British-born, Florida-raised, and of Jamaican roots, eejebee is more than a musician; he’s a multi-dimensional artist, songwriter, and producer. Self-taught, he shapes vibrations to create music with the intentionality to heal, transcend and connect. eejebee’s music is a spiritual practice; deeply rooted in the soulful traditions of gospel, jazz, reggae and pop, yet daringly boundary-pushing in its fusion of genres and styles. Inspired by his travels and the cultures he encounters, his nomadic lifestyle shines through in every note. Collaborating and touring with a diverse range of artists, he has quietly influenced the industry, but now, stepping into the spotlights independently, his artistry is marked by spontaneity, rawness, and unwavering commitment to spreading positive energy.
Stepping into the spotlight with his solo career Bonded chat to eejebee as he unveils his debut single 'Surf Club.' Infusing the track with a vibrant blend of pop world influences, eejebee invites the eclectic sounds of FKJ and the charismatic vocals of Paloma Monappa to the track. The single sets the tone for eejebee's unique artistic vision, promising a captivating fusion of genres and cultures in his emerging musical repertoire.
eejebee_SURF.STORIES ©
Could you share some insights about your musical journey so far?
Music has always been a spiritual practice for me. From an early age, it has been a way to bring healing to the soul and connect to God.
You've worked with notable artists like Little Simz, FKJ, Yazmin Lacey, and SAULT. How have these collaborations shaped your musical style and approach?
My musical style comes from my family surrounding me by soul, gospel, reggae, jazz and pop as a child. My dad used to make soul cd’s for my mother, those songs will always stick with me. Riding in my uncle’s car in Florida, I was introduced to smooth jazz. Spending time with my family in New Jersey, I was introduced to dancehall. My mother would always listen to gospel reggae songs. My brother introduced me to pop songs.
In regards to the names you mentioned - FKJ is always teaching me key tools to being an artist. He is helpful in ways beyond music and shares his experiences, while guiding me in an honest and pure way. Simz showed me the work ethic it takes to survive as an artist and to continue to trust yourself. Yazmin taught me how to believe in myself more. Inflo taught me that I am on the right path and to be relentless with intention.
How have you found adjusting from being a session musician to being an independent artist?
I understand that I have to present myself in the way I want to be seen. This is why dropping my own art and deciding to build on my vision is so important to me. I think making the decision to be an artist from previous session playing is bold and brave because there isn’t a safety net of depending on someone else’s career to survive. It’s all on you. Which has been the biggest learning curve, but a sign of growth which I am grateful for.
eejebee_SURF.STORIES © & Graphic Design by Silvia Camargo
Surf Club is now streaming everywhere. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this track?
I was doing an artist residency in Sri Lanka, which is a huge attraction for surfing. I would wake up every morning and see beginner surfers in the sea. Everyone who I was around at the time were also surfers. I was making the beat one night and the lyrics just came to me. This is proof that we are a product of our environment.
The song is a reflection of how we are all figuratively surfers, navigating the waves of life, riding the ebb and flow. Shout out to Closenberg Hotel, Emanuel Siddhartha, Paloma and Tropical Wax Studios.
How was it collaborating with FKJ & Paloma Monappa?
Me and Vinc are always writing and jamming together and we try to record everything because you never know when you will find gold, even if it’s a voice memo! Hanging out and playing music together is the thing that brings us together as friends. Just being in the moment and creating with no aim is the best feeling. Also special mention to ((O)), she is also part of this jamming collective haha!
Paloma is a rockstar and a dope vocal talent. I love her voice so much and I am so happy we worked on this song together. It’s always fun and seamless, she is very lighthearted and free. Hopefully the world will hear more of her sound soon!
How do you approach collaborations with other artists, and what do you find most rewarding about these experiences?
I try to keep everything as pure as possible. Music is such a sacred thing. You have to be careful with the energies you create with but also it’s important to stay open and honest through the process. I create with people that I have a deep connection with and a similar intention. It’s rewarding when you align with genuine souls and are able to not only make something that feels good but also something that means something special.
Are there any artists or producers you dream of collaborating with in the future?
At the moment, I’m really energised to find new talent and grow with people with the same vision. I admire a lot of artists and producers, but right now I’m not seeking anything that doesn’t come organically.
eejebee_SURF.STORIES © & Graphic Design by Silvia Camargo
What themes and emotions do you explore in your upcoming EP, entitled 'Broke & Rich, At The Same Time'?
This is a debut project that is a direct and honest reflection of my life in the purest form. My whole life I have been traveling from school to school, house to house, friend to friend, never truly settling in one place due to my family always moving us around.
I am very grateful because it opened me up to many different cultures and environments. Now as an adult, I still find myself unsettled with one habitat and on the move with a quest to touch and experience all parts of the world. With getting rid of my main source of income to become a digital nomadic artist, in a conversation whilst in Colombia, my friend asked me how I was so broke and rich at the same time.. it really resonated and was so true. I am rich in experiences and life even if my bank account doesn't reflect in the same way, at that point in time. I am free spirited, spontaneous and I like to go with the flow. I don't plan too far ahead (inspired by Deepak Chopra’s ‘7 spiritual laws of success’). I like to leave opportunities for divine interventions and serendipitous moments to arise in my life. I feel alive by traveling and immersing myself into different cultures. I want to spread positive energy, authenticity and rawness in my music - with the beauty in the imperfection.
With the triumphs and the difficult moments, I want to encourage others to always live in their truth and live intentionally and purposefully. I want to push the boundaries musically and be a part of the wider conversation of art and what it means to exist as an artist today. I am still figuring out my journey as an artist and I just want to express myself freely without trying to aim for any type of success. I just want to be able to help others and support my lifestyle of freedom.
Could you describe the creative process behind this EP? How did you approach writing and producing it?
This was the first time self-producing everything musically, except from “Shine” which I added to the project later on. Starting off as a drummer, song-writer, I never felt confident enough to produce my own tracks without asking for help from my producer friends. After a while, I got tired of waiting around for help.. So I decided to practice and take my production more seriously. I don’t really have a particular process, I am just trying to show up every day and create or finish something. However, I do like to approach everything with no-ego and a fresh perspective.. I want to allow myself to be a vessel and be open minded to all the ideas that come to me. Even though I’m not an expert at anything, I do try my best to explore different instruments, vocal textures, melodies and see if I can come up with something that feels good or is different!
In terms of writing, I wanted to be as personal as I could.. And as I am a feeling-based artist, I wanted to feel bold in my creativity. For example, ‘Peace of Mind’ is a lyrical one take and the chorus has no lyrics, it’s just the melody that came to me.. It felt right, I couldn’t come up with any words.. Just felt good to me as is. So, I left it
What is your typical process when starting a new piece of music? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
Since I’ve been traveling around I’ve learnt to create in so many different environments. Outside, on the train, airports, cafes and airbnb’s. I always need to have water or a fruit smoothie. Creative sparks often hit me quite randomly.. Based on a conversation I just had, something I just watched or listened to.
eejebee_SURF.STORIES © & Graphic Design by Silvia Camargo
Looking back on your career so far, what moments stand out as particularly significant or transformative?
The day I decided to leave my session playing days behind. That was huge for me.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I always want to encourage everyone to take that leap of faith. Escape from the matrix as much as you can and set your spirit and mind free! From listening to my music I’d love people to feel relaxed, at peace and hopefully inspired.
Is there anything else you would like to share with your fans or anyone who will be listening to your music for the first time?
I love you all and thank you for listening to my music. If you’re reading this and you are doubting yourself or your art. A flower started from a seed. I believe in you. Keep pushing!
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