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The New Locals: Jeida Woods

Sydney’s newest R&B crooner on his single ‘Selfless’.

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Jeida Woods is new to the local scene, but he’s been doing this for a while. The Sydney-based crooner started writing songs at 15, studying the likes of Bryson Tiller, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and The Weeknd, so it makes sense that he’s introduced himself to the world with a heart-wrenching track. Earlier this month, Jeida dropped ‘Selfless’, an ambient ballad exploring the demise of a relationship. Fuelled by his passionate vocals and atmospheric production courtesy of Lucianblomkamp, Jeida channels the artists he studied in his teen years. Now, at age 20, he’s inked a deal with Australian label Future Classic. We hit up Jeida via email to learn more about his background, the inspiration behind the song, and where he’s headed next. 

When did you know that music was the career for you?
I began to feel it the more I started to go to live shows with my crew and everyone would always notice that while others were dancing, I would just stand there staring like I’m in a trance. Truth is, I always started envisioning myself up on the stage. That was when I knew it was for me.

Who were the people in your life that helped shaped your passion for music? 
Over time I’ve had people mentor me and guide me in the right direction. First and foremost my momma has always pushed me to follow my passion, and then secondly my manager Franco, who became my friend and father-like figure before any business. Some honourable mentions go out to other people helping out [in] the music scene, like DJ Ziggy and even in the states like David Ali who’ve pushed me to pursue my dreams.

You started producing and writing at 15. Do you remember the first thing you made? 
First track I ever made was a diss track to my dad, but it was more rap. Later on I figured rapping wasn’t as much of a hard hitting thing for me than singing.

Your new song ‘Selfless’ is really your introduction to the world. How do you feel now that’s it out? 
I feel more relieved than anything, the song meant a lot to me and I’m really critical of everything that I put out. It’s like my whole heart is out for the world to listen to. So to see that people love it means a lot to me.

It touches on heavy topics, but you’ve said it only took you 30 minutes to write. Is it easier for you to write about your emotions?
Always, yes. Writing when you feel something is so much easier. Sometimes the lyrics just come to you. I hate forcing songs.

When you’re writing these types of songs, is it a therapeutic process? 
Yes and no. Sometimes it’s actually quite stressful because I’m reliving events that I don’t want to think about again. But when it’s done, that’s when the relief hits because I’m looking at everything as a whole.

What was the process of working with Lucianblomkamp like? Did you learn anything from that collaboration? 
That dude is crazy. His ear for melodic production and his efficiency in creating ballads is amazing. One thing that I learned from him is to just make songs and put the idea out there without thinking too much of it. It helps the process to be so much quicker.

When did you link up with Future Classic? What has that relationship been like so far? 
Future Classic and I have a great relationship, they treat me so well and are truly doing everything they can to help my growth as an artist. I first got in touch with them in 2017 when I was releasing music on my own and they heard about me through the grapevine. Since then they’ve overtime slowly become family to me.

You’ve spent a long time finessing your craft to get to this point. How did you develop that type of patience? Do you think people try to move too fast in music right now? 
I am probably the most impatient person on this earth, I want everything to be done and to happen so quickly and if it weren’t for the people around me to keep me grounded and teach me things, then I wouldn’t be as patient as I am. The other reason why it took me so long is because I’m also a perfectionist at the same time, and while that’s good, I feel like it can be a detriment to the creative process.

Who are some local artists we should check out? 
Inferno, Jessica Jade, GXNXVS & CVIRO, and Haan.

What’s next for you? 
I just want to grow as an artist, play bigger shows, make more amazing music, meet new people, and touch more people with my songs. I look at all these goals in stages, and before I can advance to the next stage I always want to max out the current one to the best of my ability.

For more Jeida Woods follow him here

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