Mood Swings by Jerk

Jerk returns to some of their core influences, embracing vulnerability, and an authentic experience of the self on the forthcoming ‘Mood Swings’ album. Released via DeepMatter Records, the album is an eclectic collection of pieces spanning varying compositional and production styles, captured on analogue instrumentation. Channelling the beat-making sensibilities of J Dilla and Madlib, the Brazilian rhythms and textures of Hermeto Pascoal, and the uplifting sonics of Patrice Rushen and Earth Wind & Fire, Jerk comments:

“Mood Swings is a collection of 12 pieces reflecting on gender and mental health. 2022 was a year of political strife for transgender people in America, and a time when I was experiencing some intense emotions–dysphoria, derealization, grief, and romantic love and loss. I wanted to write music embracing this very authentic and vulnerable experience of self.”

Lush saxophone tones, glistening Fender Rhodes, and cyclical beats encompass the project, with weaving synths adding to Jerk’s tapestry of sounds. ‘Mood Swings’ Parts I-III appear throughout, introducing recurring motifs and operating as spacious, atmospheric interludes that glue the album together. ‘Space Case’ builds on the addictive melody introduced in ‘Mood Swings Part I’, with subtle nods to 80s jazz funk in the beat, and melody arranging reminiscent of Brazilian bossa nova.

The record builds upon some of the themes closest to Jerk’s heart, including trans rights, gender identity, and love. Lead single ‘27’ marks Jerk’s age at the time of creating the album, whilst also putting a critical microscope on American lawmakers’ attempts to raise the age of consent for medical transitioning from 18 to 27. ‘I Don’t Question You ’ is an empowering vocal feature building upon the sentiment of fighting for your truth, rather than feeling the need to answer to others, whilst ‘4Sal’ is a poignant dedication to Jerk’s late grandmother. Written in the days following her passing, it’s a heartfelt expression of the process of grief in musical form, in Jerk’s words: “The piece is a dedication to the living burning memory of a fierce woman I was fortunate to have in my life.”

Jerk is a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Based in Brooklyn, NY, they explore the connection between jazz and hip-hop, with compositions blurring the lines between hip-hop beats and instrumental jazz compositions. Their music has found support across BBCR6, Reprezent Radio, Soho Radio, and Jazz FM.

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Jerk is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer known for exploring the liminality between jazz, hip hop, and r&b, citing influences ranging from traditional jazz artists Charlie Parker and Gene Ammons to 70s fusion figures Don Blackman and Patrice Rushen to hip hop producers J Dilla and Madlib.

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