Toronto-based artist Jozem dives deep into the complex emotions of summer with his new EP, Summerhaze. The five-track offers a refreshing take on the traditional summer soundtrack.
From the first note of the opening track, “Foolish Heart”, Jozem sure knows how to captivate. This song immediately stands out, thanks to his mesmerizing vocal performance. Layered with intricate harmonies, including haunting female vocals in the background, “Foolish Heart” feels almost like a spell being cast on the listener. It’s a powerful introduction that draws you into Jozem’s world, where every note and lyric seems to carry deep meaning.
The title track, “Summerhaze”, continues this exploration of emotional depth, capturing the feeling of trying to keep up a façade of happiness during difficult times. Inspired by a close friend’s struggle, the song captures the tension between outward joy and inner turmoil. Jozem’s lyrics are relatable, touching on those moments when we all pretend everything is fine, even when we’re quietly carrying emotional burdens.
“I wrote the song Summerhaze after a negative experience a close friend was going through. Because I knew him well, I could tell that he was deeply affected by this experience but did not want it to dampen the mood, so we would just pretend that things were all good – it was summer after all and we were supposed to be out, enjoying the sun and having fun. With time, I realized I started taking on his pain a little, but neither of us at the time knew how to acknowledge or engage in meaningful conversation and instead participated in various unhealthy forms of escapism.” – Jozem
Reflecting on how the EP came together, Jozem shares that it wasn’t initially intended to be a larger body of work. Instead, these songs were written over a few summers, capturing specific moments and emotions. The result is a collection that feels like a snapshot of those times when the heat of summer contrasts with personal conflicts—a reminder of the bittersweet beauty of the season.
If you’re looking for music that will make your summer last a little bit longer, this EP is a must-listen. Jozem has created something truly special, and it’s sure to stay with you long after the season ends.
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