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The end of 2018 saw J Fernandez drop Occasional Din; we mentioned it on several occasions here. Well, he’s coming into Austin for the shenanigans, so let’s get right to the point! Here’s another SXSW interview for those folks out there putting together their list; let’s hope he’s on yours!
J Fernandez will be releasing what will surely be a lovely collection of pristine pop this Friday via Joyful Noise, and just dropped a new track/video for “Volcanic Winter.” This song shows off how subtleties are Fernandez’ game and he is indeed the master of said game. A simple bass line and easy drum beat greet you before the track really launches in on its covert attack on your attention. You get some gentle twangy guitar and then a squeal of synth rises in sound and Fernandez’ vocals enter. His vocals have this warm, yet hollow, quality to them; you hang on every word as he paints a picture of a desolate landscape. These twinkling synths patter in and out of the heavily layered mix, and you’re simply hooked. It’s a grand track that presents itself meekly at your feet–prepare for repeated listening.
Occasional Din willbe out this Friday, 11/9. Grab your copy here.
The end of the year is rapidly approaching, which means we’ve got to get our year-end list started! But, before we go that route, there’s still a few solid releases hanging on in 2018, like this forthcoming LP from J Fernandez. It has this timeless blend of classic pop arrangements, and structures, with some psychedelic guitar touches bringing the kids back to the table. There are some electronic elements that create the perfect cocoon to wrap around J’s melodies, and in such a way that there’s just a hint of oddity, so you’re guaranteed to steer clear of run of the mill. Occasional Din will be out on November 9th via Joyful Noise.
J Fernandez caught my attention with his soft approach to psych rock a little while back, but when I heard this new single from the gentleman, I fell in love all over again. “Between The Channels” combines everything you love about psych rock with some string work to make a solid track that will have you marveling at how the two pair so nicely. Many Levels of Laughter is out June 9th via Joyful Noise Recordings. Preorder it here.
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J Fernandez is a Chicago based musician who is on the cusp of releasing his debut album of low-key psychedelic influenced rock. The song below is the first single from that upcoming album, Many Levels Of Laughter, which is out June 9th here in the U.S. “Read My Mind” makes me excited to hear that new album, as the laid-back tune packs a subtle kick that will linger in your head all day long. While it may not seem like it at first, this song has a lot going on within its 3:45 span, including retr0-synth that runs through the duration and of course, Fernandez’s oddly calming monotone vocals.
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I hadn’t really heard of J Fernandez or his previous EPs, but now that I’ve been subject to his latest single, I think I’ve got some work to do. There’s something in his writing that reminds me of this weird blend of Dent May and Toro y Moi, yet it sounds wholly original. You’ll hear these quiet little vocal touches working against the main vocal fold, and that’s what really sold me; it’s like listening to an insider secret on what’s going on. We’ll hear more from J on October 14th when his latest EP, Memorize Now, gets a worldwide release.
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