought and why.
The first album I told my parents to buy me was Goodies by Ciara. I loved Ciara as a kid and when that album came out I had to have it haha.
What was the last movie you watched?
I recently rewatched the movie Soul that came out in 2020. This was my second time watching it; honestly when it first came out I thought it was a bit cheesy but after rewatching it recently, it’s probably one of the best movies I’ve ever watched. My review: It captures how our lives are for living, not to accomplish any goals. The journey to our goals is what matters, not the destination. It was crazy to see that the main character finally got the opportunity to do what he was waiting for only to feel a bit empty and realizing he was living his life already. 10/10
What’s the ideal level of fame and why?
I honestly just want a solid fanbase that enjoys my music, I wanna perform around the world and be able to afford to live off my music. I don’t see myself being a celebrity tho.
Kyla Mae / via the artist
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
I like to play video games. My favorite video game at the moment is Animal Crossing. I also love taking long walks at the park, hanging out with my friends. I have been trying to spend my time experiencing new fun things in the city, so far I went to the botanical garden with my sister. I want to go to more museums and the aquarium.
What’s a motto you think everyone should live by?
"At the end of the day, the day gotta end.” Life isn’t perfect but at least we get another chance the next day.
Explain a lyric of yours that people misunderstand.
Hm, not sure if people misunderstand my lyrics, but I do want to explain the lyrics on ‘void 222’ song, it’s just about figuring out what I’m avoiding in my life to become the best version of myself.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
I got these flat shoes from the GU recently for $40. I love them and the price.
Tell us about your favorite tattoo or accessory.
I sadly don’t have any tattoos, I’ve been somewhat scared to get one but my favorite accessory is this elephant necklace I got in Guatemala.
Show us the last meme you saved to your phone:
I saw someone sell this on facebook market place haha.
Best advice you’ve gotten:
‘Give yourself grace from time to time’
Worst advice you’ve gotten:
‘You’re dreams aren’t always possible’
Describe the best concert you’ve attended.
I recently seen JunglePussy at Dweller and it was such a great performance, her stage presence and confidence was so amazing. I would love to see her perform live again.
What’s a song you’d want to remix and why?
I would fake want to remix GENA "HOWWEFLOW" just because I love that song so much hahhaa.
Describe your perfect afternoon.
Take a long walk around the park, after get some good food, maybe solo dinner vibes and go to a good restaurant. After, walk home, smoke a spliff and play Animal Crossing.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
I’m excited to perform my new album live. I’ve coded some visuals and have some nice soundscape vibes that aren’t on the album but are part of the performance.
What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
My grocery list - butter, broccoli, chicken wings, ground beef, cocojune, pepper, banana, onion, sweet potato, potato
Isaac Campbell / via the artist.
