Jadius

Regina-based singer-songwriter Jadius released his self-titled album last year, and he's now ready to follow it up with a brand new single titled "So Over."

Jadius incorporates his music into an adopted holistic lifestyle that balances the wellbeing of his mind, body and soul; similarly, he draws on an assortment of musical elements across genres like funk, R&B, soul, rock and hip-hop to create a sound that's complete and completely his own.

"So Over" will appear on his upcoming EP, which is expected out this fall. It's an eclectic jam that blends funky rhythms and soulful grooves with the singer's piercing falsetto.

The single is officially out on July 22 through SAV Recordings. Get an early listen to "So Over" right now, though, in the player below. - Exclaim!

Jadius, also known as Justin Sheppard may be a name you’re familiar with. He is the former frontman of Fur Eel, as well as a current member of The Bureau and The Pile of Bones Brass Band. The Regina, Saskatchewan artist has just released his next single “So Over”, through SAV Recordings/AWAL. Listen to is above, and if you like what you hear, head to iTunes and grab your very own copy. We had the opportunity to ask Jadius a few questions about the single, his music, and more in this interview.

First of all, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers who may not be familiar with you?



Hey! I’m Jadius (call me J if you like). I have an obsession with pancakes and waffles, don’t let my 24 pack abs fool you. Haha.

You have just released your new single “So Over”, can you tell us about the writing process behind it?

This one came together very naturally in both writing and production of the record. I wrote the chords, melodies, lyrics and came up with a pretty solid arrangement one day on my Telecaster. I was inspired by the intense feeling of not being able to move on from something that had happened to me. Then Rob(bass) and Ross(drums) came into the mix for the pre-production sessions where we collectively came up with the spacious intro and the psychedelic outro. All the drum and bass parts were honed during the pre-production prior to the recording session. All the guitar solo’s and synth work I wrote and recorded in one session at my studio. Actually, this was one of the most magical guitar recording sessions I’ve ever done. All parts flowed forth with zero effort or pre-meditation, I really feel like I was channeling the spirit of Jimi Hendrix on this session. Then I wrote and recorded all the harmonies and vocals myself at the studio.

Who are some of your musical influences and inspirations?

I think I wear a lot of these influences on my sleeve. I’m endlessly inspired by Prince, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, TV on The Radio, Bonobo and Anderson.Paak. I also draw inspiration from Bruce Lee, that guy is just such a badass.

Do you have any other new music in the works?

Lots. I’m obsessive with my music, I’m writing or recording something every day. I’ve got a few EP’s worth of new original material that is recorded and ready to be mastered plus countless demos that I hope one day get the full album treatment. Outside of my solo work I’m also writing and recording a hip-hop album with The Bureau and Queen City Stoop Kids.

How does “So Over” compare to your previous releases?

I don’t think you can even compare them, it would be like “Comparing Apples to Oranges” kind of thing. My debut EP last year is electronic pop. I love that kind of stuff. But I felt like I’m capable of expressing myself the best with music that is centered around guitar and a band, and not a perfectly quantized beat made in the computer. What you are hearing on this new record is real, nothing is quantized and I can honestly say there were hardly any edits done to anything. Real human beings with character and rawness instead of the canned heat of my last EP.

How do you manage to combine so many different aspects of music such as funk, R&B, soul, rock and hip hop to create your own sound?

I don’t really know how I manage! I guess funk, soul, R&B and to a certain degree Hip Hop are very similar in chord selection and vibes. All of them make you bob your head or tap your feet, so I guess the rhythm is really influenced by those genres. I think rock finds its way in as I like to get heavy, nothing beats an electric guitar for me. I like acoustic, but nothing compares to the feeling of electricity coursing through my body with my tele and an amp. Hip hop finds its way in more-so in the vibes and attitude of the music, I’m not a rapper by any stretch of the imagination.

What’s coming up next for you?

Adventurous Pop Music. Basically, my songs are very pop but they go on tangents or adventures instead of sticking to run-of-the-mill Pop song structure. My music is not afraid to try something unconventional, like an extended intro or the song ending way ahead of where it “should” end. Things coming up on the horizon: Fall tour dates across Canada to support the release of my new EP, music video, recording live cover videos for my Facebook page, and continuing the never ending cycle of writing and recording.

At Canadian Beats we like to ask a few fun questions as well, so your fans and our readers can get to know you a bit better:

We are now into summer, what is your favourite way to beat the summer heat?

My studio is air conditioned haha. But if I must be outside I’ve discovered that water is pretty awesome for this sort of thing.

If you were in charge of a music festival, who would be on the lineup?

Most of the people I want to see in concert are dead now, I suppose if Hologram Tupac happened I could bring in other hologram artists too. But of those great artists still with us, I think J-Fest would have appearances by Anderson.Paak, TV on The Radio, The Internet, Bonobo, Arcade Fire, Brian Culbertson, Chic/Nile Rogers, D’Angelo, Daft Punk, Drake, Eminem, Foo Fighters, Janelle Monae, John Mayer, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Rhye, Skrillex, Thundercat and if I had holograms: Hologram Prince, Hologram David Bowie, Hologram Jimi Hendrix.

What is the most random fact you can think of?

I’ve seen all the James Bond movies and do a badass Sean Connery impression. That’s a fact.

If you could interview anyone you looked up to, who would it be and what would be your first question?

I think I would ask the same question to any one of my heroes: “What is your biggest piece of advice, or what has helped you the most with conquering fear and doubt”

Are there any Canadian bands or artists you would recommend to your fans?

Kaytranada is putting out some of the best music I’ve heard in a long time, from anyone. The sonics and the writing are just insane, and he’s got some amazing features on his new album. Of course Drake and Bieber are killing it. I’m a fan of Marianas Trench too, those guys make great records and write great songs. Saskatchewan has some of the best musical talent on the planet, so I can’t answer this question without mentioning The Dead South. Hands down one of the best live shows and these guys write incredible songs. Canada is also home to Jocelyn Alice, Megan Nash and Reignwolf…all worthy of your time!

And finally, is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Hope to see you enjoy the music and I look forward to seeing you out at one of the shows this Fall! - Canadian Beats

Our #MCM for this week is none other than rising pop sensation Jadius. This young hearthrob is a former member of Regina-based quartet Fur Eel, but has now branched out on his own to share his own musical stylings with the world. Jadius’ sound combines elements of pop, funk, EDM, R&B, and rock – literally something for everyone! He’s got a new single coming out called “Give you love”, a song that, despite being recorded in Saskatchewan, embodies none of the frigidness that the province’s winters are known for. The single is upbeat and infectious pop track about loving yourself so, in turn, you can truly love someone else. And if that’s not the best romantic advice ever, I don’t know what is. With influences ranging from David Bowie to Justin Timberlake, we know that Jadius will be turning heads and perking up ears with this great new track. And since he’s all about giving love, we decided we needed to give Jadius some love back. That’s why Jadius is our #mancrushmonday.

What is the first thing that you notice about a potential love interest?

One of the first things I notice is how the person treats both myself and other people. If I see someone I find attractive also treating others with respect and empathy then I go from being somewhat to very interested.

Who would you want to have make the first move?

It would totally depend on the situation! There is fun in both being pursued and pursuing, so it doesn’t matter to me.


What is your ideal first date?

Something chill and relaxed where conversation can happen. If it’s nice outside then a walk or frisbee, or in the frigid Saskatchewan winters its always nice to get a beverage at one of the many great local establishments.


What’s your instant deal breaker?

I’ll admit that I checked out what other #MCM ‘s on the site have said for this question before answering, so my answer has been said before! But negativity is an instant deal breaker, I don’t have time for that!


Who do you go to for dating advice?

My majestic pug Missy always has the best advice. She sigh’s, says nothing and reminds me that my worries are complicating things. That’s what I love about animals, so much love and pure moment to moment living. Ultimately what she says is don’t worry and play it moment to moment. - We R Addicted

Jadius is an up and coming Canadian pop sensation who has recently released his debut single as a solo artist entitled “Give you Love”. A formal member for Regina based quartet Fur Eel, Jadius has been compared to a modern day David Bowie and Justin Timberlake. Here at Canadian Beats we had the chance to catch up to Jadius to talk life and music and what’s next for this budding new artist.



Your new single was recorded and produced in your own studio, tell me about your writing process, where do you get your inspiration for song writing?

Every song seems to be a bit different, but lately this is how it goes. I start by jamming some of my favorite covers with my trusty Godin guitar, usually a medley of obscure David Bowie songs. I get lost in the enjoyment of playing those songs, and usually that is when a song starts coming out. Once all expectation and desire to write disappears is usually when the good ones pop out. Sometimes a whole song writes itself in one sitting, some I finish after a day or two, and some come out with co-writes. So many ways!

How does it feel to have your sound compared to the likes of David Bowie and Justin Timberlake?

Honestly…it’s definitely taking some getting used to! I look up to these artists and have a huge respect for what they have done!

What is the biggest challenge you have faced breaking out as a solo artist?

Hmmm, tough question! Releasing music comes with a certain amount of vulnerability. You are putting yourself out there for others to judge and critique, so you have to love yourself and be ready for that. The biggest challenge so far has been navigating the minefield of the mind, and coming to place where I’m ok with putting myself out there in such a vulnerable way.

What made you decide to pursue music as a career?

It’s been a series of events that lead me dedicating my entire life to music. When I wrote my first song, that was a pretty big rush for me. Then taking those new songs to the stage was a whole new world that brought with it an incredible feeling to me, which only intensified as I discovered the art of recording. I’ve seen so many people pursue careers that don’t have anything to do with what they love, and I see them with big piggy banks but with empty souls. Dedicating my life to creating songs is to me the best thing I can do for myself and other people.

If you weren’t doing music what would you be doing?

I’m a health nut. So I’d likely get into personal training, or nutrition and lifestyle coaching. It would be great to help people live more healthy lifestyles.

Now that you have released your first single, what is next for you?

Lots! It seems every day is a new email or phone call moving this thing along. I’m releasing an EP on July 21st, some gigs in the UK are in the works, recording music videos, recording and writing more music, planning for a 2016 tour. Super busy.

Here at Canadian Beats we like to include a “just for fun” portion to help your fans get to know you better, ready?..

If you were stranded on an island and only had three things (non music related) what would they be?

No Music?! What kind of island is this? Haha – gonna have to think hard here. First thing I’d hope to have with me is someone that knows how to hunt and gather or hunting equipment to hunt with so that I don’t die. Second, a telescope to gaze at the stars, I’d imagine the night sky is quite impressive on a deserted island. Lastly, if I’m deserted on this island alone, the third thing would be a volleyball that I could eventually transform into my best friend as I lose my mind….WILLLSOOOOOOON! - Canadian Beats