Premiere • Jaro: La Bleue EP

La Bleue is a followup to La Rouge. From initial infatuation to eventual doubt, this project follows a journey throughout the highs and lows of a relationship. A sort of excerpt, of a moment in time in my life. I wanted to be able to tell a story with the production. I'm glad to have friends that were able to help bring the story to life. Throughout the process, I've been trying to figure myself out. Self awareness is so important, yet something a lot of us seem to lack. I hope to find my way soon. I also hope you're doing well.

“Self awareness is so important, yet something a lot of us seem to lack. I hope to find my way soon.””

— Jaro

Throughout 2016, Jaro has been seen/heard releasing an EP (as well as a significant amount of loose singles) with group Beach Jesus. While the trio recently released a new number, Jaro has been spending more time honing in on his own craft and delivering with his own unique sound. Eclectronica, he once jokingly called it, but maybe he's right. 

After releasing La Rouge back in April, Jaro has been preparing for a proper follow-up. More melancholy in style, it's only right that this EP is titled La Bleue. With features from fellow Chicago collaborators Cae Jones, Aura (of Iris Temple), Qari, Luke Olson (of The Walters), Elias Abid, as well as both vocalists from Beach Jesus, La Bleue is a four song performance piece, a heartbroken testament that demands more than one listen for proper digestion. With three projects under his belt halfway through 2016, I spoke with Jaro a bit about his new release as well as what we can expect from him in the future. 

TheseDays: Tell me a bit about the process for making this four song EP. 

Jaro: This year has really been about honing in on my skills as a producer and recording engineering. This project allowed me to do just that. I was fortunate to have such talented friends come by and help me bring this project to life. Working with someone on a song from start to finish rather than sending stems through email can really make a world of difference.

TheseDays: How would you describe La Bleue to a stranger on the street?

Jaro: I don't really speak to strangers on the streets.

TheseDays: What are some inspirations (movies, books, musicians) you gathered from this release?

Jaro: I'm inspired by all of my friends and people that made this project possible. I'm inspired by the good times, the bad times, and the dark times. I'm inspired by every girl that I've ever loved.

TheseDays: How would you compare La Bleue to La Rouge?

Jaro: I was trying to figure things out on La Rouge. I'm still trying to figure things out now but things are starting to come together. I'm slowly able to envision a story in my head and bring it to life. I'm not quite there yet, but I can see it. This project feels more personal. More evolved. Everything from the production to the vocals and writing really hits me in a personal way.

TheseDays: Your EP is all Chicago, but your sound seems more influenced by the web than the Windy City. Care to speak on this?

Jaro: Chicago is a great musical hub to be immersed in, but it's just that, a hub. I feel like some people get too complacent and everything starts sounding washed together. I don't know. There's so much out there. The internet makes it possible to listen to sounds from the other side of the world. I find myself extremely inspired by a lot of the music that's been coming out of Sydney and the UK lately. That being said, some of my favorite artists are still definitely coming out of Chicago.

Love can be a difficult compromise. We begin to lose our independence, as routine becomes stagnant. Sometimes, we convince ourselves that it's okay to be selfish. To take that job. To make that move. To sacrifice the relationship for a change. But if something's not broken, should it be fixed? Is that so bad? I hope not. But I still can't say for certain. "Co-dependent, that money, pussy, power struggle... that's life. Wonder why you're tryna make me out to be the bad guy..." - @LongLiveCarl "Damn near banned from everywhere you wanna be. Sand near me 'cuz I like to visit beaches" - @Jessiath Written and performed by @LongLiveCarl and @Jessiath Produced and Recorded by Jaro Mixed by Jaro and @MixedByDarwin Photo by @NeonPajamas Premiered via @MassAppeal http://massappeal.com/premiere-jaro-bad-guy-qari-jommis/

TheseDays: What else can we expect from you in 2016?

Jaro: I'm really just experimenting with my sound right now and continuously trying to get better. I'm already looking towards my next project, which will probably be solely producer features. I've been working on some of the hottest music of my life with the homies Iris Temple and Banks the Genius, so definitely be sure to look out for that. I've got some songs with lasko that'll hopefully be out soon. Got some more hits with the Beach, obviously. I'm also producing a few side projects for people here and there, along with a weekly collaborative series, featuring various artists around the city that I'm really excited about. The music that we've been making during those sessions is extremely huge. I've been working on one of my favorite songs ever with Cory Grindberg, that man is wild. Also shouts to BoatHouse, we've got some heaters in the works. Kinda crazy how busy I've been.

TheseDays: Any final words/thoughts/shout-outs?

Jaro: Shouts to all my friends that inspire me daily, you know who you are.