When a song has the power to transport you somewhere else, you know it’s special. The latest release from Jorja Smith, for example, has us sitting in a darkened corner of a hushed and smokey low-lit room. Her third release this week, “Carry Me Home” sees the 19-year-old northerner team up with longtime friend and collaborator Maverick Sabre, whose gentle vocals intertwine with her own. “It’s very important to be understood in order to create the art you want and love,” Jorja says of their creative partnership. “Working with someone with a similar mindset who is able to empathize and get into different characters is amazing because the ideas can be endless.” Speaking of which, there’s a full minute of beautiful poetry from London’s Thea Gajic, who contemplates the complexities of love. Get to know Jorja a little better as you take in “Carry Me Home,” taken from her forthcoming debut EP Project 11.
What is the best thing anybody has ever said about your music?
My friend texted me saying that some of his boys in prison said they’ve been listening to “Blue Lights” and it’s been helping them. That meant a lot.
Project 11 is out next week. What’s it all about?
There are four tracks that are all different but they take you on a little journey. They go through subjects of love, loneliness, back to love and then finishes off a little bit political.
What do you want to say with your record?
I’d like to tell people to be real with themselves, but it’s up to the people when they listen to create their own interpretation of what I’m saying to them.
You’re now performing with a full band. Does that change how you feel on stage?
I’ve only performed once with them for a recorded session, and we’ve only had one rehearsal, so I don’t know how I will feel when I get on stage but I’m so excited! They’re all so talented.
On”People” you said, “We don’t stand a chance at all.” Does the current political situation make you feel helpless or inspired to somehow make a change?
I feel very inspired. When people are sad, in trouble, stressed, or face any kind of emotion or problem, they can turn to music. I’d like to be a voice that people want to turn to in hard times, and either say something positive in order to make a change, or talk about what’s happening in order to open some people’s eyes.
What’re you obsessed with at the moment?
I’m obsessed with Diggs Duke’s music and American Horror Story.
What did you do on your last day off?
Cooked chicken noodles properly — not out of a packet.
You’ve already come so far this year. What do you consider your biggest achievement in 2016?
Everything! I am really happy and proud of everything I’ve done and am about to do in 2016. There have been too many highlights. I was very pleased to be nominated for Best Song at the MOBOS, and am so glad to be recognized.
What are your personal and professional goals for 2017?
To be more chill, and try not to overthink things. These are both very difficult for me. I don’t really have any major professional goals, but I just want to be writing more and performing everywhere.
Listen to the rest of Project 11 here.
Credits
Text Frankie Dunn