Union J have not always had an easy ride to success what with multiple band members leaving and coming, and parting ways with record label Syco. However 2018 ended on a high after another low point when Josh Cuthbert decided to leave, they released their brand new single ‘Paralysed’ which was their last release as a three-piece.
Here we chat exclusively to JJ Hamblett and Jaymi Hensley to discuss what it’s like being a duo, new single, creative plans and their loyal fans:
Paralysed was the last of three singles to be released in 2018, how excited have you been by the response so far?
We’ve been so excited by the response to ‘Paralysed’. We love the song and I hope it means as much to the fans as it does to us. The video has just been released as well and the fans seem to love it, which we hoped they would.
The track is the last to feature Josh Cuthbert, what can fans expect from you guys as a duo?
‘Paralysed’ features Josh and he really liked the song as well, hopefully we’ll be releasing the rest of the album or an EP this year.
With Paralysed you’ve reached deeper emotionally, was that a conscious decision?
We just really loved the song and it allowed us to sing from the heart and really go for it. It also became even more meaningful after Josh left.
What was the writing process like for the track?
The song was written for us by Patrick Hartman from the U.S and produced by Designer Doubt and we loved it from the beginning. It’s just crazy how it was written at the beginning of 2018 and the message fit perfectly with how we were feeling after Josh left and we found ourselves having to release another single straight after, it almost seemed fated.
What are you hoping fans take from the song?
We just really hope that the fans connect with the song the same as we did. It means a lot to us as our last single as a three and we hope that the song and the music video represent the journey that we’ve been on over the past 7 years. We appreciate the fans and the support so much.
Now you’re firmly back as Union J, what do you have planned for 2019? 2019 will see the release of the album or EP to follow the three singles that we’ve released in 2018. ‘Alive’ , ‘Dancing’ feat Ironik and ‘Paralysed’.
Being a duo now, what can listeners expect from new music?
Luckily we pretty much finished the album before Josh left, so most of the album will feature all three of us. Then we’ll assess where we go from there and work with Matt from the label to find some more amazing songs.
How do you feel the dymanic between you two (Jaymi and JJ) will grow and affect the creative output of Union J?
If you saw us on celebrity coach trip on channel 4 last week, you’ll see that we still like to hang out but we’ll be planning and discussing the future of Union J over the coming weeks.
Do you have a message for the fans who have stayed loyal throughout the changing times of the band?
We’d just like to thank every single person that’s supported us over the years, whether it’s from the very beginning X Factor days up til now and our release of ‘Paralysed’. The past 7 years have been incredible for us and none of it would have been remotely possible without the support of our amazing fans. We love you all. UJ
Make sure you follow Union J on Twitter @UnionJWorld to keep up to date with all their latest music and tour news.
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