Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Jemerine Chan—a rising star whose music transcends genres and resonates with raw emotion and storytelling. Known for her soulful vocals, genre-blending creativity, and commitment to authenticity, Jemerine has carved a unique space in the music scene, captivating audiences with tracks that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Jem, your journey from playing the piano at age 7 to performing at prestigious venues like the O2 Islington is inspiring. Can you walk us through some key moments and challenges that shaped your career?
Performing at the O2 Islington was a major milestone for me—it wasn’t just my first big stage, it was also my UK debut. Stepping onto that stage to perform my original music in front of a live audience was unforgettable. It gave me a huge confidence boost and solidified my commitment to pursuing music seriously. That experience made me realise I could actually turn this passion into something bigger—it pushed me to dream bolder and work even harder.
Another defining moment was the release of Black Rose. It was the first project where I fully embraced the role of not just artist, but also marketer, and planner. Without a professional manager or external funding, I had to wear many hats—handling everything from logistics to promoting the launch and even organising the release party. It was overwhelming at times, especially juggling creative decisions with budgeting and timelines. But having the support of family, friends, and fans at the event made it all worth it. That experience taught me the value of preparation, resilience, and community—and it laid the groundwork for how I’ve approached every project since.
“Black Rose” has garnered significant recognition, including a silver medal at the Global Asian Creative Award. What’s the story behind this song, and what makes it so special to you?
“Black Rose” is a dark pop anthem about recognizing self-worth and refusing to tolerate mistreatment. The “rose” symbolizes positive energy, beauty, and strength, and so “Black Rose” represents a dimmed and misty version of a bright person. It’s about standing up for yourself and embracing your power, even if that means showing a darker, more protective side.
This song is especially meaningful to me because it carries a very different energy from my usual work. It’s a personal reminder to protect my boundaries. I always try to be kind and approachable, but that doesn’t mean I should let others take advantage of me. “Black Rose” is my way of saying: you can be soft and strong at the same time—and you have every right to walk away when you’re not being valued.
You’ve mentioned the importance of spreading positivity and uniting cultures through your music. Can you elaborate on this message and how it manifests in your songwriting and performances?
I’m naturally a very positive, happy-go-lucky person, and that energy flows into my music. Most of my songs are built around storytelling—I like to take listeners on a journey that, no matter how emotional or difficult, always ends with a sense of hope. I truly believe that even when life gets hard, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. That’s the message I try to share through my lyrics and performances: healing, connection, and the reminder that brighter days are ahead.
Growing up in Malaysia—a country rich in cultural diversity—exposed me to a wide range of musical influences from a young age.
I’ve always been fascinated by how different genres and languages can come together to tell one powerful story. That’s why I’m drawn to multi-genre composition and love experimenting with different sounds, rhythms, and languages in my work.
My upcoming songs will reflect that: mixing languages and weaving in elements from various musical styles. In doing so, I hope to stay true to my roots and create music that not only uplifts but also brings people from different backgrounds together.
What’s the creative process like for you? Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a particular feeling you want to evoke?
Quite a variety actually! As both a songwriter and music producer, I like to explore different starting points—sometimes it begins with chords, a drum loop, a bassline, a melody stuck in my head, or even just me randomly singing. No matter how it starts, it always comes from a place of emotion.
That’s why my music spans a wide range of pop—from commercial and alternative to R&B, electronic, and even cinematic sounds. One important thing I’ve learned along the way is that creative blocks are part of the process too. At first, they were frustrating—but I’ve come to see them as emotions in themselves. Now, when I feel stuck, I try to channel that into the music. It’s still part of who I am, and I believe there’s value in sharing those vulnerable moments with others who might be feeling the same.
Being a Malaysian-born singer-songwriter based in London, how has your cultural background influenced your music and artistic perspective?
Growing up in Malaysia—where cultures, languages, and traditions blend seamlessly—has deeply shaped my artistic perspective. Being surrounded by such diversity taught me to stay open-minded and curious, and that mindset naturally flows into my music. I was exposed to a wide range of sounds from an early age, which sparked my interest in blending genres and experimenting with different musical styles and languages.
Melody and harmony, to me, are languages of their own. Whether it’s through vocal scatting, rhythm, or instrumentation, I try to communicate emotion beyond words. That’s why I often keep my lyrics simple and heartfelt—so the meaning can resonate across cultures.
Music is such a powerful connector, and through my work, I hope to celebrate where I come from while building bridges between people from all walks of life.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who dream of following a similar path?
Trust the process and believe in yourself. This journey takes time, so be patient and keep exploring—musically and personally. Connect with people, have conversations, and stay curious.
I’ve found that some of my best ideas and inspirations come from simply talking to others, exchanging stories, and learning about different cultures. Most importantly, appreciate the present moment and enjoy the ride! That mindset helps me stay grounded and keeps the creativity flowing 🙂
What are your future goals and plans for your music career? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon that you can share with us?
One of my biggest dreams is to perform at major festivals like Glastonbury or Coachella—those are the stages I’m working toward, step by step. In the meantime, I’m focused on building momentum and growing as an artist by consistently releasing new music. For 2025, I’ve set a personal challenge to release a new track every month. It’s been an exciting way to stay creatively sharp and connect with listeners regularly.
I just kicked things off with my latest release, Unreal. It’s a track that captures the surreal feeling of chasing dreams—something very close to my heart. Coming up next in June is a groovy, feel-good song perfect for welcoming summer.
I’m also exploring more multilingual and genre-blending elements in my upcoming releases, as a way to stay true to my roots and celebrate the diverse influences that have shaped my sound. Lots more to come—so stay tuned!
What’s one thing you want people to take away from your music?
I want people to walk away from my music feeling empowered and hopeful. Life can be unpredictable, but I truly believe that no matter what you’re going through, your story matters—and you have the power to shape how it unfolds. If my music can remind someone to believe in themselves, to hold on just a little longer, or to find light in a dark moment, then I’ve done my job. Manifest a good ending—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride along the way.
Dive into the soulful sounds of Jemerine Chan! From captivating melodies to heartfelt lyrics, her music is a journey you won’t want to miss. Tap the social media icons below to follow her latest releases, behind-the-scenes magic, and exclusive updates.
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