A collaborative EP for the ages

Melina Duterte aka Jay Som has become an indie star overnight. 2016’s Turn Into and 2017’s Everybody Works have only teased her fans with how her creative genius works. Throughout her journies, Jay Som was introduced to singer-songwriter Justus Proffit. The two hit it off and proceeded to have an impromptu garage jam sesh together. What started as a casual day off from work quickly turned into something magical. The bond between their musical styles was so cohesive that a joint EP was the only answer. Nothing’s Changed is a beautifully blended mix of musical genres and feelings.

The short five-song EP starts with the title track, “Nothing’s Changed.” The song combines a country twang with classic indie instruments to create a tune for the ages. “My World My Rules” takes on a bit more of a traditional rock vibe while showcasing both singers’ vocals and harmonies. Bringing the EP to a slow point, “Tunnel Vision” starts slow, only hearing Duterte’s vocals over a quiet plucking guitar and sets a very calming tone for the listener. “Invisible Friends” takes a bit of a ’60s vibe with psychedelic keys, guitar, and drums. Closing out Nothing’s Changed, “Grow” leaves the listener on a happy note with the use of energetic keys and loud drums. The track can also leave the listener with a lot to think about: growth and the continuum of life.

While they both came together and took turns writing the lyrics to Nothing’s Changed, Duterte handled mixing, playing the bass and keyboard, while Proffit took charge of the drums and guitar. It’s never an easy feat releasing an album that rose to the top in such a dramatic fashion and became one of 2017’s best indie albums and then trying to top that the next year. Duterte knew the battle she had ahead of her but she took it head-on with the help of her counterpart Proffit and delivered an EP that’s full of true indie vibes. She has continued to rock the indie world in ways some artists dream of, and Nothing’s Changed is a perfect example of that.