23 May 2024 - 0 Comments

Japes is the project of Mia Kelly (she/they), a musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).

Japes showcases a piece-meal approach to genre, juxtaposing treated guitars, sonic art and deep bass to concoct a thoughtful heady blend. Since releasing their debut EP Junk, Japes has made sparse appearances on local compilations (Strange Behaviour, Works for Loudspeakers) while developing into a live favourite in the capital, supporting Nabihah Iqbal (Ninja Tune) as well as performing at Cuba Dupa and Newtown Festivals.

Today Japes releases the new single Process, the second single from her new digital EP Omen, expected for release on August 1 via Sunreturn.

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Process is a slow burn, beginning with liquid guitar lines and metallic drones that snap into place as the chorus hits. Kelly’s hushed delivery juxtaposes the song’s sentiment of being proud of your friends facing adversity with grace.

“Process was a song I wrote for a dear friend of mine who was going through a hard time,” says Kelly. “The lyrics are very literal! The verse identifies the things that the person is feeling and facing, and they’re trying so hard to fight it. The chorus is a little prayer or wish for them.”

“‘You’ll never undo your progress’ is really the point of it. It’s shit sometimes, it’s gonna keep being shit, but you’ll never undo the work you’ve done and the experiences you’ve gained, even when it feels hopeless.”

Process features Riley Dick on drums (Kelly’s Mirror Ritual bandmate) and was co-produced by Bevan Smith (Introverted Dancefloor, Glass Vaults) with the collaboration aided by NZ on Air Music’s New Music Development fund.

Photo Credit: James France

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