Jay Som teams up with Hayley Williams for Past Lives video ahead of Pitchfork London whynow

Jay Som Collaborates with Hayley Williams on "Past Lives"

Jay Som has released the video for "Past Lives," a collaboration with Paramore's Hayley Williams, ahead of her performance at Pitchfork Festival London on Saturday, November 8th. The track is taken from her new album, Belong, her first in over six years, which has quickly become a fan favorite for its slow-burning indie vibe.

Creative Visuals and Direction

The new animated video, directed by Daniel Topete, vividly captures the song's theme of spiraling reflection through colorful visuals, enhancing the emotional depth of the music.

Return After a Break

Released earlier this year on Lucky Number Records, Belong marks a confident comeback for Jay Som after a significant pause in her solo career. Since her 2019 album Anak Ko, she has built an impressive resume as a producer and engineer, working on projects for artists such as boygenius, Lucy Dacus, Troye Sivan, and Beabadoobee.

Collaborations and Touring

Jay Som even joined Boygenius on their tour, contributing guitar and vocal parts to their live performances. With Belong, she steps back into the spotlight, showing her artistic growth.

Critical Acclaim

The Observer described the album as “a reminder of why she’s one of the most quietly brilliant artists around.”
DIY praised it as “assured, emotionally rich and full of depth.”
The Guardian highlighted "Past Lives" specifically as “the perfect soundtrack to getting introspective as the dark nights draw in.”

Artist’s Perspective

Belong is about “trying to find where I fit after stepping away for a while,” Jay Som shared, reflecting on the album's 11 tracks and their personal significance.

Jay Som's Belong demonstrates a matured artistry, blending introspection with indie sensibilities in a compelling comeback.

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whynow — 2025-11-04