Just Jinjer to release new album

They were the band on everyone’s lips, growing from strength to strength with each new album. As most of the country’s successful artists do, the time came for the band to broaden their horizons, reach a larger demographic and make the big brave move to California, US.

Followed by a period of silence, each member went their separate ways, seeking meaning in life beyond Just Jinjer and the music. What they found was a space to grow, reflect and become the person they were always meant to be. But it was in no way the end.

The band never officially announced a break-up because they knew the time would come again, when they would reconnect and continue the magic of making music. That time is now. The band has reunited and is working on a new album.

Ard Matthews. Picture: Laresa Perlman.

Lead singer Ard Matthews elaborates: “When we first got back from Los Angeles, we released an album to a very lacklustre response. It didn’t get the love it needed and completely bombed out. We’d been playing the same set over and over for years, really just milking a legacy. So I made the call and decided to take a break.

“There was some awkwardness, but it was the best thing that ever happened to us. For so long our identity revolved around Just Jinjer. We needed the time to sit back and question who we are as people, to become independent humans.”

From this, Matthews’s solo career was born. After years of writing according to the Just Jinger sound, Matthews now had the freedom to explore, to experiment with new sounds and build a new fan base.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIg4rDRZiiE

“It was really a very selfish thing to do, but it was a great confidence booster. It taught me who I am without the band and that I could stand on my own.”

During this time Matthews also purchased a coffee shop with his then girlfriend, trying his hand at something new and honing his entrepreneurial skills. Despite a very positive experience, he has since sold the coffee shop and has decided it’s time for Just Jinjer to try again.

He uses having an affair as an analogy, stating, “It’s like sex. It gets boring after a while and so you have an affair. After all the excitement, you return home and realise things weren’t that bad in the first place.”

After the last album tanked, Matthews is seeking closure. He says: “If it bombs, then we’ll shake hands and walk away. Or we’ll produce the best album ever and judging from what we have so far, it’s looking to be the latter.”

Still very much involved in his solo career, Matthews jokes: “I get to have my wife and mistress at the same time. We all go on holiday together and it’s great.”