Emerging from Reading, England, KillJoy is making his mark in the music world with his upcoming EP, Self Made, released on November 30, 2024. This four-track project is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a heartfelt narrative that explores personal growth, betrayal, and redemption. Influenced by JID’s The Forever Story, KillJoy taps into his own experiences to create a body of work that feels both authentic and deeply introspective.
Self Made is a collaborative effort, and it shows in the way KillJoy’s connections elevate the project. His close friend Y.Rxven (Reuben Yakub) plays a pivotal role in shaping the EP’s sound. The two met at a local live event in Reading, where their shared passion for music sparked a friendship. “We’ve always been told our voices blend well together,” KillJoy shares. This chemistry is palpable in their tracks, where their voices complement each other seamlessly, creating a unique dynamic.
Another standout contributor is Jadie-lil (Jade Johnson), KillJoy’s significant other. Their creative synergy has been brewing since college, where KillJoy was first captivated by her vocal talent. Though their earlier collaboration on “Get Close (Remix)” never saw the light of day, Self Made finally brings their artistic partnership to life. Jadie-lil’s contributions add emotional depth and vocal richness to the EP, enhancing its overall impact.
The inspiration for Self Made is as compelling as the music itself. At its core, the EP is a reflection of a tumultuous period in KillJoy’s life. Nearly two years ago, he faced serious allegations after a fallout with friends at a party led to false accusations. “A piece of me died inside,” he admits. The experience left him feeling betrayed, but it also fueled his drive to turn pain into art. Once the charges were dropped, KillJoy began working on the project, using music as a means to process and share his story.
Each track on the EP delves into different aspects of his journey. Songs like “Cat and Mouse” explore the tension of navigating life’s uncertainties, while “Fantasy” takes listeners into the emotional highs and lows of relationships and self-discovery. The EP balances introspection with resilience, offering a raw yet hopeful perspective.
JID’s The Forever Story served as a catalyst for KillJoy’s creative process. “I wasn’t much of an album listener,” he explains, but JID’s storytelling inspired him to try his hand at crafting a cohesive narrative. While Self Made is technically an EP, its themes and storytelling ambition reflect the depth of a full-length album. KillJoy’s blend of raw lyricism and melodic innovation makes it a standout in today’s indie music scene.
With Self Made, KillJoy is offering more than just music—he’s sharing a piece of himself. Fans can expect a project that’s deeply personal yet universally relatable, with tracks that resonate on emotional and artistic levels. As the EP dropped on all major streaming platforms, this rising artist invites listeners to join him on his journey of resilience, self-reliance, and artistic triumph.
Self Made is a story you don’t want to miss.