Twin Cities-based artist Jay James has released his debut album “Unfinished Products.”
The project has made waves within the local scene and looks to continue being in rotation among listeners across the state. The filmmaker at heart provides true whimsy in a project highlighting the labyrinth of existence and what that means for each beholder.
When asked about the genesis of a title such as “Unfinished Products,” James credited the album-making process for its name.
“It’s very literal. These songs are unfinished products. I thought it had this nice touch of irony because this album was not meant to be a product. It was a bucket list thing: make an album before you die,” James said.
Preston Yanta, James’s collaborator on the album, showcased impressive arrangement skills that echoed his elaborate drumming on the body of work. Friends before “Unfinished Products,” Yanta and James capitalized on that connection going into the song-making process.
“We always had that chemistry before the project and it translated well into playing music and creating songs. He (James) would bring a basic chord progression and play it again and again. I would jam over it. We would do 20-minute jams over the same progression. It was just constant practice,” Yanta said.
The DIY feel of the album provides a charming and impactful rawness to the overall delivery.
Diving into the contemporary and modern rock scene, James provides listeners with arguably the most crucial feature when listening to a new album: an original voice.
The Twin Cities house rock setting has consistently risen in talent and opportunity. Many attribute the rise of alternative rock finding a homestay in northeast Minneapolis to the punk era dating back to the early 1960s around the same region. Places like Sociable Cider Werks offer artist showcases and open mics for varying related genres and blends to take the stage. James has performed tracks from “Unfinished Products” at Sociable for new listeners, leading to an uptick in artist engagement.
“Unfinished Products” is fruitful because of the transpicuous thematics it has to offer. With concepts of uncertainty, wanderlust and hope, James capitalizes on his messaging through unique deliveries with his melodies.
“I started writing songs around the same time I became an adult. By the time I was writing the album, I was at a point where I discovered that writing these songs very truthfully and expressing these things was very therapeutic. ‘Unfinished Products’ ultimately became this place where I was writing my life story,” James said.
An ode to his natural storytelling ability, the stripped-down instrumentals heard from the first track to the last provide story arcs that meet at a satisfying point. Smooth, nostalgic and even dreamlike, the chord progressions on display by James and complex drum patterns from Yanta bring this sentiment to fruition. For example, we begin the album with the track “Settle Down.” Here, James is talking about not knowing the difference between right and wrong anymore and that the moment, more or less, should be enjoyed despite the overarching chaos ensuing. The album then ends with the track “Out of My Control.” Yanta’s gentle drum breaks and melancholic tones mirror the album’s first track. Here, James is singing about giving himself up to the journey. This voyage of self-exploration can be compared to the listener’s journey between the opening and closing tracks. Opposing styles and parallel messaging create an effective conclusion for the project.
As with any art, people will pull different things from what they hear, see or read.
“It has a specific meaning to me, but my interpretation is no more or less important than what the listeners take away,” James said.
When asked about his favorite track on the album, James answered without hesitation, “Out of my Control.” The songwriter alluded to how the song came at the album’s end and how the band had found a stride in delivering a signature sound for the project.
“There was a journey as an instrumentalist and songwriter; I felt that (‘Out of My Control’) was the most dynamic and sonically interesting. The way it came about was through a jam. I just love those chords,” James said.
Yanta shared a similar sentiment towards the same track, stating “Out of My Control” was his favorite drumming work on the album.
“It was a great closer for us,” Yanta said.
It was clear that from a musicianship standpoint, James had matured musically as the album rolled on. It’s no easy feat to write, record, master and mix an album, let alone release it. James’s trials shined a light on lessons learned in an ultra-fruitful experience.
“Part of carrying out your mission is caring for yourself, and I did not do that. I was putting the art before me because I had a neurotic obsession with getting it done and I just wasn’t in a healthy headspace. I almost gave up on this at least four different times, but I’m glad I didn’t,” James said.
The songwriter highlighted how the real progress came in the last few months in the two years it took for the album to be complete. The cost of making an album in terms of financials, energy and time came at a premium for the artist. James credited those around him for the official vote of confidence in realizing this album was more than a possibility.
“You surround yourself with people smarter than you and believe in what you’re doing. If they believe in what you’re doing, it will push you to want to work harder, and you’ll be happier with what you get in the end,” James said.
Guitarist Jon Elconin and bassist Peter Hayward had their musicianship at center stage alongside James. Martin Lee acted as the album’s principal audio engineer. James called them the “heroes of the album.”
Hayward said James made sure the making of the album was a collaborative process. “It was very open. He (James) made it clear right away that he wanted input from other musicians. You kind of have to put yourself in the mindset of the music’s writer (James) and try to hear what’s in their head,” Hayward said.
Notable tracks to look for on “Unfinished Products”:
“In Waves of Nostalgia”
There’s something incredibly comforting about this track. With a true coming-of-age sentiment, “In Waves of Nostalgia” feels like a warm summer evening with the windows down. Albeit, the track has a sort of tragic and compelling undertone.
“The Citadel”
What some listeners consider the most popular track from the album, “The Citadel,” provides a boyish charm and a feel-good perspective. James is experimenting with the inflection and delivery of his voice; the track is not predictable in direction, and it provides a fun listen.
“Settle Down”
This track very clearly paves the road to where James wants to take his listeners the rest of the way.
“Out of My Control”
On the same note, this is an excellent finale to “Unfinished Products.” The artist is coming to terms with this inevitability from an album that continually harps on things that are not perfect, delivered, or with closure.
“Delta Street
Halfway through this track, things get interesting. In what I think is some sort of electric keyboard and synth, an organ-like chorus uniquely complements the grassroots rock element of “Delta Street.” “Unfinished Products” is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music.