A Chat With Jaz Vernon About “YKTV”
Q: Hi! You grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, with Nigerian and Trinidadian roots — two cultures where music is basically built into daily life. How did that shape the way you actually hear and approach sound?
A: Growing up, music was always being played in my house. No matter the time of day or night. Whether it would be Fela Kuti, Sparrow, Marvin Gaye or Tupac. My parents introduced me to different genres at a young age and that helped shape my musical ear tremendously. It taught me to lean on the feeling music yields more than anything when creating music. It helped me identify different instruments and understand their impact sonically.
Q: You taught yourself piano as a kid and eventually picked up trumpet and drums too. Does that multi-instrumentalist background influence how you write, or does it mostly live in the background at this point?
A: I’d say it defintley influences how I write but not all the time. Those are instruments I grew fond of because of my love for Jazz music. When I write my songs, I need to feel heavily inspired by something in order for me to reach into that space of vulnerability and string my thoughts together. Whether it be a chord, a note, or a drum pattern, it gives me the motivation to reach in deep and create.
Q: By The Bay made a real impression as a debut. Looking back now, what do you feel like you got right on that project — and what were you already itching to do differently?
A: I feel like By the Bay was the first stepping stone I needed to take in order to grow as an artist. I feel like I was able to capture moments in my life and others around me and put them into songs that you could sit with and really feel.
if I had to shed light on something I would have done differently, it would for sure be not waiting too long to release a body of music. I think By The Bay did everything it needed to do being my first body of work and I think the main thing I was already itching to do differently was refraining from taking long period off from releasing new music, but life has its way of shifting your plans and sometimes you just have to get over your hurdles and keep it pushing.
Q: You went on a hiatus between By The Bay and “YKTV.” What was that time away actually like — was it intentional, or did life just pull you in a different direction?
A: That hiatus was honestly not intentional but at the same time I needed to take some time to figure out life. Life be Lifing sometimes and you just need to get yourself together in order to move forward. I went through a lot during that time, I was at my lowest but I was still creating music and pushing out my ideas, thoughts and feelings as much as I could. At one point, for a very long time; that’s all I had.
Q: “YKTV” is being described as this natural blend of pop and R&B that fits next to almost anything in a playlist. Was that versatility something you were going for, or did the record just land there on its own?
A: I really wasn’t going for anything in particular when I created this song. I actually had recorded an alternative version that was much slower with a different beat and I sent it to my brother, Gamal. He sent me back my version and also this new version he experimented with and we both knew which direction we wanted to take the song.
Q: The single is coming out through TRASH — how did that partnership come together, and what does working with that team look like day to day?
A: TRASH consists of my two good friends that’s I’ve known since I was in high school. We’ve been making music and chasing this dream for a while now so working with them at this new capacity is pretty cool. We’re always trying to figure out a better way to get the music out there far behind our reach. I feel like we’ve gotten wiser over time and also more creative and we’re sending ideas daily whether it’s songs, interludes or different content ideas. Gotta make every day count.
Q: Queens has produced some of the most distinct voices in music history. Does the borough feel like something you’re actively in conversation with in your work, or is it more just where you’re from?
A: Queens is for sure something I always make sure I’m mentioning or making reference to. Far rockaway to be specific. It’s deeper than just being from there. Where you’re from and where you grow up is a part of you and a part of everything you do. It’s a part of journey and it’s what drives you and your purpose.
Q: The pop-R&B lane is genuinely crowded right now. What do you think makes someone cut through — is it sound, consistency, timing, or something else entirely?
A: These days, there’s so many different ways to cut through. You can go viral, you can drip music every week or you can just make great music and put it out at the right time. The one thing that I’ll always believe though, when you focus on just making the music and block all the outside influences or trends, you’ll get where your trying to go.
Q: Finally — “YKTV” is out in the world now, and you’ve got a follow-up project coming Q4 2027. What does the rest of this year look like for you leading up to that?
A: Just dropping more music, and dropping it Consistently. That’s the main goal, being active and getting my music to reach new fans everyday. I’ll also be creating more music, doing shows and popping out with some merch as well. Ending the year strong.
