Jeilani Talks About The Origin Of His New Album "Absence of Affection"
Intro:
Houston vocalist Jeilani is a talented R&B singer on the rise who we have here for today’s interview. The southern artist crafted his new album “Absence of Affection” full of introspective & heavy themes surrounding love. Fans of either Usher's "Confessions" album or Summer Walker's "Still Over It" are sure to enjoy this exciting new album from Jeilani. These questions were asked days before the release of the album (which is available now for you all to listen to). Before reading our brief conversation below, follow Jeilani on Instagram & X @imjeilani to stay connected.
Me: While working on this album, what was the creative process like at the time? Did you have a goal in mind?
Jeilani: For this album, my goal was to make something that I felt honest about and that would universally relate to others. Most of the songs are about my ex-boyfriend, but I changed the pronouns from he to she because I don't want to ever give him the satisfaction of having songs written about him. Creatively, I just trusted myself and what it was I wanted to do, and my friend and producer Tito was there 100% of the time being so openly supportive.
Did you draw inspiration from any specific genres or artists for this new album?
For this project, there were a couple of different influences. One major one being "Still Over It" by Summer Walker. The raw blend of storytelling as well as moments of sensual R&B felt like a perfect encapsulation of what current R&B is to me. Another influence (and forever one at that) was Usher and Brandy. Usher's vocal influence and Brandy's vocal stacking will forever be something engraved into my music.
By the way, how would you describe your current style of R&B music today?
I feel as though when I first started doing music, back when I made my EP "Mixed Emotions" (which isn't on streaming anymore), I was more so mimicking the artists that I looked up to at the time like The Weeknd and others. But as I made more music and experimented with different genres, I felt as though I had my sound and style, which is sexual and heartbreak rnb. My lyrics are always great, and the production being top tier should be an expectant haha
Additionally, how did you come up with your current stage name? Have you ever changed it at all?
Starting out my stage name was BUNNI, but around 2021 I adopted for Jeilani after I felt like I needed a more "R&B sounding name" if you know what I mean, and my friend Mark Jayden actually is the one who picked it out and I've stuck with it since.
That makes sense! Nice story. Now, do you have any upcoming releases or future plans that you're comfortable sharing with the readers?
Well, my album Absence of Affection comes out February 14th and I can't wait for that to drop as I love it with all of my heart and being. I've been working on it for some time now, and to finally have it ready to be consumed and enjoyed feels like I'm bringing a kid into the world haha.
Finally, what message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from this song?
I hope when people listen to it they feel seen and heard. Those emotions they felt after loving, losing, and refinding themselves is something that's relatable, something that's unfortunately common. I hope when the album finishes and they hear the windy closing track, Looking For My Angel that they feel calm and closure.
