This article was originally published on KCPR.org. Watch the Burnt Dog Session here.
“Trust me” were the words Jayden Binnix’s vocal teacher told them at 12-years-old as a push to inspire them to start writing music. Soon after, a career and profound passion for creating music followed.
Jayden Binnix, otherwise known as Black Polish, started playing piano around five-years-old. Binnix grew up in Florida, MD and eventually made their way to Los Angeles. In L.A. they’ve performed at The Bellwether in front of a crowd of 1,800 people and amassed a Spotify following of nearly 150,000 monthly listeners.
Now 18, they’ve released seven singles, all of which ended up on their previously released EP, “Out of Place” and recent full-length album “Forest.”
Like teenage journal entries, Binnix’s music encapsulates those anxious feelings of being young and unsure of how things will turn out.
“Anxiety built up before the outburst,” Binnix said.
A lot of their music is inspired by their time in Catholic high school and how they had to hide their sexuality from others, despite knowing from a young age what their sexuality was.
Inspired by artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Mitski and Melanie Martinez, Binnix hopes to be a “comfort” artist for listeners.
When heading to the music studio, Binnix likes to go in with a clear mind so that they know exactly what their ideas will sound like. They said they always know what to write, basing their music on their personal life.
“I’m always going through life-changing experiences,” Binnix said.
Their recent single “willows” is no exception. Guitar and bass were the only traditional instruments used for the single. Everything else was made from a bucket of children’s toys, which embodies the song’s youthful feeling and message that not all problems can be solved by having a love interest.
“willows” is featured on the rest of Binnix’s most recent project, “Forest,” a nine-track album with songs that tell stories about their relationship with themselves, sexuality and religion.
“[The song ‘void’] is so personal. And so I relate to it every single day,” they said about one track on their new album.
With most musical careers, there comes adversaries. Binnix said they have experienced backlash about their work ethic and people who made them feel like they were never good enough.
“Being around negative people constantly will not get you to where you need to be. And I think that is the most important thing I’ve learned — that you need to get rid of every toxic person no matter who they are, without fear of thinking you’ll be alone in the project you’re making,” they said.
For aspiring artists, Binnix said to trust your instincts and embody any discomfort you feel during the process.
“If you feel uncomfortable, you’re probably at the right place,” they said.
Black Polish’s Burnt Dog Live Session can be found on YouTube under KCPR 91.3 FM.