We’ve seen the
Manchester-born,
London–
based
JAXN invoke the spirit of Britpop (
‘One Kiss’) and ‘90s pop-punk (
‘Foolin’ Around’) for a new generation, but today sees the songwriter, producer and musician take a fresh approach to modern nostalgia with the new single
‘Freakshow’.
LISTEN HERE.Opening with a Strokes-esque, garage-rock guitar riff, JAXN’s genre-splicing mash-up of hip-hop, indie and big beat energy also brings to mind prime Jamie T. But JAXN’s riotous rhymes are full of his own personality as he invites fans to embrace its bizarre side and “come to join the freakshow.” While it’s a song that celebrates the individuality of the outsiders and misfits among his fans, it’s also a Halloween anthem in the making. “Meet me in the shadows, where the living meets the dead,” he sings as he introduces a song that’s a perfect addition to this season’s petrifying playlists.
JAXN says, “I wanted to write a song which would unearth a darker energy, touch upon a part of me and my relationships I have kept a secret up until now. Freakshow is a song I can’t wait to perform live, I envisage everyone jumping around in unison losing their inhibitions completely”.
‘Freakshow’ is written by JAXN and Jesse Fink, produced by JAXN and Jack Laboz.
This summer has seen JAXN step out of the studio for his first live shows, which have included a BBC Music Introducingshow in Manchester and a London headline gig at Paper Dress Vintage. JAXN started playing bass as a child due to his love of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and especially Flea. As with his passion for art (he still creates all of the imagery that surrounds his music), he went all in and soon added guitar, keyboards, drums and eventually production to his list of talents.
When it came to writing his own music, his influences also included the likes of OutKast, Blur, N.E.R.D. and The Cure. Those sonic touchpoints were supplemented by the power of his imagination and remembering everything from the gaming to the films of his childhood. It’s a blend which sets him apart: completely relevant to a 2022 audience (see also his 1.1 million likes at TikTok) while reanimating elements of the pop culture they grew up around.
