Jay Som Returns with New Album "Belong" After Six-Year Hiatus
Jay Som, the musical project by Melina Duterte, is set to make a grand return with her highly anticipated album Belong, releasing on October 10 via Polyvinyl Records. This marks her first album in six years, following the critically acclaimed Anak Ko in 2019.
Collaborations and Featured Tracks
Duterte’s new work features collaborations with several notable artists, including Hayley Williams of Paramore, Lexi Vega of Mini Trees, and Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World. Two tracks from the album have already been revealed: “Float,” featuring Adkins, and “A Million Reasons Why.” The music video for “Float,” directed by Nina Ljeti, serves as an homage to Jimmy Eat World’s iconic “The Middle.”
In a statement regarding the song “Float,” Duterte expressed, “This song is about desperately trying to hold on to past versions of yourself for self-preservation. The fear of the unknown is so overwhelming that sometimes the best solution is to sit with it instead of fighting or running from it.”
Recent Activities and Future Plans
Since the release of Anak Ko, Jay Som has been busy in collaborations with artists such as Troye Sivan and Anjimile, and she has contributed her talents as a producer and engineer to projects like Boygenius’ The Record and Lucy Dacus’ Forever Is a Feeling. Additionally, she played a role in the soundtrack for Jane Schoenbrun’s film I Saw the TV Glow.
Following a summer tour supporting Dacus, Duterte is set to embark on her own headlining tour across Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom. This tour includes performances at significant events such as the Pitchfork Music Festival in both Paris and London.
Tracklist for "Belong"
The tracklist for Belong is as follows:
- Cards on the Table
- Float [ft. Jim Adkins]
- What You Need
- Appointments
- Drop A
- Past Lives [ft. Hayley Williams]
- D.H.
- Casino Stars
- Meander/Sprouting Wings
- A Million Reasons Why
- Want It All
Belong is already generating buzz within the music community, reaffirming Jay Som’s position as a significant force in the indie music scene.
Conclusion: Eager Anticipation and Impact
The release of Belong represents not only a personal milestone for Melina Duterte but also an eagerly awaited offering to her fans and the broader music community. With a blend of poignant themes and collaborative efforts, the album is poised to make a meaningful impact. As fans anticipate the release, the early glimpses of its lyrical depth and musical breadth hint at a work that resonates with both introspection and artistic growth.
To listen to the shared singles, visit:
For purchasing the album, check out Rough Trade.
