July 26, 2024 |
Inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Erykah Badu and Sade, South London’s Jaz Karis is a powerhouse of timeless, soulful talent. She began playing the piano age seven and was the youngest member of her church choir as a teenager, fuelling her passion for live instruments and performing. In her early years, her parents immersed her in the world of old school R&B music, sharing their love for the likes of Barry White, Craig David and Chaka Khan with her and building the foundation for her refreshingly new, yet familiar sound.
Today, Karis has sold out headline shows and toured alongside acclaimed artists including Raye and Tom Misch. With over one million monthly listeners on Spotify, Karis has undoubtedly solidified herself as one of the leading figures in the UK’s thriving music scene, even receiving continuous support from household names like Diplo and DJ Target.
Produced by Grammy-award-winning producer Needlz, her latest single ‘Sunset Blvd’ takes us to the blissful West Coast. Bursting with warmth and joy, the song describes Karis’ experience of being in love in L.A, cruising down the motorways and eating ice cream on sunny days… The ultimate euphoria. The gentle bass line, her smooth tones and the summery melody take her listeners on a journey down the iconic strip, while the song’s noteworthy lyricism beautifully paints a picture of all the emotions she feels as she drives. Embarking alongside the love of her life, Karis offers listeners a taste of summer romance.
As she releases the dreamy single, we sat down with Karis to talk about what inspires her, her dream collaboration and her favourite spot post show for a drink!
1. You just released a new single, ’Sunset Blvd’ – what inspired this song?
Sunset Blvd is one of my favourite songs I’ve made. I felt like I was really talking my ‘ish! It’s calm and collected, and reflects how it feels to love in LA.
2. How would you describe the sound of Sunset Blvd in three words?
Carefree, warm and smooth.
3. What do you hope listeners will feel when they listen to Sunset Blvd?
I hope that when people listen to this song they smile. I hope this song makes them feel as happy as I did when making it. Head bops and smiles all summer long!
4. You’ve collaborated with multiple artists over the last few months – what impact do these collaborations have on your creative development?
I love watching musicians I’m a personal fan of work, and this experience was truly so insightful for me. To watch them approach their verse in comparison to mine was a really great experience.
5. If you had to listen to only three tracks for the rest of your life, what would they be?
This question is pure evil! If I had to choose it’d be ‘No Regrets’ by Ella Fitzgerald, ‘Waiting In Vain’ by Bob Marley and ‘No Ordinary Love’ by Sade.
6. If you could collaborate with one artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
Frank Ocean.
7. How has London influenced your sound?
South London is definitely a huge part of my personality and informs how I feel in certain places. I think taking pride and paying homage to my upbringing in South is becoming more and more important to me as I grow up. I can definitely see it with the cadence I song-write in.
8. Favourite spot for a post show drink?
Depends where I am, but you can’t go wrong at Prince of Peckham.
9. Who is one upcoming artist that everyone should have on their radar?
I have just discovered Leo Pesci and love him!
10. What can fans expect from you in the upcoming year?
My greatest music to date, and my first tour!
Photography by Lucero Glow. Text by Garcie Collins and Keren Kabongo.
