Melbourne pop artist JXCKY has just released his new single, What’s So Good About Brandon?, and it’s a pop track that’s all about a summer fling. JXCKY finds himself dealing with a break-up, and it captures the heartbreak that follows a failed love affair. JXCKY wanted something different to happen, but unfortunately, he’s got to make the most of the situation.

I spoke to JXCKY about the new single, as well as his tips from bouncing back from a break-up. If you’re looking for ways to deal with the end of a relationship, JXCKY has you covered.

Ben Madden: Firstly, can you introduce yourself and your music?

JXCKY: Hey hey hey! I’m JXCKY (pronounced like my actual name, Jacky) and I’m a queer, pop/RnB singer-songwriter based in Melbourne. I’m all about integrating catchy titles, pop hooks and sounds with RnB-type chords, melodies and lyrics to illustrate dramatic moments in my personal life. Thanks for having me!

Can you tell me a bit about the story behind What’s So Good About Brandon?

What’s So Good About Brandon? is centred around a real affair of mine that deteriorated last summer and grew to become chaotic. There’s large emphasis on my personal, unhealthy comparison with the “other” person (Brandon) once I find out that the person I desire has been hiding their relationship from me.

This detrimental comparison with the ‘other’ person is a common, relatable feeling… until I serve a bit of a twist in the second verse, revealing that I’m not as innocent as it seems. Complete transparency - this entire song actually happened!

I’ve really enjoyed how developed your sound is, so early on in your musical career – how do you push yourself musically, and is experimentation something you’re always looking to implement?
Ah, thanks for saying that! I think I’m very much past the point of trying to limit myself to simplicity and writing plain pop songs. I started out as a pop songwriter that disregarded any other genre but as I was completing my songwriting degree, I fell in love with RnB sounds, seventh and dominant chords and thought - why not combine these and still have it come across as fun and easy to listen to?

I’m definitely always going to try to implement different things whilst exploring multiple facets of pop music. The songwriting process is much more enjoyable when you have a broad palette and use it correctly.

You’re an artist that embraces the pop label, something not all Australian artists are so willing to do. Where do you see the future of Australian pop heading, and is it exciting to be a part of that push?
As a listener and an avid fan of pop music - it’s extremely exciting. As an artist that embraces that pop label and writes in that genre, it’s both exciting and scary… but that’s what makes it so much fun. There’s a plethora of Australian artists that I’ve been listening to recently that are a part of this push - GENES and ASHWARYA being my current faves!

With GENES, you hear that nostalgic, fun pop sound and with ASHWARYA, it’s experimental, hip-hop influences with groove changes and incorporating melodies from her culture. As a songwriter, that’s how I’m seeing the future of pop at the moment - there’s an option to make something completely crazy and unheard of but you can also create a fresh ‘throwback’. There’s a place for everybody and that inevitable pressure that lingers upon music creators helps to motivate our creativity!

The song talks about falling in and out of love, due to a break-up – how do you motivate yourself to get back onto the dating scene after you’ve experienced heartbreak?
It’s a matter of playing your cards right and remaining guarded until you can gain complete trust with anyone else. But seriously, when do we ever know when to 100% trust somebody when getting to know them? To my fellow single folks and friends that have experienced recent heartbreak, I suggest trying to take pride in that period of finding someone new. It’s adventurous and amusing.

Keep reminding yourself - you’re better off where you are now then you were crying over someone who’s been playing you! While there’s a risk it could happen again, you’re trained to be smart about it now with nothing to lose.

What are your top 3 tips for moving on from a summer fling?

1)    Travel. I mean, most of us can’t exactly leave whichever country we’re in at the moment but travelling and exploring new places (with friends and people you love) will literally take your mind off of it. It’s crazy how much a change of scenery contributes to your healing.

2)    Drink it off while searching for someone new. Grab that bottle of wine on that high shelf and start swiping through Tinder or Grindr. Alternatively, hit the (socially distanced) dance floor after a few cocktails. It was a summer fling… as the great Ariana once said: ‘thank u, next!’

3)    Write about it. Maybe not as publicly direct as I’ve made it out to be but venting to pages of a notebook does absolute wonders. It’s personal therapy involving your own thoughts.

Summer’s just around the corner – in your opinion, what’s the best beach to go to when you’re looking to make the most of a summer day?
In all of Victoria, I’d say Lorne, although I haven’t been since I was a kid! With all the recent 30 degree days, I’ve been heading down to Brighton Beach and Half Moon Bay for a sunbath and dip!

If I had to revisit a beach that’s out of reach, it’d have to be Seminyak Beach in Bali! I recommend everyone head there at least once in their life, especially during sunset.

READ MORE: Salarymen Go Back In Time With ‘Something To Me’

Finally, what are your next few steps, both personally and music-wise?

Personally, I’m ready for a long Summer holiday, hopefully one without heartbreak but one that involves travelling interstate! You’ll be hearing more from me and my music in early 2021! As a follow-up to this single, I’m heading towards a dark-pop sound with themes of jealousy, anger and rebellion.

You can follow JXCKY on Facebook here, Instagram here and Twitter here.