An Interview With Jean Deaux
Jean Deaux, the Chicago-based artist who refuses to be confined to one style or another.
You may remember Jean Deaux from our list of 30 Black Female Artists to Check Out in 2019 where we asked “What can’t Jean Deaux do?” Just an update: We are still searching for an answer to this question.
Jean Deaux is a expert of all genres, having mastered hip-hop, R&B, house and punk, she is seemingly filled with endless talents. In addition to her own projects, Deaux has blessed a number of tracks as a feature (on songs by Isaiah Rashad, Mick Jenkins, and Smino to name a few). Not to mention she directs music videos and even co-wrote Kehlani’s hit “Honey".”
Getting her start in the early 2010s, the now 24-year-old began to make her name with SoundCloud uploads, followed by singles like house track “Father Time,” and neo-soul-esque “Wikipedia.” In October of last year, Deaux released her first full body of work, KRASH featuring artists like Ravyn Lenae and Kari Faux (“Energy/ Who U?” is a personal favorite track, 10/10 encourage you to check it out).
In June of this year she followed up with another EP, Empathy, featuring the likes of Kehlani, DUCKWRTH, and Terrance Martin. The 9-track project masterfully highlights Jean Deaux’s versatility as a vocalist, rapper, and songwriter as she explores concepts of love and control.
Blk Girl Culture had the pleasure of speaking with Jean Deaux following the release of her newest project, Empathy.
Jean Deaux, Empathy (2019)
You just released your second EP “Empathy.” Tell us about the process of creating it. What were your inspirations?
Jean Deaux: The process to creating Empathy was very laid back. I was in the studio sun up till sun down for about 4-5 months just looking to make songs that I loved. Every song on the EP is a favorite of mine.
How would you describe your newest project’s sound? How do you think it compares to your previous projects?
Jean Deaux: Empathy is very ethereal, it transcends. A lot of people would say it's a vibe because it resonates with them and makes them feel at ease. I know when I'm making music that comforts people vs when I make music that has people fidgeting in their seat. KRASH was a project that had people uncomfortable at points, and regardless, it resonated with folks. No matter what the sound is, it's going to leave an impression.
Do you have a favorite track on Empathy?
Jean Deaux: My favorite track off the EP is between "Higher Me" and "It's Whatever". “Higher Me” feels like a mantra but “Its Whatever” feels like a hood mantra, lol.
I think "It's Whatever" flies over a lot of non-black people's heads; it really says "try me nigga i got WHATEVER." Like if you want to get it, I got it. I'll knock you out all kinda ways LOL.
Thinking of your evolution as an artist and changes in your sound, what prompted these shifts? Were these shifts intentional?
Jean Deaux: I'm not sure much about my sound HAS changed. I'm more-so constantly evolving. That part is inevitable, so these shifts are all coming according to my own path. I know I can always match the necessary work to make it happen though.
What role has collaboration played in your artistic process/evolution?
Jean Deaux: Honestly, I usually shy away from collaboration. I'm a hermit crab and I love being in solitude. However, I like to use anything for its best advantage. When I use a collaboration I want it to add to the experience, not take away from it. I love to bring in a person who not only helps the track but also provides a perspective that I didn't consider,
Who are some of your greatest influences/inspirations?
Jean Deaux: My greatest influences have to be my peers, I'm constantly driven by my friends’ work ethic. All of the people around me are reflections of me so when they succeed I feel like I have to.
People might not know that you dabble in a number of other areas outside of recording. You write, direct music videos… tell us more about this. How did this start?
Jean Deaux: All of my passions started early. I think music was just the last hobby that became more fruitful than I imagined. As a child in a stifled environment, expressing myself became a way of freedom for me. I feel blessed that the things that used to free me are now avenues of success. I think from film to music to even writing, I'm always trying to create my own universes. It's escapism.
Now let’s talk a little about identity. Do you think that being a woman, specifically a Black woman, has affected how you are treated/perceived in the game? How?
For so long, I was intimidated by other strong Black women until I became a young woman myself
- Jean Deaux
Jean Deaux: I mean, there are a million ways it [identity] affects me. Just as a person, it took a lot of soul searching for me to truly love myself as a Black woman. For so long I was intimidated by other strong Black women until I became a young woman myself. When it's directly in your face, when people want you to walk on eggshells just to be yourself- it makes the journey that much harder. After a while, you look at those same Black women's journeys, those that came before you, and start to see yourself.
In an age in which the internet and social media can play crucial roles regarding “success”, do you find the prominence internet to be more helpful or hurtful as an artist?
Jean Deaux: The internet is a tool but as an artist, I'm always trying to live beyond it. I want to create an impact away from technology so that one day if we go without it, I can still reach my audience. Its definitely challenging when it's your main resource for growing your platform, but you just have to know what to do with it.
The worst part is that my generation basically came up on technology. All of our memories, embarrassments, old ways are available for the world to dig up and find. Your coming of age story is easily publicized. It's like your whole life, good or bad, is at a person's fingertips until you're old enough to know how to pull back.
Any fellow artists you think the masses should check out? Any artists that you dream of collaborating with?
Check out all the wonderful independent women that are growing with their artistry! I know its easy to hop on a girl's bandwagon but let's keep spreading the wealth. Shout out to my local women in my city killing it: drea the vibe dealer, Kaina, Queen Key, Broadway, J Bambii, and so many more artists. I definitely wanna work with some fellow Black women as well, Solange, Nao, Meg Thee Stallion of course and maybe one day Queen Bey.
Finally, for those who want to know what you have going on. Any upcoming plans?
Jean Deaux: Check out my latest [Empathy]! Rap EP comes before the year is up, and some amazing visuals! Thank you Blk Girl Culture for doing it for the real ones.
