Trans Music Artist Jasper is ‘Redefining’ Himself

Jasper, a boundary pushing trans artist who packs a powerful message, released his debut single today in honor of Trans Day of Visibility.

Titled “Redefined,” the track celebrates the power of being queer and how his loved ones have arrived him at an ever-growing sureness, a reclamation of himself. A self-taught songwriter and producer with a sound inspired by artists like The 1975 and MUNA, “Redefined” is a pop anthem with a “lay your weapons” call to action, reminding everyone to love yourself.

Far away from the small, conservative suburb of Pearl River, Jasper is fresh to LA and ready to make his mark on the queer community. He has high hopes of garnering a little more understanding from outside of it.

OFM caught up with the up-and-coming musician to talk more about “Redefined,” his artistry, and more.

Let me begin by asking, how excited are you to release your new single “Redefined?”

I am so excited! It feels like such a long time coming because this is my first release since I transitioned. So, it’s just this moment of stepping into the industry for the first time as my authentic self.

Even more, how meaningful is it that you are releasing the track on March 31, Trans Day of Visibility?

Very. I feel like this song really resonates with that message of just being visible, and I feel like there’s so many emotions that can go along with that day and concept. Just let us be visible! What I think this song does very well is, it’s not letting anger consume you. Instead, it’s empowering you.

Can you tell us more about the concept and inspiration behind “Redefined?” How did this track some to fruition?

So, the original line that I came up with was, “I think I burn the city down with you.” Then the second line I came up with was, “I’d run home from church just to kiss you.” Sort of like this deep South, we-are-done-with-this-narrative moment, but I think the overall concept of “Redefined” ended up as, we’re taught a bunch of shitty things as queer people by society and through our childhood. Therefore, we have to spend our whole lives redefining that and redefining ourselves.

Will this single be part of an upcoming EP or any bigger projects?

I’m thinking about doing an EP because I have a lot of songs that are this flavor and revolve around this kind of concept. I’m going to do a bunch of singles; then I’ll see if I want to do an EP or something bigger.

Ultimately, what do you hope listeners take away from “Redefined?”

I hope that they feel comfortable being visible and find joy in their queerness. Everything is so heavy for trans people in America right now, so I want to create a moment of queer joy.

So, you believe a song like this is timely and much needed right now?

Yes! I think being happy, loving ourselves, and being graceful is the best resistance that we can give ourselves and the opposing side with this. We will always be more loving, and we will always be more honest. We are going to be happy, incredible, and thriving over here.

Have you always had a passion for singing and songwriting?

Oh my gosh, yes. I feel like I was one of those people that came out of the womb knowing what I wanted to do (laughs).

How would you describe your musical style and aesthetic?

I think it’s very important, especially for me, to be able to tell these stories in a palatable way. So, I love a good pop song that can have all these deep, really important concepts, but you want to dance to it. Like, it can play in a supermarket. I think that’s been most queer people’s first foot in the door, however shitty that is, but I think we can create some powerful music that can speak to the most amount of people.

Do you believe there is a lack of representation for trans men in the music industry right now?

I do. I have not seen many trans male pop artists. I mean, I’m friends with some trans, male artists that are amazing, but I haven’t seen any of them sort of do what I’m doing with pop, or even concept-wise. Someone told me that I sounded healed, but I do think there is a huge gap in the market, and everyone is waiting for this trans pop star.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

I definitely want to open for someone on tour. That is my biggest one, and then just getting a good reaction from the single and then having the singles build on each other increasing and starting to build that community. My favorite band right now is MUNA, and they have this thing where it’s like, our concert is like gay church. That is the number one thing I’d hope to create. I’m trying to create these anthemic moments that you can sing back, leave your room in Indiana for a minute, and just lock in with this queer joy for a second.

Additionally, you are also the founder of a genderless clothing brand called Peace & Power. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes! It’s really busy right now because Hayley Kiyoko’s stylists reached out and asked me to create a ton of looks for her tour. So, that’s been exciting, but I honestly didn’t know that I loved fashion so much until I transitioned. I didn’t know I could feel good in a shirt, so how was I supposed to know that I cared about fashion? (Laughs). Peace & Power is full of streetwear styles, and it’s like a reclamation of the streets. I think it’s so cool.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

Of course I’d love to push my streetwear brand, so make sure to follow that. I’ve built such a gorgeous little community, and I love when people interact with me. I feel like that’s about being visible too. Then, of course, the new single drops on March 31, and I’m aiming to release another one in May or June!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Jasper by following him on Instagram @jasperontheinternet. “Redefined” is now available to stream on all digital music platforms.

Photos courtesy of Ren Shelburne