Jade Thirlwall Hopes To Bring A New Vibe With Her Solo Music
The pop star shares her views on the challenges of the entertainment industry and the pitfalls of social media.
Jade Thirlwall, the British pop sensation and former member of the chart-topping girl group Little Mix, is stepping out with her solo music, intent on showcasing new dimensions of her artistry. At 32 years old, Jade is eager to surprise listeners, expressing her desire to share more of herself through her work. She recently told The Independent, "There’s still so much people don’t know about me, so I was eager to surprise people, poke the bear a bit."
While transitioning from her well-known girl group transition, Thirlwall recognizes the emotional weight her solo work carries. "With Little Mix, it was break-up songs and female empowerment music, which I love, but I’m doing it in my own way now. Now it’s a lot more personal to me. It’s for the gays and the gals," she explained.
Having been heavily influenced by the LGBTQ community throughout her life, Jade credits much of her inspiration to her experiences within London’s vibrant club scene and her close relationships. Yet, she acknowledges the challenges of representing this culture authentically. "It’s a tricky tightrope to navigate, because I think, as an ally, you don’t want to do too much," says Jade, illustrating the sensitive balance she seeks to maintain as she crafts her new sound.
While the music industry excites her, Thirlwall is equally cautious of the shadows it casts. She characterizes social media as "a cesspool of hatred" but concedes it serves as a valuable means for connecting with her fans. "It’s such a bizarre concept to me. You wouldn’t walk down the street and have someone walk past you and say, ‘You look really s*** today,’" she mentioned when speaking about the online abuse she occasionally faces.
After receiving intense scrutiny for years, Jade feels she possesses a "thick skin" due to her experience. Yet, she admits, "People will always find a reason to criticise her. If it’s not the music, it’s how I look, if I’ve put on weight, the campaign, or whatever. It’s literally always something." This candid recognition of the pressure she faces hints at the toll social media can take on mental health, especially for public figures.
Reflecting on her past, Jade feels conflicted about her experiences on reality television. She credits shows like The X Factor for launching her career, stating, "I don’t think any kind of show can exist anymore. We’re in a different place now." She acknowledges the problematic aspects of such competitions, noting, "We wouldn’t put someone mentally unwell on a TV screen and laugh at them. The concept of a joke act on a show is just cruel. It’s all very Roman Empire," she explains.
Growing up in a working-class family, she often struggled to make her musical aspirations come true, which she feels is part of why reality television was so appealing. "Even now, personally I’m conflicted criticising it because it changed my life," she stated, recognizing the duality of her situation. She recalls the overwhelming odds stacked against aspiring musicians, highlighting her gratitude for the opportunity afforded by such platforms.
"It’s so savage, this machine we’re part of. Even back then, we knew how lucky we were every day; we were still signed," she reflected. Jade’s insights reveal the harshness of the entertainment industry, especially for young women trying to find their footing. It’s evident her path has been lined with both challenges and triumphs, something she doesn’t take for granted.
Overall, Jade Thirlwall's foray from Little Mix to the solo spotlight is layered with personal discovery, challenges of representing marginalized communities, and grappling with the potential harms of social media. Her point of view is refreshingly honest, bringing depth not only to her music but to her life experiences shared with her fans. With each new release, she hopes to carve out her individual space and provide authenticity to those who have been inspired by her before.