Dear citizens of Jaxsenville,
I am thrilled to welcome you all to our city. Please make yourselves comfortable! Jaxsenville, as a concept, has been a year in the making, though its individual pieces date back half a decade. This EP is the result of tirelessly working for a better tomorrow and a desire to build a place others can call home. Each song was created with someone I deeply love in mind, and my gratefulness for having met them. Throughout my time constructing this town, I have discovered that the path to happiness is through love.
Alcraam
Alcraam is an instrumental piece, a nod to Grimes’ "Art Angels" introduction song, “laughing and not being normal.” Many who know me know that I spent a significant amount of time in the World of Warcraft, protecting Azeroth. One of my fellow heroes was named Alcraam, and I wanted to capture the feeling of our camaraderie in song, resulting in this tune.
Daydream
Two years before the release of Daydream, I released a song titled “nightmare,” which depicted living in a waking nightmare. Since then, through strenuous effort, I have finally woken up, ended the nightmare, and restarted my daydream. This song celebrates that transformation.
Snowball
Snowball was the last song written for Jaxsenville and is about the first person who taught me about love. It has been a long journey to get here, and my life would have been completely different without meeting this person. To this day, I am heavily influenced by their carefree ambition. Without their courage, I would not have the audacity I possess now.
Even at my Worst
For a while, I was not doing much. My little farm began to wilt, and with no food or water, I had nothing to offer others. Despite my inability to provide, I had a friend who never doubted me and continued to support me. This type of unconditional love is invaluable and necessary during tough times. Through their sunshine and support, I eventually recovered and built Jaxsenville.
Jaxsenology
Every song in Jaxsenville, except one, is about someone else. However, the only person I have constant, daily interactions with is myself. My relationship with myself has not always been the best, but I needed to find a way to appreciate who I am. Jaxsenology helped me paint a clearer picture of myself and who I want to be. This song is a promise to myself to improve.
Gray
You might think Jaxsenville is my favorite city since I am its mayor and creator, but my heart belongs to Chicago. I am obsessed with the Windy City: the magnificent bean sculpture, the trains, and the walkability. Some days, waking up in my dorm felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders - I was finally where I wanted to be. This song captures that feeling of relief while acknowledging that emotions are fickle and the weight will eventually return, and that's okay.
You’ve Been There
You’ve Been There is the oldest song on Jaxsenville and is about someone I met online. The connection we had felt like someone truly understood me for the first time. Knowing I was not alone helped me persevere even when it felt like the world was against me.
Jaxsenville will persist for years to come, offering shelter to any travelers seeking warmth. Feel free to stay as long as you would like.
With love, Mayor Jaxsen