Artist bio
Jamal Baquayee, professionally known as Jamal Baq, is an alternative R&B artist, producer and songwriter from Illawarra. Blending alternative R&B with atmospheric production and melodic songwriting, he continues to develop his sound as an independent artist. His single “WHAT SHE WANT” has surpassed 14,000 streams on Spotify alone.
Artist statement
“SWEET LIES” is a 3-track EP that explores the complexities of infidelity between two people who are both already in relationships. Told through a narrative-driven arc, the project unfolds across three stages: Desire (ISN’T MINE), Manipulation (SWEET LIES) and Realisation (COPY). Each track captures a different point in the progression of said affairs, from the act of being with someone else, to saying whatever is necessary to maintain the deception and continue getting what they want, to the shameless dismissal of their realisation through morally ugly songwriting.
Musically, I drew inspiration from altnerative R&B artists such as Brent Faiyaz, Aaliyah, SZA, Frank Ocean, Leon Thomas and Sonder. These influences informed my creative decisions and the sonic direction of the project. I co-produced “ISN’T MINE” with Isaac Sybell (danté), who also played guitar on “COPY.” Romana Rasekhi did additional vocals on “COPY”, while Michael Bowley contributed a vocal sample and Jai Cole added keys on “SWEET LIES.” Each of them playing a part in helping me shape the EP’s overall sound.
Looking ahead, I collaborated with CJ Walker throughout the semester to develop the visual identity of SWEET LIES. CJ hand-painted the EP’s cover art, depicting a woman whispering into a man’s ear, reflecting the themes of secrecy, temptation and deception explored throughout my project. Having a visual artist contribute to the project also allowed me to extend its creative direction beyond the music itself, creating a more cohesive idenity across both its sonic and visual elements.
You can now stream “ISN’T MINE” on all DSPs – ffm.to/isnt-mine
I plan to release the EP late-December on all platforms under Jamal Baq.