Song Exploder Jay Som - Tenderness
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Aug 20, 2025 Melina Duterte, known as Jay Som, is a talented singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with a knack for blending vintage sounds into her music. In this conversation, she reveals the creative process behind her song 'Tenderness,' inspired by her experiences in Los Angeles. She discusses the emotional depth of songwriting, focusing on vulnerability and connection. Melina also touches on her personal health insights, drawing parallels between her well-being and her art, showcasing how life influences creativity.
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Found Drum Sounds By Chance
- Melina copied a folder labeled “vintage drum machines” from a collaborator's drive and started experimenting with them.
- That accidental theft led her to program a Linn LM-1 part that began the song Tenderness.
Groove Shapes The Song's Mood
- Melina used the Linn LM-1 to capture a shuffling, languid groove inspired by Steely Dan.
- She paired that with minor-seventh chords to give the track an R&B-inflected, intimate mood.
Chords And Vocals Create Intimacy
- The chord choices and voicings pushed the song toward themes of new love and vulnerability.
- Melina intentionally crafted lyrics that read like a lo-fi voicemail to evoke conversational intimacy.