This year, Dubai-based rocker Jay Wud has big plans. Namely, to release his third EP, with lead single Low dropping on YouTube and iTunes on Monday.
Describing the tune to tabloid!, Wud called it “a heavy, high-octane, riff-driven song — it screams with rage and will have you head banging ’til the very last second.”
Wud’s previous two records, New Blood and False Utopia, followed a similar hard-and-heavy path. The nameless upcoming EP, which Wud has been working on since the top of 2014, saw Wud experimenting with different topics and perspectives, bringing together a collection of stories. It was recorded in Los Angeles with My Chemical Romance, Motorhead and Papa Roach producer Howard Benson on hand.
Watch the video below.
Wud tells us more about Low, and gives us a glimpse into the making of the record so far.
Tell us what Low is all about. Why did you decide for this to be the first single off the upcoming album?
In terms of the idea behind it, I guess we all reach that point when we just lose it, be it work, personal reasons or life in general. We all voted for Low to be the first single, including my A&R representative in LA and producer, Howard Benson.
Can you tell us about how your collaboration with Howard Benson came to be?
We sent out demos early 2014 and Howard was very interested. I was stoked. Working with Howard was a great experience. His ears, vision and attention to detail come second to none.
Tell us about your upcoming EP. Is there a name yet? A tentative release date?
Release date and title will be hush-hush for now, but we will be announcing everything on our social network and website jaywud.com in due course.
How much of the record is done so far, and what has the recording process been like?
Well, you can say it’s done, but we have plans to keep writing and add some more tracks. The recording process was nothing but world-class perfection. I had a great time tracking with sound engineer and mixer extraordinaire Mike Plotnikoff, and recording vocals with Howard was an experience on its own. A documentary on the recording process will follow the launch of “Low”.
What sound can we expect from the album?
I always want my sound to be bigger, heavier, and in your face. After having such an amazing team working with me, I can now safely say the sound is colossal.
How would you say have you evolved as a musician in recent years?
Life changes you, you learn a lot with persistence and hard work. I tend to push myself every day whether it’s songwriting, singing or playing my instrument. The main thing is to keep experimenting and do it with love.
Can you tell us a highlight or two of your career in 2014, and what you’re looking forward to in 2015?
The highlight of 2014 was all the work that went in to the record, from writing, going to LA, working with Howard and making the music video. In 2015, definitely the Global Rock Summit show, the EP launch, and more shows.
Go online
To keep up with the rocker, go to jaywud.com
