EXCLUSIVE: Jay Chang’s ‘Neighborhood’: A Nostalgic Journey Through Music and Memories

Jay Chang, the soulful singer-songwriter, the main vocalist of ONE PACT, and member of B.D.U., recently returned with his deeply personal EP ‘Neighborhood’. As a tribute to his roots and the journey that brought him to where he is today, the EP radiates nostalgia, introspection, and a touch of fun. In an exclusive interview with Namaste Hallyu, Jay spoke candidly about his inspirations, and creative process, and has a message for all the Indian SUNLIGHTs.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

‘Neighborhood’ is not just an EP; it’s a window into Jay’s past, revisiting his childhood memories and blending them with his present. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the album, Jay shared:

“In my first album, ‘Late Night,’ we kind of looked a little bit into my childhood, not too much, but in this comeback, we kind of went full force into it with the title track and the whole concept of ‘Neighborhood’ as a whole.” – Jay Chang

The title track, ‘LaSalle Ave,’ captures this sentiment beautifully, drawing from a vivid memory of his hometown’s football field. “In my hometown, we had a very large football field that me and my friends would just go to when the weather was very nice and just like run around or just spend the day talking. That definitely influenced that feeling of nostalgia that I wrote about in the song,” he said.

Crafting the Sounds of Neighborhood

The songwriting process for ‘Neighborhood’ was just as introspective as the album itself. Jay explained how revisiting his childhood wasn’t just about memories but about recognizing how far he’s come. “When I was writing, I thought about how I felt as a kid and how much I’ve grown since. It was about showcasing both my roots and my evolution.”

He went on to give us a little peek into his creative process which is rooted in discipline. While Jay doesn’t have specific rituals for songwriting, he has one steadfast rule when it comes to recording days: silence. “On days when I record or perform, I try not to talk or sing before. I just stay quiet. It helps me save my voice,” he said with a laugh.

Jay also shared some behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the making of the EP, including the high-energy shoot for the music video of ‘What You Need,’ his collaboration with fellow ONE PACT member, Tag.

“There was this really small red toy car that we were messing around with, and by the end, it was broken and it was not working anymore. So I think that kind of in itself explains how fun the music video shoot with him was.” – Jay Chang

Exploring New Depths in Sound

‘Neighborhood’ marks a shift in tone compared to Jay’s debut album. His first title track, ‘Rockstar,’ was an upbeat anthem bursting with energy. In contrast, ‘LaSalle Ave’ leans toward soulful introspection. Reflecting on this change, Jay says, “’Rockstar’ was definitely to showcase the energy, the brightness that I had coming in for the first time into the music industry. Whereas ‘LaSalle Ave,’ even though it’s only my second album and it’s only been a one-year difference, I definitely wanted to show the contrast…who I am, not only as an artist or not only as a singer but also as an artist and a person. I really wanted to showcase that kind of introverted introspective side of me.”

This introspective shift was influenced by Silk Sonic, the dynamic duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Jay credited their ability to blend nostalgic melodies with modern energy as a key inspiration. “I remember the first time that I ever heard a Silk Sonic song, and it was a unique feeling to me because it reminded me of old songs that I would hear with my dad growing up, but it also had a very modern spin to it, and I found that really awesome. Specifically, this time around, since I wanted to give a bit of a nostalgic feeling, I also wanted to bring that same energy that I felt into this song. But at the same time, I wanted to put my spin on it with my vocal tone and my style and also my story,” he explained.

The Personality of Neighborhood

When asked to personify the tracks on the EP as members of a friend group, Jay offered an insightful yet playful take. While Jay termed ‘Paper Cut’ as the quiet and shy friend who is always observing from the sidelines, ‘LaSalle Ave’ became the sunny optimist, lifting everyone’s spirits. ‘Four Seasons,’ according to Jay, is the sentimental soul who values relationships deeply, and ‘What You Need’ is the jokester who’s always cracking jokes and keeping things lighthearted.

This creative perspective highlights the versatility and emotional range of the album, making each track relatable in its own way.

Dream Collaborations and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Jay dreams of collaborating with Bruno Mars, one of his biggest inspirations. “I think he’s been a very large inspiration to me, and it would be an honor for me if we could work together,” he said, clearly excited at the prospect.

As for new genres and creative ventures, Jay remains open and eager to explore. “I want to keep growing, not just as a singer but as a well-rounded artist. I’m constantly looking for ways to challenge myself,” he shared.

The Heart of Neighborhood

At its core, ‘Neighborhood’ is about embracing where you come from and using it as a foundation for growth. “No matter what stage of life you’re at, no matter how hard things get, if you just remember where you come from and the reason why you’re doing it in the first place, it gets so much easier for sure.,” Jay said, encapsulating the album’s message.

A Message to the Fans

Jay, known for his heartfelt connection with his fans, lovingly called “SUNLIGHT,” expressed both gratitude and hope for his Indian fans, and went on to add, “Thank you so much for sticking with me for so long. It’s been a pleasure to give you guys music and show you a little bit of myself. It would be a great honor for me if I could get to visit you, see you guys in person, and perform for you sometime in the future. I think it would be a huge honor for me, and I would get to open my eyes to more new things.”

With ‘Neighborhood,’ Jay Chang has proven once again that his music isn’t just about catchy melodies or soulful vocals—it’s about storytelling, connection, and authenticity. For fans old and new, this EP is more than a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to step into Jay’s world and find pieces of their own story within his.

As Jay continues to celebrate the release of ‘Neighborhood’ with his fans, he is set to kick off the [JAY CHANG’S NEIGHBORHOOD – USA FANSIGN TOUR] starting January 16, 2025, across multiple cities in the US.

Check out the MV of ‘LaSalle Ave’ here: