There truly never has been a better time for fans of rapidly rising pop-R&B artist Jae Stephens.
Best known for her viral tracks “3AM” and “Afterbody,” the star made her Lollapalooza debut this weekend, taking the BMI stage on Day 3 of the festival. Despite the rainy weather, a crowd of 2,000 festival goers were mesmerized by her high-energy presence as she performed beloved songs including “Afterbody,” as well as “Him&Him&Him” and “That’s My Baby,” and also was joined by Chicago drag queen and musical artist Shea Couleé for a rendition of “SMH.”
Perhaps most exciting, however, were her performances new singles “Attaboy!” and “Sugar Trap,” from her upcoming album, AUDACITY, which arrives Sep. 25. We had the pleasure of chatting with the artist following Lollapalooza to hear all about the experience and what to expect next. Read our full interview below.
Sweety High: What did it mean to you to be invited to perform at Lollapalooza? Especially being your first-ever festival?
Jae Stephens: It was so exciting! I had just mentioned really wanting to make my festival debut next year, knowing that the deadlines for any bookings this year had already passed. When I got the news I really felt like I’d spoken it into existence. It’s such an honor to be part of an iconic festival right as I announce my album!
(Photo Credit: Brandy Fik/BMI)
SH: What was the Lollapalooza energy like? Did the rainy weather put a damp on the crowd at all?
JS: I think if anything it just made everyone more eager to get inside honestly! Personally, my set time getting pushed an hour just gave me one more hour to be nervous—the anticipation was so crazy by the time I got onstage and I really felt that release of energy from the crowd too.
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SH: What was your most memorable performance from the set? Why does that one stick out to you?
JS: It was such an honor to have Shea Couleé join me onstage for my song “SMH.” It made my whole life to see her performing it on Drag Queen Christmas tour last year, so I knew I had to reach out to her to join me when I discovered I’d be in her city. “SMH” is already one of my favorite songs to perform, and having her up there hitting the steps with me just made it that much more iconic.
(Photo Credit: Brandy Fik/BMI)
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SH:Was it exciting to tease the latest singles from your upcoming debut album during the show? How did the audience respond to them?
JS: I’ve loved seeing people’s reactions to the new music, especially the live arrangements that I’ve spent so much time nerding out on. They knew the words to “Sugar Trap,” which just came out like three days ago! It’s so exciting to see and hear things songs that have lived in my phone for ages take shape in real life.
SH: What else can you tell us about the new album, AUDACITY?
JS: It’s for anyone in need of a confidence boost! I can’t wait for the girls to put it on and remember exactly who they are and what they’re worth.
(Photo Credit: Brandy Fik/BMI)
SH: Is there anything else our readers should know about you or your music right now?
JS: I’ve had so much fun pouring into every detail of this album and its world and I look forward to everyone joining me in Auda City on Sep. 25!
For more interviews with the artists we love, click HERE to hear from Alyssa Grace on her debut EP, spilling my guts.
