It takes simply the correct amount of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration to write down a strong music. And Jin Jin is aware of fairly a bit about that. The British songwriter has seen success writing hit tracks like “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne and “You Don’t Know Me” from Jax Jones.
And lately, Jin Jin put her expertise to work at Spotify’s Riffs and Runs periods. The intimate two-day occasion was a sequence of songwriting periods targeted particularly on R&B, and it supplied an opportunity for Black songwriters, producers, and artists to come back collectively and join in a setting the place they felt impressed to collaborate.
The periods befell on the iconic Metropolis Studios in London and had been attended by each established and rising expertise. Production legend Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins—well-known for hits akin to “Say My Name,” “The Boy Is Mine,” and “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”—and ThankGod4Cody, identified for producing a few of SZA’s hits, labored with artists and songwriters, like Jin Jin, to get the inventive juices flowing.
The creators met within the studio, the place they first bought to know one another over espresso and snacks. After constructing a rapport, the subsequent step was to find out an idea and begin on chords. Then, the magic occurred.
For the Record caught up with Jin Jin to be taught extra about her Riffs and Runs expertise, and to get a glance behind the scenes at how she collaborates with others to create songs followers love.
Can you inform us about your Riffs and Runs session?
This was the primary time that I’ve been concerned within the Riffs and Runs periods. I’ve completed different Spotify camps earlier than, however this one was significantly particular as a result of it was throwing completely different artists, producers, and writers within the room they usually had been all from completely different locations and completely different cultures.
It was sensible—I actually loved it. Metropolis Studios, in Chiswick, is an incredible venue and it’s a extremely inventive house. I used to be working with ThankGod4Cody, and I additionally labored with two artists Bellah and Äyanna. They’re each wonderful vocalists, in order that was a deal with. For this session, all of us wrote it collectively, after which it ended up being Äyanna who laid down the primary verse, after which Bellah laid down the second verse. And then they each sang the refrain.
What was the music you wrote about?
It had dangerous b*tch power. The basic story was, they thought {that a} relationship was gonna go a method. But then, it went one other means as a result of each folks within the relationship have completely different views. So it’s an instance of girls calling a man out.
What was your favourite a part of the Riffs and Runs expertise?
My favourite half is while you’re attending to know one another and also you’re within the very early phases of creation. It’s the place everybody’s a little bit bit nervous, however actually open to one another’s concepts, and also you don’t know what you’re gonna make. So it’s fairly nerve-racking as properly, but it surely eliminates any ego within the room. It’s like, it is a recent thought, and we don’t know if we’ll have the ability to make an incredible music however everyone’s there, you already know, new to the expertise and to that day.
What’s the key to a profitable collaboration with others whereas engaged on a brand new piece?
I feel it’s type of nearly like forgetting what you’ve completed earlier than. If you’ve ever had any success or any earlier [track] launch, simply neglect about that as a result of the previous doesn’t actually matter. All that issues is what you create on the day, with these new folks—when you’ve bought synergy, when you can construct a pleasant relationship with them, and if yow will discover some kind of frequent floor and strategy to talk so to make an incredible music. I feel that it’s tremendous essential to be open, you already know. Somebody may need a unique musical type than you, or be from a unique background, or be into various things, however perhaps that’s their story.
Is there a selected songwriter who evokes you, or whom you admire?
Oh there’s numerous completely different ones. A present, extra mainstream, newer author I like is Tems. She’s wonderful at writing and an incredible artist as properly—I actually love her sentiments. I like the truth that she operates within the Afrobeat world, and her songwriting is gorgeous.
What do you assume is your greatest problem as a songwriter?
I feel the most important problem is, typically, you will get pigeonholed right into a sure style. Or, lots of people are simply holding on to what you probably did earlier than, kind of factor. I additionally assume it’s a problem to not fall right into a protected house for your self as a songwriter. It’s actually essential to maintain pushing your self as properly and take a look at new issues.
What recommendation do you have got for aspiring songwriters?
To simply preserve exploring. Try and attain out to as many different songwriters and producers as you may and collaborate as a lot as you may. Also, hearken to genres of music that you simply wouldn’t essentially hearken to. So when you’re within the house the place you solely make, like, drill or lure, then perhaps hearken to some rock music. Listen to some nation music. Listen to numerous completely different genres as a result of as a songwriter, it’s essential to grasp and recognize different genres as properly.
What represents a profitable songwriting session to you?
I feel, clearly, popping out with a music that you simply completely love is essential, however then when you don’t provide you with the music, that’s wonderful as properly. I feel it’s concerning the relationships and the longer term prospects of making music with these newfound colleagues.
Get extra of Jin Jin by listening to among the songs she’s written within the playlist beneath.