Producer, singer and songwriter jy is a clear favourite here at TMR, having his blissful R&B-laced tracks ‘Pink & Blue’, ‘Glide’ and ‘Blossom’ featured on the blog previously. Today, we’re pleased to premiere ‘Paradise’, another one of jy’s productions with the added bonus of a dreamy music video. Directed by Frank Felipe, the visuals star jy alongside the captivating Jennifer Yi. Throughout the film we’re permitted a few glimpses into a relationship with its quiet highs and bitter departures. As with everything jy creates, the visuals are incredibly well-styled, from the slick clothing to the panned landscapes to that golden hour capture to soundtrack the track’s chorus. This sunset-drenched Californian location in particular evokes images of Elysium, the Ancient Greek afterlife for heroes, most commonly referred to as golden fields. Jy’s own ‘Paradise’ is marked with the battle scars of love, as he self-doubtedly queries, “I don’t know why you’re in my life,” because it all seems too good to be true. We’re enthralled by this genuine vulnerability. For a moment, let’s put aside the thematic content and turn our attention to the music. ‘Paradise’ is a combination of subtle pop melodies, extroverted beatwork, romantic synth progressions and jy’s ever-soothing vocals. All of which portrays the articulate anxiety and peaceful gratitude that comes with new love. Yet, as the remaining seconds of the video imply, all is not paradise. Keep an eye on jy as this narrative unravels. - Hannah Thacker