Words and Interview by Eva Davidová
Photography by Alisa Ahmann
@capturedbyalisa

There is much chaos afoot in the world right now, which leads us to the question: how do we collectively respond to all of this? We must keep our hearts open, believe in the goodness of people, and see the love and light that shines so brightly, even in a world full of madness and chaos. Because there are beautiful things happening in the world every day, especially in the shifting music industry. The music scene, just like every industry, is going through a tremendous transition. We each have the choice every day to close our hearts and block everything out or to open our hearts and allow in that light. When we allow ourselves to feel the good along with the bad, we allow ourselves to have a voice that speaks out in the darkness.

Music can make a difference. We can make a difference. We can respond to what’s going on in the world with music. Either creating it or listening to it. It starts within our own hearts. Let’s believe in serendipity, synchronicity and that all things are not an accident. One way we can respond is through music.

One of the artists currently inspiring us on her journey of transformation is Jay Medvedeva. She is an artist and Dj/producer now based in Berlin. She shares her answers to our deep-hearted questions as we seek to discover the transition that music is going through right now. She is a true nomad that carries her home within herself, adapts to change and inspires us to do the same.

Jay was born in a small port city in Far East Russia. She grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a prominent Jazz artist. He owned a successful nightclub, produced music, and promoted local artists. Jay and her sisters spent their childhood with their father in his recording studio. Being around music since her childhood, you will find that music is the true driving force behind everything she does. Through her deeply meaningful and spiritually infused music sets, many find a safe and supportive space to get their groove on. Her recent move from London to Berlin, has courageously sparked her on a personal healing journey of self-exploration as an artist, which she shares in depth with us – She is currently going back to her roots, learning the piano and the core of creating music – on a personal journey to her own individual bliss.
Alongside her new releases coming up, her recent track with Doyeq released on the True Colors label (partnered by Tamer Malki – one of the Bedouin duo) with Armen Mira and Hraach remix is currently smashing the charts on Beatport since it’s release.
We asked Jay a couple deep-hearted questions on transition, healing, the music industry and much more.

With a constant quickening of consciousness, science, media, technology, and the digital world ahead of us — in what ways do you think we can quicken our spiritual connections for a new era of evolutionary enlightenment?

I believe education is key for self-awareness. Especially this year, with most of us having to cope in these extraordinarily tough times. It is important to look after your mental, and physical state in order to further yourself.

Deeper exploration begs me to define “transition,” what is your definition of transition?

I would define transition as a moment of overcoming mental obstacles.

Where do you gather inspiration for your work?

Mostly from the wonders of nature but often also from multiple talented artists during their
performances.

You recently moved from London to Berlin — what sparked that change?

I found myself in a somewhat unsatisfied and confused state, when I decided to spontaneously leave the city and overhaul in the mountains for 2-weeks. Once reconnected to nature and fully rejuvenated, I decided to move to Berlin and not return to London.

How would you describe your current musical style?

I would describe it as mainly minimal tech / deep house. I do not describe my musical style by genre. I like to keep evolving without boundaries and open to any interpretation.

How can creativity help our society heal?

I have seen music do wonders. One obvious example is the usage of charity concerts around the globe, which over the years has had an immense impact worldwide.

“It is important to look after your mental, and physical state in order to further yourself.”

 

Who is your current mentor?

My current mentor is Z.I.P.P.O in Berlin, who is a very talented artist and a friend. He is currently helping me to polish my skills and techniques as well as advising me on my album story.

2020 has been a year of adaptation for the music industry — in what ways did you have to adapt?

2020 weirdly allowed me to take the time required to decide on and process my strategy in order to achieve my desired goals. By giving myself this timeout, I was able to strengthen myself mentally and, therefore, enhance my technical music ability as well as the required skill set.

Any book you are currently reading?

Currently, I am finishing ‘Biocentrism: how life and consciousness are the keys to understanding the true nature of the universe’ By Robert LanZa. At the same time, I am also reading ‘Being Creative’ by Micahel Atavar, which seems to help me find ways of being productive and challenge my creativity to new levels. I am also about to finish reading ‘And last is the Daily Inspiration’ by Robin Sharma.

On your social media account, you post a lot of inspiration in the realms of spirituality and exploration of self — in your opinion, how can we use social media to inspire?

I believe, authenticity packed with a strong dose of positivity, is the easiest way to inspire.

What was the inspiration behind your track: “Twin Flame”?

Twin Flame is a collaboration with Tunisian and Canadian electronic acts, called UNDERHER (Khaled Bess) with vocals and lyrics by me. A friend of mine once taught me the meaning of Twin Flame, which relates to a “mirror soul” or “soul connection”, or simply, the other half of your soul. They say that a soul can split into two once risen beyond a certain high frequency. Thereafter, the soul lands in two different bodies. Some of my past connections with a person assembled this meaning so much, it is as if I had a male twin. From this, I realised I had a lot of things I had to fix within myself and grow out of my shortcomings.The album cover’s illustration will be designed by my friend, Mago! He’s super talented and I’m beyond thankful that he is doing the art.

Would you say, if an artist goes through struggles/dark times — it inspires their work going forward?

Yes, I totally agree with that. As for most people, this year has been very tough on me – both emotionally and physically. The past years of non-stop travelling and constant living out of suitcases has taken its toll. I have, therefore, decided to take this hardship and turn it into something positive by moving to Berlin, where I started re- focusing on my goals without losing touch to the presence.

“2020 weirdly allowed me to take the time required to decide on and process my strategy in order to achieve my desired goals.”

You often participate in various plant healing ceremonies — what is the last one you did and in what ways did it affect you?

I have recently been getting more familiar with ice baths. I attend a group meeting two times per week at a local lake, where we are working on breath-works. The exercises are based on techniques by Wim Hof and also include 20 minutes meditation sessions in the icy lake. It is the best feeling I have experienced in a while. It comes naturally to me as I frequently practice cryotherapy, which also provides many benefits for one’s physical and mental health. You obtain immense amounts of energy and can convince yourself and your body that you’re no longer cold. I find it very helpful to improve my body strength. It is also another way to meet new people with a similar mindset.
Gratitude meditation is a perfect way to start your day, reminding yourself to appreciate even the simple things in life. I repeat the same mediation before I go to bed. I have also tried and quite enjoy numerous other healing ceremonies, such as Kambo, Temezcal, Craniosacral and Bio-Magnetic Therapy.

You have a new release coming up — can you tell us more about it….

My next release will, in fact, be my first vinyl with Decay Records, collaborated with Shaun Reeves and include remixes of Giuliano Lomonte, David Gtronic, Davide Decay and Giorgio Maulini. I am particularly happy about this release, as it is the first track I produced with Shaun Reeves whilst also falling in love with my new home – Berlin. In other words, the release combines too many happy emotions. I am currently working on another collab with UNDERHER. I think they are super talented and I cannot wait for the completed works.

What do you wish to achieve in the music industry? You recently started learning new instruments and practicing your vocals — how will you intertwine that into your music going forward?

To be honest, I am not thinking too far into my future. However, I am working on my own album and trying to express myself through sound by using the piano. I am simply staying in the present and trying to create as much as I can in the process. I am also expressing myself more with my voice and writing lyrics for vocals. I plan to make the album intimately close to my soul.

Lastly, any quote that inspires you in this present moment?

“When we are satisfied with life, we do not look back on winning and losing to define our self-worth. When we feel drained, tense or unhappy as we are driving our goals, perhaps we are pushing ourselves to the wrong purpose. Our enthusiasm for our endeavours will return as soon as we recall that authentic growth is a matter not of winning but of taking pride in our progress at any pace.”

www.instagram.com/hi.iam.jay
www.residentadvisor.net/dj/jaymedvedeva
www.facebook.com/JayMedvedeva

Break Into My Walls:
www.beatport.com/release/break-into-my-walls