Jean Deaux Slows Down On new EP ‘nowhere, fast'

Jean Deaux finds time on her new EP nowhere, fast to slow down and acclimatise to the realisation that as the end of her twenties nears feelings of grace are deserved as she takes in all that she has accomplished so far.

Like all of us, there is always a feeling that we aren’t simply doing enough, that despite our best efforts we are not where we want to be but rather, set adrift in a sea of stagnation. This is what makes the project so relatable.

“It’s about coming to the end of your 20-somethings and feeling everything has been such a blur, from childhood to young adulthood, to now just being who I am.

Everything has flown past me and I feel like I’ve come so far but at the same time, so many things look the same. So many things blend in with each other into the background", Jean confides.

The coming-of-age story, which consists of 8 tracks and following HEAVY, is released by GUIN Records and begins with ‘Intro’ an honest expression of Jean’s thoughts and feelings as she talks about the stifling sensations she feels in her life and her desire for movement.

Gently played synths and upbeat percussion lays the foundation of the diary-like ‘Dreamin’. Melodies are sung softly as Jean enquires to see if she’s still on a past love interest’s mind,  and in between she seamlessly transitions into a silky rap verse.

The electronic and trippy ‘TWUG (That’s What U Get)’ provides a nice contrast to R&B vocals in an exploration of a casual romantic experience. Jean cautions as she mentions wanting to keep things light, she sings “Don’t ruin the fun now/ if you get too high you’ll hate it coming down.

The sounds darken on the seductive and smooth ‘Roll With Me’ as Jean opens up about a romantic encounter that manifested from vibing with someone in the club, capturing the essence of club culture, she paints a vivid picture with language.

‘Situations (Interlude)’, acts as a bridge into part two of the project which is signalled by ‘Believe It’. There’s a harmonious feeling to ‘Believe It’ that’s reinforced by the looped guitar rift and the sampled male vocals.

That harmony is proof of the clarity that Jean is experiencing as a result of what she has had to go through to reach this point. She sings “City girl, world of doubt / walkin’ this uncertain ground / Storm was chasin’ stayed the route.”

‘Thinkin’ is more urgent. Featuring Destin Conrad and  produced by Grammy-nominated producer LIDO, it’s a beautifully weaved tale of deep love and understanding how to be a better partner

‘Outro’ finishes the project as we listen to a conversation between Jean and a friend who urges her to fully focus on betterment both spiritually and financially rather than look for distractions.

Offering a final thought of the project, Jean says “I’ve always felt like this ‘Where’s Waldo’ figure in the middle of the busiest planet in the galaxy. Trying to find my pace, my rhythm, and fearing that I won’t catch it in time and life is going to pass me by.”

“As I’m healing through those feelings and getting to a place where I’m establishing my life & who I am, and I'm getting to those answers—before I get there, I want to explore this feeling that I am now. The feeling that’s encouraged me to transition and graduate into the next feeling of my life.” 

Jean Deaux has also announced her forthcoming US 5-city ‘Nowhere, Fast’ Tour that starts on June 17th in Atlanta, GA.

Listen here