Jay Som's Return with 'Belong': A Journey of Collaboration and Self-Discovery

Melina Duterte, known as Jay Som, is set to release her first album in over six years, titled *Belong*, on October 6, 2023. This album marks a significant return for the Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, who has gained recognition not only for her solo work but also for her contributions as a producer and collaborator with various indie artists, including Lucy Dacus and boygenius. *Belong* features collaborations with notable artists such as Hayley Williams of Paramore and Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World.

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Duterte's creative journey for *Belong* was shaped by her experiences working with other musicians, which at times led to self-doubt regarding her identity as an artist. She reflected on moments of questioning whether to abandon her solo project in favor of a full-time production career. “For the longest time I remember thinking, ‘Should I just give up Jay Som and become a full-time producer?’” she shared, highlighting the imposter syndrome she faced during the album's creation.

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The album is described as a blend of various influences, with Duterte stating, “I want to sound like other people.” This approach has resulted in a diverse sound palette throughout the record, with tracks inspired by artists like Cloud Nothings and Broken Social Scene. Dacus praised the album's eclectic mix, noting that “no sounds are off limits.”

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The collaborative spirit of *Belong* is evident in its production, co-built with Joao Gonzalez, who reached out to Duterte after being inspired by a Peter Bjorn and John track. The lead single, “What You Need,” encapsulates this collaborative ethos, emerging from a demo created during a challenging time marked by wildfires in Los Angeles. Duterte expressed that the song was a response to the community's resilience during adversity.

Jay Som has released new track ‘What You Need’ from her forthcoming album ‘Belong’

Looking ahead, Duterte envisions a future filled with new collaborations and opportunities. She aims to explore working with international artists, particularly from Japan and Korea, and hopes to introduce her music to younger audiences who may not be familiar with her earlier work.

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Dacus remarked on Duterte's multifaceted talent, stating, “I think she has room to be way less humble; she can pretty much do everything and anything.” This sentiment reflects the growing recognition of Duterte's capabilities as both an artist and a producer.

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While Duterte has received praise for her work, she has also faced the internal struggle of balancing her identity as a solo artist with her role as a producer. This conflict has led to moments of doubt about her place in the music industry, a common experience among artists navigating multiple roles.

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As *Belong* approaches its release, Duterte is focused on performing her music live, expressing excitement about sharing her songs with audiences on tour. She anticipates a busy schedule ahead, balancing her solo career with her production work, and is eager to continue evolving as an artist.

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• “For the longest time I remember thinking, ‘Should I just give up Jay Som and become a full-time producer?’” — Melina Duterte, Jay Som

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• “I want to sound like other people,” — Melina Duterte, Jay Som

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• “I think she has room to be way less humble; she can pretty much do everything and anything.” — Lucy Dacus, Musician

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