Within the area of indie music, longevity is often a testament to artistic evolution and resilience. Jellephant & The Phantoms, after a decade of musical exploration, find themselves at a crossroads with the impending release of their final album “Always Down.” I had the opportunity to speak with Jelle Haagsma, the creative force behind the band, to unravel the inspirations, challenges, and emotions that have shaped this significant musical journey.

Jellephant are: Jelle Haagsma (Guitar, vocals, keys), Christopher Walkman (Guitar), Joey Pechler (Bassguitar), Guus van Tiem (Drums)

The Genesis of “Always Down”

‘Always Down’ is out 6 October 2023

The inception of “Always Down” was not a straightforward affair. Jelle shared, “I recorded this album with my live band The Phantoms. Chris and Joey decided to quit the band, and we had six songs ready. We didn’t want to wait for more songs to be written, so we decided to start recording.” This decision, however, marked a departure from their previous recording methods. Jelle expressed a desire for a refined approach, combining the liveliness of the band’s performance with meticulous attention to detail.

Jelle’s songwriting process for this album involved using a Tascam 4-track tape recorder, embracing the limitations it presented. He would then send the recordings to the band, and together they would shape the songs during rehearsals. The collaborative back-and-forth process between Jelle and The Phantoms resulted in an album that seamlessly merged their individual contributions.

The Bittersweet Farewell

After more than a decade of performing together, the decision to disband Jellephant & The Phantoms as a live band was not taken lightly. Jelle confessed, “I just didn’t feel it anymore, playing shows. I love the feeling of writing any kind of song I want to write without worrying if it’ll suit the band.” The realization that having a band and performing on stage was holding him back creatively led to a difficult conversation with his bandmates. Despite the challenges, the decision was met with understanding, emphasizing the personal growth and creative freedom that Jelle sought.

Diverse Influences, Cohesive Album

“Always Down” is a sonic tapestry woven with influences ranging from ’90s indie to noiserock. Jelle acknowledged that the diversity of influences across the album is a result of the varied inspirations for each song. “For ‘Always Down,’ these were just the songs we had ready at the time of recording. So I think we’re just lucky they fit together this well,” he shared.

The album’s three singles, “Solid,” “City,” and “Toast,” each carve a unique niche, showcasing the breadth of the album’s sound. Jelle explained, “I think those songs represent the album very well, maybe specifically because of their variety.”

Creative Evolution and Reflections on Mental Health

Jelle delved into his songwriting process, revealing that the album’s lyrical themes revolve around the delicate balance between improved mental stability and the creative toll it takes. He shared, “The subject of being more mentally stable, but having the feeling I’m paying for it by feeling a lot less creative than I used to be is something that pops up in a lot of the lyrics.”

Reflecting on his influences, including bands like Cloud Nothings, Unwound, Jay Reatard, and Sonic Youth, Jelle highlighted the impact of his surroundings on the album. “A calmer, instrumental song like ‘Well’ was inspired by taking a walk through the woods near my house,” he revealed.

“Lyrically and thematically, songs like ‘City’ or ‘I Woke Up Like This’ were as much inspired by Bright Eyes as Billie Eilish. Come to think of it, and I didn’t really realise this before, but in some ways ‘City’ sounds a lot like Billie’s ‘Ilomilo’ actually.

There’s definitely some Hot Snakes in ‘Toast’, and Sonic Youth’s ‘Murray Street’ in ‘City’, but I don’t know if that is audible. Plus, I’ve been listening to The Vines for the last 20 years, that band inspired me to start making music when I was about 14, even though I was very bad at it at first. Their first three albums still have a huge influence on me.”

Closing the Chapter, Leaving a Legacy

As “Always Down” marks the final album for Jellephant & The Phantoms live performances, Jelle hopes listeners interpret the music in their own way. “I’d like to completely leave that up to the listener. Anything you want, really.”

In parting, Jelle expressed gratitude to supporters and hinted at a promising future for his solo endeavors. “I would like to thank anyone who ever supported us in whichever way. Jellephant & The Phantoms will not be playing anymore, but this is definitely not the end of Jellephant. I will keep recording and releasing music, probably even more so.”

Discovering New Sounds from the Local Scene

Before we concluded our conversation, Jelle recommended a few emerging talents from his local scene. “Levi Noah is crazy good; his album ‘Finally It’s Raining’ is insane. Also, check out Chauffeur, Levi’s band, for some awesome live shows. Space Siren is a fantastically noisy, shoegaze-like indie band that I can’t stop listening to”. As Jellephant & The Phantoms prepare to bid farewell to the stage, “Always Down” stands as a testament to a decade of musical exploration, growth and the enduring spirit of artistic reinvention.