Rising LGBTQ+ pop star and YouTube sensation Jay Alan is premiering his music video, for his single Don’t Call Me today, exclusively on Pop Hearts TV!
The single is off his recently released his six-track debut EP, Play Pretend, which also features Something Slow to Dance To and Got Feelings. The Indiana-raised/Boston-based indie pop artist also took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with Pop Hearts about writing the vulnerable and heartbreaking single, creating the EP and what goes into making his music and writing process.
Since 2019, he has amassed nearly 2 million streams on his independent releases on his YouTube channel, proving coming from a small town in Indiana won’t stop him from making an impact on the music industry. Alan’s debut EP, Play Pretend, is a storybook of young love told through a gay lens, set to a colorful dream pop soundscape.
Check out the premiere of Don’t Call Me and read our interview below!
We are excited to premiere your video for Don’t Call Me. It details your first heartbreak. Your vocals are absolutely stunning on the track! What made you decide to share such a vulnerable moment with the world?
Jay Alan “As songwriters, our music is a reflection of our own lives and experiences. A lot of my songs, like this one, aren’t necessarily happy. It’s therapy for me to compartmentalize my feelings into music. I think the story of Don’t Call Me can resonate with just about anybody. I want my listeners to feel the same kind of catharsis I did when they hear it.”
In the stripped-down version we hear you playing the piano beautifully. How long have you been playing? Do you play any other instruments or are there any you want to learn one day?
“Thank you so much! My parents put me in piano lessons when I was about 6, but it didn’t really stick. Around 13-years-old, I started teaching myself chords and songs so I could accompany myself. The piano has been my favorite instrument ever since. I can play a few chords on guitar as well, but I definitely want to get better with it. A little fun fact about me is that I actually played the oboe in my middle school band. I’m sure I wouldn’t remember any of it now, but it’s funny to think about.”
Your EP, Play Pretend has been out a little over a month now. You’ve described it as a “storybook of young love.” What journey can fans listening expect to go on?
“My biggest goal is that fans can see some of themselves in my music. Sometimes I get caught up in writing songs that I think people want to hear, but this EP truly feels like a representation of me. Each of these songs is about a different chapter in my life—some are happy, some are sad, and one is just flat out angry. I want listeners to feel all of those emotions and hopefully bring some sort of peace or comfort to their lives.”
When creating your EP did you have an idea of what you wanted it to sound like or did it evolve organically?
“I’ve worked with my producer and good friend Travis Heidelman for a few years now, so the “sound” was already pretty established. However, the development of the EP itself was organic… We didn’t really have a plan for how the project would relate, and more so approached each song individually. When we put them in set order though, we realized that we almost unconsciously did tell a broader story about love.”
You just opened for Alec Benjamin, WOW, so fun! What was that like for you? How did the opportunity come about? Anything you can share with us about the experience?
Jay Alan “It was the most incredible show I’ve ever been a part of! The energy of the audience was so insane, and I truly just had the most fun. At one point, the stage lights turned completely off, and the audience lit me up with their iPhone flashlights… It was one of those moments I’ve dreamed of my whole life.
I worked with a group called the Berklee Popular Music Institute from my college to find this opportunity! They help bridge the gap between touring artists and students/alumni, and opening for an artist like Alec Benjamin is a huge milestone for me. I also opened for EVAN GIIA last October, and I’m looking forward to doing more performances this summer!”
What’s next for you? Anything you can share with us?
“The EP has been out for a little over a month now, and I’m ready to get back into the studio. My creative voice kind of took a backseat while I’ve been promoting my EP, but I’d really love to release more music this year. I already have some songs written that I want to record, so EP #2 is on the way!”
Thank you to Jay Alan for letting us premiere his new video for Don’t Call Me and for chatting with us!
Make sure to follow him on his social media!
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