photos /Laura Harvey
Vancouver singer-songwriter Jade LeMac has captured hearts with her unique blend of voice, storytelling, and music, infusing her sound with influences from her Asian heritage and the 2SLGBTQ+community.
The 20-year-old queer singer-songwriter’s heartfelt lyricism and commitment to her craft have earned her a GLAAD “Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist” nomination, cementing her as an emerging voice in music with a story to tell.
With the release of her EP “Confessions,” Jade LeMac has proven herself to be an artist who is not afraid to embrace her individuality and offer audiences a collection of songs that showcase her unique sound and storytelling ability.
In her new single, “Pink Balloon,” Jade reflects on how the song holds on to cherished memories with a special person, a theme that is sure to resonate with listeners around the world.
We had the pleasure to talk to Jade LeMac about her beginnings in the music industry, recalling how she started by featuring in EDM songs at the age of 13, and how TikTok became a key platform for expressing and promoting her own music. We reflected on 2024 as a pivotal year of learning and growth in her career, and she also explained that, while most of her lyrics are personal, she aims to convey a universal message that everyone can connect with.
Could you tell us a bit about how you got started in the music industry? What inspired you to pursue it as a career?
Honestly, I’ve always known that I was going to at least try to pursue a music career. When I was 13 or 14, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to feature on a couple of EDM songs, and that was my first real step into the music industry. Years later, I found TikTok and that’s where I was really able to express myself and promote my own music.
2024 has been an exciting year for you! How would you describe it in terms of your growth as an artist and what you’ve achieved?
This year has been a big learning experience. I’m very grateful for what I’ve achieved, and I’m ready to continue.
Let’s talk about your new single, “Pink Balloon.” What was the inspiration to write the sweet and captivating lyrics?
I think that you can find inspiration in almost anything, but luckily, I have a special person in my life who specifically inspired this song.
You mentioned that “Pink Balloon” is about sharing memories with a special person. Is this inspired by a personal experience, or more of a universal message?
Though a lot of this song was inspired by personal experiences, I like to write in ways where I feel anyone could relate to. As if I take a personal experience and turn it into a universal message.
What do you hope listeners take away from “Pink Balloon”?
I want the listeners to hear this song and take a moment to appreciate their loved ones. To never take what they have for granted.
Could you walk us through the creative process for the “Confessions” EP? Was there a specific theme or feeling you focused on while making it?
There wasn’t a specific theme or feeling for the Confessions EP. I did a lot of experimenting which was really fun, so now I have a better feel of what really feels like me.
It’s really comforting listening to your music and seeing the apparent ‘ease’ with which you talk about such different topics in your songs: love, bad kissers, love obsessions… But if we asked you what you like the most about your music, what would you say?
I honestly think it’s different with each song. In some songs, I’m so proud of the lyrics, and that is what I love most about the song, but with others, it’s the same feeling but with the melody.
Do you have any plans for the future that you can share with us, such as a collaboration or a show?
I’m just working on me and my art. I think there is always room to grow, and that’s my goal right now.
CONNECT WITH JADE LEMAC
TIKTOK // INSTAGRAM // SPOTIFY
