ARTIST/LABEL NOTES:
Mixed by Maddie Jay, Pedro Calloni and Dhruv Agarwala. Mastered by Harry Burr. All music written and produced by Maddie Jay, except 1 and 5, which were co-written with Blake Straus.
GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:
It only took one scroll through Maddie Jay’s Instagram to know she was going to be a favorite of mine. Homemade videos of her playing bass in a bedroom, often armed with a 4-track or jamming dawlessly in a cozy corner — it’s more than charming. It’s the kind of honest, hands-on music-making that feels rare and refreshing — even though it’s not, it is.
Mood Swings is her debut EP, and it’s a knockout — a lovingly polished collection of homemade pop gems that show off not just her chops as a bassist, but her strength as a songwriter and self-producer. These songs are sticky — in the best way. They sneak into your brain and nest there.
The whole thing is slick, but not overly so. There’s still tape hiss in the corners, dust on the synths, a little swing in the timing. It’s got the spirit of the bedroom, like you’re in on a secret fan club. The EP was mixed by Maddie herself alongside Pedro Calloni and Dhruv Agarwala, with mastering by Harry Burr. Songs 1 and 5 were co-written with Blake Straus, but the vision is unmistakably hers.
And that’s what makes this record so special: the blend of polish and personality. Maddie could easily be a session player coasting on demand (and I gather she is — jaunting off on tour often), but it’s her own music I’m subscribing to. These five tracks make a perfect introduction to a voice that deserves center stage.
If you’re into modern pop with a homespun backbone, this one should be in your rotation.
Media: CD.
PRICE: $9
Visit Maddie Jay and Youtube
Bandcamp URL: https://maddiejay.bandcamp.com/album/mood-swings-ep
