Jaime Deraz is a singer/songwriter who crafts her lyrics based on real life experience, and raw emotion. She captures each moment through picturesque language and a sorrowful cadence.
Making her eagerly anticipated return to EDX’s long-running imprint Sirup Music, Jaime now teams up with super-talented Swiss producer Marco Maffeis for the pair’s stunning debut collaboration Save Me.
Out now, Save Me is everything we could have hoped for and more from the inaugural meeting of these two musical masterminds, who join forces in perfect harmony to deliver one of the standout tracks of the summer. An exquisite slice of feel-good, uplifting house music, perfectly accented by Jaime’s infectious top-line and Marco’s impressive production credentials, Save Me exudes power and energy from the off, and is definitely one for the weekend warm-up playlists.
We caught up with Jaime to find out more…
Follow Jaime @jaimederaz
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Compassionate, bubbly, warm
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get into the music industry?
I got into the music industry during a really hard time in my life. My mom got really sick and I was struggling to find a balance between working, and also taking care of her. The opportunity to make music came out of nowhere, & gave me a way to balance both, all while doing something I really love!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Emotional, melancholic, reflective
How is the music scene different from the US to other parts of the world?’
I typically work with the European world, because it is more dance-based, which is where I’m most comfortable! The US music scene seems to be leaning toward the more organic, singer/songwriter side of things, which is something I also really love. My goal is to kind of combine the two, and bridge that gap!
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
I’m really inspired by Julia Michaels, because I really love her songwriting and her story. I’m also inspired by Clara Mae and SHY Martin, because I love what they are doing with both their dance collaborations, and also their own solo releases.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
I love binge watching shows on my couch while eating sour candy!!
Funniest/Crazy thing that ever happened at an event?
I’ve only ever really performed live a few times, and the second show I did, the music completely cut out and I had to sing my part of the song acapella. I was terrified, but the sound engineer at the venue turned up the reverb and it was actually a really cool moment for me, singing directly to the audience without any music. It felt super personal and was a cool learning experience, but I would really prefer if that never happens again LOL.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The most fun part of what I do is songwriting for my DJ collaborations! I love taking specific ideas or stories from others and writing a song based off that. The most rewarding part is when they hear the topline and they feel emotional because of the way they connect to the lyrics. The least fun/rewarding part about what I do is the writer’s block for sure. It can come and go in waves and sometimes feels never ending!
What’s your advice for aspiring young artists trying to make it in the music industry?
My biggest piece of advice is not to put your dreams on hold for reality. I think a lot of people don’t follow their dreams because it’s “unrealistic”, but I don’t think the two need to be mutually exclusive. Of course, maybe pursuing your dream 24/7 isn’t always a possibility, but I think you should always make time for your passions and stick with them. No matter how small, I think you should always make steps toward what you love. The music industry can be challenging and really frustrating at times, but as long as you make songs that you love, someone else is bound to love them too!
What’s next for Jaime Deraz in 2021?
I have a ton of dance collaborations planned for the rest of 2021, and I’m also looking forward to releasing more tracks for my solo projects, and also a bunch of videos!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Pancakes!! Nothing else matters, but the perfect Sunday requires pancakes. 🙂
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think happiness is contentment and comfort. A lot of times we search for happiness and wait for it, but I think happiness is just being truly okay with where you are at, and not thinking about where you could be instead.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I really like carrots hahha. Especially baby carrots… yum.
And your favorite cheat food?
Homemade chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge!!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If he’s on his phone the whole time I think I would be so annoyed that I wouldn’t ever want to see him again haha. Only really on the first date though, because we are there to try to get to know each other!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
As simple as it sounds, I would really love to meet my great grandmother. My mom and grandma were really close to her, but I never got to meet her. From what I hear, we could have had a lot in common!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope to be successful and able to take care of my Mom and give her the best life she could possibly have.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I think I would say it’s timeless! I would just live in sundresses if it never got cold in New York!
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media can be whatever you let it be. On one hand, it’s an amazing way to connect with people from all over. On the other, it can be really toxic and lead to a lot of comparison and self doubt. It takes a conscious effort to be able to use social media to your benefit, and not to let it consume you.
Where we can follow you?
The best place to follow along with me and my music is on my instagram, @jaimederaz 🙂
Quote: “My dreams did not come true. But I worked really hard and I ended up building an empire out of my imagination” – Shonda Rhimes
Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Travel Destination: St. Thomas!!
