There are artists who create songs in the vast realm of contemporary music that transcend mere entertainment, drawing listeners into the depths of their own emotions. Among these, the personal resonance of Jei-Rynn‘s songs leads listeners to describe them as “journal entries,” providing a profound glimpse into the artist’s inner world. With an eclectic yet singular style drawing from the rich tapestry of 90s grunge, 2000s emo and pop-punk, and 2010s indie, Jei-Rynn’s alt-pop sound is hauntingly nostalgic yet strikingly new.
Born as Jason Ledesma, Jei-Rynn’s musical journey began at a young age. At just nine years old, he embarked on piano lessons, a gateway to the world of melody and harmony. However, it was at the age of twelve when he received his first guitar that he truly started to craft his own songs, allowing his thoughts and emotions to flow through the strings of his instrument.
Growing up in Orange County, California, Jei-Rynn’s childhood was, in many ways, typical. But as he ventured into his teenage years, he began to feel an increasing sense of alienation from his peers. The weight of anxiety and periods of depression became his unwelcome companions. It was during these turbulent times that music and songwriting evolved from a mere hobby into a lifeline and a vital outlet for self-expression and exploration.
As Jei-Rynn delved deeper into his musical pursuits, he played in various bands and shared the stage with notable artists like John Nolan of Taking Back Sunday and The Higher. He even had the honor of playing guitar in Olivia Rodrigo’s backing band for a show before her major label debut. Furthermore, his collaboration with mixing engineer Dan Konopka, the drummer of OK Go, on his compositions, added layers of experience to his artistic journey.
With the advent of the 2019 pandemic, Jei-Rynn’s life took a turn. The solitary confinement imposed by the pandemic compelled him to channel his feelings of isolation and identity crisis into his music. The result was his first single under the name Jei-Rynn, ‘screaming inside,’ produced by the renowned Alex Newport (known for his work with L.S. Dunes, At the Drive-In, and Bloc Party). The song became a powerful reflection of Jei’s personal struggles as an introverted misfit and as an Asian-American during a time marred by Asian hate, resonating deeply with those who, like him, had been grappling with the isolation of a post-pandemic world.
Jei-Rynn’s subsequent singles, ‘walk away’ (produced by Alex Arias of The Mowgli’s and Matchbox Twenty) and ‘still alive’ (produced by Marshall Gallagher of Teenage Wrist), delved into the themes of broken relationships, suicidal ideation, and the resilience to survive. Each song offered an intimate window into the artist’s psyche, capturing the universal human experiences of pain and resilience.
In 2022, Jei-Rynn released his first EP, titled ‘overreacting.’ Produced by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, known for their work with Mayday Parade and Cartel, and featuring a track produced by Alex Arias, the EP continued to explore themes of isolation and loss, albeit in different forms. Each song was a testament to Jei-Rynn’s ability to transform his deepest emotions into musical narratives.
Jei-Rynn’s artistry extends beyond his music, as his self-directed music videos draw inspiration from the cinematic works of dark film auteurs like David Lynch, Tim Burton, and Stanley Kubrick. His visual storytelling complements his music, adding layers of depth to the messages he conveys through his art.
The year 2022 marked a significant milestone in Jei-Rynn’s career as he ventured into live performances. Audiences in Southern California had the privilege of witnessing his magnetic stage presence at venues like the Whiskey a Go Go and the Viper Room. Opening for artists such as Love Ghost, signed to Cleopatra Records, and Tommy Next, a part of One A Records (associated with Bad Wolves and Better Noise Music), Jei-Rynn brought his introspective music to a broader audience.
Jei-Rynn’s identity as a multiethnic artist, with Japanese, Italian, and South American roots, reflects the diversity and complexity of his music. His artistry transcends genres, and his mastery of multiple instruments allows him to craft intricate and emotionally charged compositions. Each song is a vivid snapshot of his journey, touching on themes that resonate with a wide range of listeners.
As the artist steps into 2024, he continues to explore intricate and relatable themes in his music, promising a wealth of new releases that will captivate and move his audience. Jei-Rynn’s unique ability to transform personal experiences into musical narratives is a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, and connect. His journey is far from over, and as his story unfolds, we can only look forward to the depth of emotion and introspection that he will bring to the world through his music.
To know more insights into Jei-Rynn’s music and artistic journey, be sure to follow him on Instagram. You can also enjoy his soul-stirring tracks on Spotify. Additionally, don’t forget to explore his captivating music videos and more on his YouTube channel.
