The Artist’s Journey & Identity
- For those who might be discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe yourself as an artist in three words?
Dreamy, emotional, pure. My music is 100% DIY, which adds a personal, authentic layer to everything I create.
- Can you tell us about your earliest musical memory or the moment you realized music was your path?
I was 7, rehearsing for our first communion. One melody stuck with me so deeply that I wrote my own lyrics to it and called it When You. That was the first time I felt the magic of songwriting — and I haven’t stopped since.
- Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Owl City has been a big influence in shaping my dreamy, atmospheric sound, while Taylor Swift inspires me with her storytelling. I also love the sonic richness of The Weeknd — he brings this cinematic quality that I really connect with.
- How do you feel your artistic style or sound has evolved since you first started creating music?
When I started, my productions were simple, almost like sketches of ideas. Over time, I’ve learned to layer sounds, create textures, and shape a more polished yet still authentic feel. My storytelling has become more intentional, too.
- Is there a particular story behind your stage name?
Yes! My real name is Joost Alfons. “Jason” comes from the first letters of my first and middle name (JA) plus other letters that also appear in my name (SON). “Justly” is the adverb of justice — the English version of my first name means Justin — and I liked how it created an alliteration with Jason.
- If your music were a color, what color would it be and why?
A gradient between deep blue and soft pink — blue for the emotion and nostalgia, pink for the warmth and hope that always shine through.
- What’s one common misconception people might have about you as an artist?
Because my music sounds polished, some assume I work with a big team. In reality, I produce, write, and record everything myself — often in my bedroom.
Creative Process & Music
- Walk us through your typical songwriting process.
It’s 99% melody-first. I start by creating a “vibe” with piano or synth, then I sing gibberish over it to form melodies for the different parts. Lyrics come later, shaped by the emotion of the melody.
- Are there specific themes or emotions you explore most often?
Love, hope, and self-discovery — often through the lens of personal experiences. My songs are like little time capsules of my emotions.
- Which song do you feel most deeply connected to, and what’s the story behind it?
“Happily Ever After” and “Strangers Again” are the most personal. “Happily Ever After” celebrates finding love after years of loneliness, while “Strangers Again” is about letting go of that same love — but with gratitude and hope. The artworks even connect: clouds intertwined for “Happily Ever After” and clouds drifting apart for “Strangers Again.”
- What’s the most challenging part of bringing a new musical idea to life?
Capturing the exact feeling I had in that first spark of inspiration. It’s easy to overwork a song and lose that magic.
- How do you know when a song is “finished”?
When listening to it feels effortless — nothing catches my ear as “off” anymore, and I feel proud to share it.
- Beyond your primary instrument/voice, are there other instruments you enjoy playing or want to learn?
I love experimenting with synths and keys, but I’d like to learn guitar to bring a different texture to my songs.
- How do you handle creative blocks?
I take inspiration from life. The best songs come from deep emotions — love, heartbreak, joy, pain. If I’m stuck, I move on to another song and return later with fresh perspective.
Performance & Connection
- What’s your favorite aspect of performing live?
I haven’t performed live yet, but it’s a bucket list goal. I want to bring my songs to life on stage and feel that shared energy with the audience.
- Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful moment from a past performance?
To be continued… hopefully soon!
- How do you connect with your audience during a show?
I imagine I’d connect through eye contact, movement, and letting the music carry the moment — creating space for both big energy and intimate stillness.
- What’s your dream venue or festival to perform at?
I don’t have a specific venue, but I dream of that moment when people sing along to my lyrics, wave their phone lights in the air, and just dance and smile together. That gives me chills.
- How do you prepare mentally and physically for a performance?
When the time comes, I’ll make sure to rehearse thoroughly, take care of my voice, and find ways to calm the nerves — maybe a swim before the show.
- What’s one essential item you always have with you when performing or touring?
I would take a glance at my “Jason Justly” tattoo before going on stage and remind myself what that name means to me. It’s the personification of my passion, life’s work, and a dream come true.
The Latest & Future Plans
- You’ve recently released “Strangers Again” — what was the main inspiration?
It started as a demo in summer 2024, but early this year I went through a breakup that gave the song its true meaning. It’s about accepting that sometimes you need to step away from someone you love to heal and grow.
- What was the most exciting part about creating “Strangers Again”?
Seeing the song evolve from a random melody into something that captured such a specific, personal emotion — and realizing I could make it sound exactly how I imagined in my head.
- What do you hope listeners take away from it?
That endings don’t always have to be painful. You can say goodbye with gratitude and hope for what’s next.
- Any upcoming collaborations, projects, or tours you can tease?
I’m taking a short break after releasing 20 singles in four years — but I’m always working on new music, open to collaborations, and excited to finally perform live.
- Where do you see your musical journey heading in the next five years?
Performing live, connecting with listeners around the world, and continuing to evolve my sound while keeping that dreamy, emotional core.
Personal Insights & Fun Questions
- Outside of music, what hobbies or interests are you passionate about?
Swimming, fitness, traveling, gaming (I’m a big Nintendo fan), and lately I’ve been reading all the One Piece manga.
- If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Owl City — his ability to create entire worlds through sound is magical.
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” — start where you are with what you have.
- If your music were featured in a movie, what kind of movie would it be and what scene would it score?
A coming-of-age film where the main character has just experienced a life-changing summer — the bittersweet montage before the credits roll.
- What’s one thing your fans might be surprised to learn about you?
In real life, I work in the digital user experience team of a pharmaceutical company. Also, I have three cats who mean the world to me ❤️
- Is there anything else you’d like to share with your audience today?
Whether you’ve been with me from the start or just discovered my music, thank you for listening. Your support keeps me going.
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