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JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Blair, 'Halos - Single'

Blair
Halos - Single

Street Date: November 2, 2022
Style: Hard Rock / Metal
Official Site: Official Instagram



Multi-instrumentalist/producer Jayce Blair (who simply uses Blair for his stage name) has recently released a new rock single, "Halos." Musically, it's a track on the heavier side with clean, high vocals occasionally contrasted with a deep, gravelly voice singing certain lines. This contrast is used effectively on the choruses and never feels overdone. The music is well-produced and well-performed, with nothing too flashy getting in the way of the track. "Halos" clocks in at a little over 4 minutes, yet it feels shorter, moving at a good pace.

The message of the track is one of warning about "wolves in sheep's clothing" or "angels of light." It's a declaration that those who would deceive have lost the element of disguise as Blair sings, "Can't fool me now/'Cause I know/Devils wear halos." Like the music, the lyrics are to the point and clearly express their warning. It would have been nice to have some sort of element of discernment, though. How can you tell when a "devil" is in disguise or it's an actual "angel"? Something like this would have added a good layer of depth to the single. Still, Blair's "Halos" is a solid rock track that should catch the ears of those looking for something new and heavy to rock out to.

- Review date: 3/25/23, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: None
. Album length: 1 track: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
. Street Date: November 2, 2022
. Buy It: iTunes
  1. Halos (4:08)

 


 



  • Jesus Freak Hideout (John Underdown): For people unfamiliar with your music, what's a little bit of your background?

    Jayce Blair: I was raised in church and would always sing in the kid's choir. However, my little heart's desire was to play an instrument. My mother put me in piano lessons at the age of eight, even though I really wanted drum lessons. A family friend advised my mother that I learn piano first. He told her if I learned piano first, I could play anything. I'm thankful that she listened to his advice, because that turned out to be the truth. Now, I advise parents the same. Put your kids in piano lessons! It pays off.

  • JFH (John): What's the story behind your track "Halos"?

    Blair: "Halos" was inspired by a specific, real life situation that I cannot share. However, the message behind the song comes from 2 Corinthians 11:14. The devil does not look like a little red guy with horns and a pitchfork. His aim is to deceive, and he manifest's as a beautiful angel. Hence, the lyric "devils wear halos" was born. The song can also be interpreted that not everyone on this earth, Christian or otherwise, has the best intentions for you.

  • JFH (John): I see you're a multi-instrumentalist, did you play all the instruments on the track? Is it more challenging or easier to cover all the parts yourself?

    Blair: Yes! I tracked all the instruments in my bedroom studio. The only things I didn't technically play were the bass and drums. The bass and drums were tracked with plug-ins that came from the fellas over at Solemn Tones. I can play real drums, but it's difficult to record real drums, especially when you live in an apartment.

    As far as whether doing it this way is more challenging or not, I would say both. It's easier because I don't have to involve other people's schedules, and I can get the composition done. It does have its challenging moments though. It is extremely tedious to map out the instruments and perfectly record everything by yourself.

  • JFH (John): What advice would you give to help people discern whether someone they're engaging with is just a devil with a halo or genuine?

    Blair: That's a great question! As a Christian, I believe that discernment is a spiritual gift that God gives His people. We are actually commanded to "test the spirits". So there is a spiritual component to this, and we need God's help. There is also a common sense side to this. Observe the individual when the lights aren't on them. What are they doing behind the scenes? Do they have a reputation for burning people? Do they commit the same misdeeds over and over again? So, my advice would be for the people of God to pray up! Ask for discernment. Also, be sober and vigilant. Just watch people. Devils always tell on themselves sooner or later.

  • JFH (John): Is "Halos" a prelude to an EP or full length? What's the next project for you?

    Blair: "Halos" is a prelude to a full-length album. I am sitting on thirteen nearly completed tracks. I will be releasing two or three more singles this year while I finish writing the remaining tracks. Those will be coming to y'all soon! I am also working on finishing my first book called "God's School of Affliction", and I am working on an EP of just instrumental music called "Dystopia".

  • JFH (John): What's the best way for new fans to connect with you and support your musical endeavors?

    Blair: Other than buying or streaming "Halos" available on all streaming platforms, connect with me on Instagram @blairmusicloud. One of these days I will get a website built, which I will link on Instagram.

  • JFH (John): Finally, a less serious question: Would you rather be a spy who is a master of disguises or a bodyguard who can easily bust down doors and is a dead shot with a gun?

    Blair: You know, the loud bodyguard makes sense for me. I am definitely not a stealthy guy. My voice carries even when I whisper and I weigh 230 pounds. Therefore, I will definitely choose the door kicking, gun shooting body guard.

     

     

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