W/ Rachel June
Photos Kate Donaldson
Irish singer/producer J SHIELDS is charismatic, funny and passionate. His music instantly grabbed me – different beats layered with J’s stunning voice, casting a kind of spell of magic that feels powerful and fresh. His latest release is a mixtape of his debut EP ‘Evergreen’. A selection of collaborative projects spanning across genres, but with J’s enchanting vocals sprinkled above.
“I’ve always been a singer,” he tells me. “When I was 3, I performed I’m a Little Snowman in nursery and got an encore.” His music blends operatic vocals with ambient synths, drawing from influences like Oklou, Barker, Ana Roxanne, Opus III, Caroline Polachek and Kelela. There’s a natural, organic feel to his lyrics, too. J studied biology, and a lot of his writing is inspired by observing the world around him. “If you want to write music,” he says, “just stare at stuff. It’s within the pause that inspiration grows.” *Taking notes*
Releasing his EP Evergreen in 2024, J SHIELDS headlined a sold-out launch show – a proper dream come true. Making his mark in the Belfast music scene, he’s performed in a range of gigs from an ambient cafe to an alien-themed warehouse rave, where he performed in a DIY alien mask made of tights that got hotter and hotter as the set went on. “I was slowly becoming warmer and struggling to breathe,” he laughs. The photos are unreal; check it out here. An artist who has found his home on the stage, he beams, “I love performing, I love music, and I find it so fulfilling to perform.”
J SHIELDS has been creating music for the past three years, collaborating with artists from across the genre spectrum. Each track showcases his talent and clear love for connecting with other musicians. The project came together naturally, through skill-swapping and real friendships, sparked by co-producer Optmst (while working on the track Pretender on the original EP). Think Kelela and Charli XCX remix energy, but with J’s twist. Every song on the EP stands on its own. That’s why the release is staggered – each song dropping individually from April 4th to May 7th. J wanted each one to have its moment to shine, but it’s out now, so take a listen here.
Read the breakdown of each track below:
The intro song is layered with J’s angel-like voice that bounces above beats, it feels like a daydream. Vocals overlay, and transcendent otherworldly bolts of energy embrace it.
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J’s best friend and long-time supporter of his music journey, Jess, joins J on this track. J wanted to pay tribute to Jess by adding little clips from the many voice notes they’ve shared while wading through life together. It starts with J’s iconic voice, overlaying a simple sine wave loop and samples and noises of nature. Throughout, Jess’s voicenote feature provides a comforting and unique addition to the song, whilst highlighting their deep and close friendship.
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This dance track takes you out of a daydream and onto the dancefloor. Californian producer formerly known as Saint War is now creating punchy house tunes as Cosmic the Kid. Bold and bouncy beats accompany J’s vocals with a satisfying drop. This feel-good track is perfect for the summer playlist or a beach party with no end in sight. The lyrics alone scream good time, “It’s not just your body, it’s the way you lick the salt off the rim of your margarita glass”.
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Distracto, an electronica producer from Belfast creates wacky experimental pieces. They collaborated with J on their EP ‘Brutalist’. The song MANY_t(horned) sounds like you are entering a fun house you’d find at a circus. The weird shapes and colours swirl around you as you listen. It’s trippy, and the distorted vocals send you deeper into the spiral. It gives underground rave vibes with an air of promise and intrigue. How can a song be light & dark at once? This one can.
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Chipzel is an Irish game music producer and chiptune pioneer who collaborated with J on this track. Reminiscent of early 2000s clubland music, this high-energy piece takes you on a trip down memory lane. The electronic elements make you feel like you’re either swirling through space, inside a retro video game, or dancing on the iconic Dance Dance Revolution game.
Optmst is a Belfast-based producer, DJ and hardware enthusiast who produced the track Pretender from the original EP Evergreen, and reworked it into this extended club mix. The tune builds gradually, with fast-paced beats. A unique blend of sounds is heard, and an alien-like voice appears out of the darkness. Once the beat drops, you are transported to an ’80s workout class on Mars.
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Tailtiu is an Irish producer and absolute it-girl, up and coming in the Belfast electronic scene and beyond. Has worked with The Dare and babymorocco and creates punchy, energetic beats inspired by bassline and PC music. Her remix starts as a symphony of different voices appear, colliding together. The interesting vocal elements and addictive melodies build and excite, filling the body with electricity and wonder.
J SHIELDS’ massive vocals and an even bigger heart is one to keep an eye on. He is a chameleon of the arts, working well with others to create truly transcendent sounds. ASBO can’t wait to see what he does next.
