INTERVIEW: Debut single from Mr J

Rising from London’s music scene, newcomer Mr J is ready to make an impact in the modern R&B sphere, bringing together soul, Afrobeats and slick production with an expressive baritone voice. As a new artist, his music is driven by emotional storytelling and smooth melodies but there’s a readily apparent sense that he’s interested in looking at familiar subjects from a different angle. Now simply leaning into expected romantic scenes, Mr J uses songwriting as a way to explore the complications behind them, balancing soulful emotion with an upbeat and optimistic outlook.

His knack for honest expression is based in an experience that has shaped his perspective from an early age; diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus and Addison’s Disease at eight, Mr J has never allowed his conditions to define what he could achieve. He’s in fact channelled those experiences into creative fuel, developing an artistic output built on determination, resourcefulness and strength. His story informs an artistic philosophy that places genuine emotion and creative vision above circumstance, amplifying the belief that exceptional music can be made regardless of the resources available.

He draws inspiration from soul figures John Legend and Bill Withers, absorbing the emotional context and storytelling qualities associated with their work while developing his own voice. That influence can be felt in his interest in relationships while his songwriting challenges some of the familiar assumptions surrounding love, allowing him to approach relatable themes with candid lyricism while maintaining an upbeat tone.

Now, his musical offering arrives in full display on “Love Is A Fantasy,” Mr J’s debut original single which interestingly started as a class project before blooming into something more personal and ambitious, inspired by watching friends struggle to leave relationships that were no longer fulfilling. By not twisting those observations into another melancholic love song, Mr J chose to take the idea in a different direction, creating an upbeat reflection on romantic disillusionment and the realisation that love isn’t necessarily the answer to everything.

The contrast between sombre subject and uplifting sound gives the track much of its character, with “Love Is A Fantasy” dealing with the possibility that relationships can fail to deliver the happiness we imagine. Opened by the flutter of immersive instrumental elements, soulful vocal layers and rattling percussive shots, the track flows with instantly catchy melodic leads before jumping into a bouncy groove brimming with infectious hooks and danceable energy. Bright instrumental flickers and crisp beats underpin Mr J’s expressive voice as he spins storytelling lyrics via stunning R&B-inflected melodies, forming an energising pop jam that’s truly impossible not to love.

The song’s message is ultimately based on love’s ability to both uplift and devastate, offering profound happiness while also creating situations from which people find it difficult to escape. By focusing on that contradiction, Mr J taps into an experience that extends beyond any single relationship, making the track relevant to anyone who’s had to reconsider what they believed love was supposed to be. Danceable, memorable and thoroughly original, “Love Is A Fantasy” sees Mr J make a spectacular artistic entrance with a stellar debut outing that firmly plants him on the map of must watch artists on the rise.

We caught up with Mr J to find out more about his musical journey so far, his debut single “Love Is A Fantasy” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Mr J below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

At eleven — four years ago now — I started to write the first lyrics for the song, then developed it further the same year as part of a class project using Bandlab. I had finalised and released this year.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

John Legend remains my greatest influence. I still remember hearing “All of Me” for the first time at four years old and being moved to tears in the back of my mother’s car, telling her simply that it was beautiful. That moment has stayed with me ever since. Classics like Bill Withers, and more modern such as Khalid and Ed Sheeran shape my writing too — particularly their lyricism in love songs and the way their instrumentation carries a story, whether sorrowful or uplifting.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Everyday life, above all. I chose to release this particular song because of what I’ve been observing lately in relationships — that everyone wants to love and be loved, yet things don’t always unfold as hoped. That’s where the title, Love is a Fantasy, comes from. Going forward, I want my work to draw on lived experience alongside the stories, characters and poetry found in both classical and contemporary theatre.

What do you love about the London music scene?

Its sheer presence everywhere — buskers on the street, singers in pubs, music woven into daily life across genres and styles. I’m always struck by how differently the same stories get told depending on who’s telling them. Live concerts, in particular, are where I go to recharge creatively.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Honestly, anywhere — that’s the intention behind the sound.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

The earliest draft leaned into something sadder and more grounded in realism. Experimenting with instrumentation and effects changed that: I realised a love song doesn’t have to sit in sadness to be honest. Introducing African drums, touches of electric guitar and different pads and beats gave the track a distinct character — something that could sit comfortably in almost any setting.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Bruno Mars, without question. Beyond him, I’d love to work with artists across different genres — Dave, Teddy Swims, Raye, Olivia Dean and Jorja Smith. Dave’s inclusion comes down to how well rap can complement vocals in the right song, and I think each of the others would pair naturally with my voice.

How did you find making your new single “Love Is A Fantasy”?

Challenging, mainly because of indecision — I went back and forth between two very different genre directions before eventually landing on an Afrobeat-inspired backing that suited the lyrics while staying true to my original vision.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Connection, above all. I wanted anyone experiencing similar emotions to feel recognised in it, and to know they aren’t alone — people all over the world are navigating the same uncertainty in love.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

A$AP Rocky, Beyoncé, Teddy Swims, Bruno Mars and Myles Smith have all been on rotation lately.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

That whatever they’re feeling has been felt before. No experience is as isolating or unprecedented as it might seem in the moment — someone else has stood in that exact place, felt that exact thing, and come through it. I want listeners to find comfort in that shared history rather than in being told what to feel.

Who would be three artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Glastonbury, with Stormzy, Raye and Adele sharing the bill — a combination of rap and both female and male vocals that I’d love to be part of.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Pursue it regardless of your circumstances, financial or otherwise. If you’re young, work hard at school, keep a backup plan in place, and go for it anyway — there’s nothing to lose. Don’t spend a lifetime wondering what might have happened if you hadn’t tried. Start now.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I’ll continue writing, continue making beats and continue growing my craft.

Listen to Love Is A Fantasy below