Beguiling, alluring and utterly captivating, alternative rock artist and all round mystic Jem has returned with his second cinematic single, the mesmerising ‘Lost’. Following on from the November 2021 release of the spellbinding ‘Secrets’ which marked a rare and enticing debut, Jem partners this initial enchanting entrance into the industry with the next authentic taste of his artistry.
Often writing from the perspective of another and having drawn inspiration from the incredibly moving BAFTA and Academy Award winning film, The Pianist, ‘Lost’ explores the concept of a dystopian world of a man who lost it all. Referred to as the ‘negative realm’ by the artist, Jem shares,
‘The desperation I’ve felt while watching the Pianist stuck with me until recent years, so I’ve started journaling, and the sentiments I’ve felt became real within this song.”
Accompanied again by another visual of momentous beauty, ‘Lost’ is haunting and thick with emotion, directed by Jems older brother Necip Karakas. Taking place in an ancient church, accented with gold and dotted with the warm, gentle glow of candles, a soft spotlight pierces through the windows casting a stream of incandescent rays onto Jem illuminating him against the heavy dark shadows while Jem delicately begins ‘Million years without the sun’.
Almost dreamlike ‘Lost’ is the perfect melismatic blend of Jem’s vocals and the sound of Oud (native Middle Eastern instrument). Layered with undulating electric guitars that call out into the distance as they build and grow into a cathartic release, Jem states that, “Feeling lost is a common theme; it is okay to feel like that; there is nothing wrong with it. When I say it out loud, it makes me feel better. I would want people to take this away.”
Utilising his fluency in vocal registers, Jem travels between them with an unforeseen ease and grace. Pushing the boundaries, both his head and chest voice come together in perfect synthesis creating a tone that speaks to his audience not only musically but also on a spiritual level.
It’s clear that Jem is not here simply to create music; with every release he dives even deeper within himself, each time returning with a new world to bring to the surface. Unafraid to visit places and play with intonations that may be unfamiliar, unusual or even uncomfortable for some, Jem is unapologetic in his authenticity, therein lies the true definition of an artist, one Jem lives and breathes.
“I always felt I was different. I didn’t fit anywhere. And to be fair, I never bothered to be a perfect fit for anyone or anything. Over the course, music happened to be a lens for me to share my alienation.” – JEM
With his debut EP release just on the horizon, ‘Don’t Let Me Disappear’ represents an eclectic medium of transportation whilst showcasing Jems innate ability to display sensitivity within his expression, this project serves as a delicate bridge between worlds just waiting to be explored.