Jada Weazel Sucks: “Sometimes You Need To Go Backwards In Order To Move Forward”
Woorabinda-born, Naarm-based R&B/soul artist Jada Weazel has just released her new single, ‘Hands Of Addiction’, following on from her debut ‘Skin’. ‘Hands Of Addiction’ is a tender and powerful exploration of the consequences of trauma, and how it can inform one’s actions going forward. Jada’s pen is on full display here; lyrics like “The way that the trauma/Haunt the corners/Of my mind” open up space for listeners to relate to Jada’s experiences, while Grammy-nominated collaborators LEN20 and UNO Stereo’s production gives her voice the chance to shine.
The track will feature on her upcoming debut EP No Peace, which is set for release on September 1st. Hot off the heels of the release of ‘Hands Of Addiction’, we caught up with Jada to talk about her new appreciation for metal music, learning to tolerate sparkling water and why moving back home during COVID turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I’m going to have to take a stand here — sparkling water absolutely sucks. Drinking TV static is not an appealing way to consume H2O, and everyone that says it is is kidding themselves.
Junkee: A mistake that turned into an opportunity?
Moving back home during COVID. Not really a mistake, but at the time it felt like I was taking steps backwards after moving out of home at 17 — but with the whole world on lockdown it was my only option. In the time I moved back home, I was able to create some of my best songs! So for anyone who needs to hear this, sometimes you need to go backwards in order to move forward.
Cringe quote you used to live by?
‘It is what it is!’ I still live by this one but I saw a quote only recently saying ‘things don’t happen to you, they happen for you’ and I feel like that’s the more sophisticated big girl version of ‘it is what it is’. And it’s true, everything happens for a reason!
Worst advice you got and blindly followed?
So I’ve got naturally bushy eyebrows and when I was younger I was made to think thin eyebrows were the be all and end all! I’m so glad I stopped caring what other people thought because I can’t imagine changing any physical feature of mine to fit in anymore.
Anything you used to be wrong about?
I used to be wrong about sparkling water. It’s not that bad… but I will still always choose normal water over sparkling.
Embarrassing internet habit?
I hate using my phone when I’m talking with someone, but sometimes I can’t help but start googling the definition of big words that people say to me mid-conversation. Unfortunately my vocabulary is very small so it’s usually words that I should know the meaning of but don’t. But at least I can say I’m learning everyday.
Ideal morning routine versus actual morning routine?
Having a natural body clock for starters without having to set a morning alarm would be incredible. Getting ready for the day and doing some form of exercise and then making music in my home studio would be the dream.. but my actual morning routine consists of setting way too many alarms, rarely eating breakfast and heading off to my 9-5. Not so glamorous.
Something very off-brand for you?
I’ve always listened to R&B/soul, mainstream music etc. But recently because of the gym, I’ve been listening to some metal stuff. This is so embarrassing for me to admit!
Bad health decision?
Unfortunately, I haven’t grown out of my love for lollies…
What do you waste money on?
Food, always.
Worst procrastination habit?
Going to start something and getting sidetracked with another task and then all of a sudden I’m scrolling TikTok for hours on end. It’s the worst! I get distracted so easily!
Jada Weazel’s new single Hands Of Addiction is out now.
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Illustration credit: Matt Lauricella, @pigeonboyart