Jai’Len Josey Is Finally Choosing Herself - °1824 Press Conference

Before the release of her new album Serial Romantic, R&B singer-songwriter Jai’Len Josie took the time to chat with us at a °1824 press conference to discuss the personal themes behind her project. From her Broadway roots and Atlanta upbringing to her evolving relationship with self-love, vulnerability, and identity, the singer opened up about the experiences that shaped both the album and her personal growth. Serial Romantic marks a new chapter for Jai’Len, defined by emotional growth, authenticity, and learning to finally choose herself.

The Broadway star’s music career was largely influenced by her theatrical background. Performing on Broadway amplified her dramatic personality and gave her the courage to make and perform her own music. “I think that without Broadway, I don't know where my personality would be,” said Jai’Len. “But I do know that as dramatic as I am, Serial Romantic is definitely dramatic because of Broadway.”

Growing up in Atlanta also played a large role in her music and shaped her identity. “The love that the city has, it's inevitable for it to have been in my music [and] embedded in me,” said Jai’Len. “Regardless of what genre I touch, regardless of wherever I go, I will bring Atlanta with me and I'm grateful that I get to do that for my city.”

Creating music has revealed to her how intensely focused and immersed she becomes when creating. “I need to be submerged in what I'm making. When I'm within my music, I don't want to think about anything else but creating music,” said Jai’Len. “I could be a bossy person to myself when I'm working.”

She also finds inspiration for her creative process in unusual places such as quiet early morning moments alone in her Jeep while driving to the gym. Those solitary experiences are deeply personal and spiritual for her, as the stillness and discipline of forcing herself to get up helps her reflect, journal, and write honestly about emotions she normally wouldn’t speak about. Those moments helped inspire Serial Romantic’s themes of selflessness, liberation, and emotional vulnerability.

Jai’Len reflected on the growth between her first album Southern Delicacy and her new album Serial Romantic. Now 27, she carries the teachings of her grandfather, father, and grandmother into both her personal experiences and her music. “Within writing, I still implement what they've taught me and the love that they've given me so that I'm able to pour into the songs that I write and give that love to whoever listens.”

For Jai’Len, Serial Romantic is as much about self-acceptance and embracing her identity as a Black woman as it is about love. Although the project revolves around loving genuinely, she sometimes feels pressure to make herself seem smaller or less intimidating. “I do sometimes feel like maybe I have to shrink so that people know I have a good heart, only mean the best, want great friendships, and that I want great love,” said Jai’Len.

“At the end of the album, I begin to be selfish because I can't be anybody else but myself. And I don't want to shrink,” she explained. Even if she feels judgement from others for standing tall and being her bubbly self, she prioritizes being herself over other people’s comfort. “That is something that I want to portray for other Black girls too,” said Jai’Len.”

“We should be able to stand tall and be bubbly and in love with life. Yes, I have my trials and things that I do go through as a Black woman,” she said. “But at the end of the day, I can't be anybody but myself, and I hope that that comes through truthfully within music.”

Since her last EP, Southern Delicacy, the singer has experienced personal growth with her maturity and mental health. Back then, she was anxious and would overthink others’ opinions instead of focusing on enjoying her life and experiences. “The difference from Southern Delicacy to now is that I'm enjoying the experiences that are coming my way, good or bad,” said Jai’Len.

This growth is reflected in Serial Romantic, which is ultimately about learning to be selfish after being selfless for so long. “Being a serial romantic means all of the trials that you go through, through different relationships and experiences with family or whoever you give your heart to. Knowing that at the end of the day, you can't pour into somebody's cup if you don't have anything to pour,” explained Jai’Len.

She hopes listeners take this message from Serial Romantic that it’s okay to be selfish and prioritize themselves. People can get stuck in unhealthy emotional cycles with their relationships, but it’s okay to break that cycle and change. “We have long lives that we get to live [and] a long time to experience experiences,” said Jai’Len. “I want people to know that it is okay to break away from what they're in right now so that they can find a better experience to live in.”