Chicago by way of Waukegan artist Jackie Hayes recently followed-up the debut take it, leave it EP with the bright electric pop beacon of There's Always Going to Be Something. Working with fellow local collaborator Billy Lemos, the rising artist shines beams of inspirational light to a beleaguered and stormy world in need of new sounds and a new DIY pop savior to believe in. From jazz trained affinities, a religious background playing in a church worship groups to output under the moniker of Family Reunion as Jackie Carlson; Jackie Hayes presents a succinct collection of five high velocity vignettes created over the course of the pandemic that cuts through the chaos, cruelty and apathetic lethargy of our modern times with an unbridled enthusiastic energy and attitude that is fun, friendly and ultra-fierce (all at the same time).

There's Always Going to Be Something illustrates exuberantly that even when it feels like the world is collapsing on itself, somehow life goes on. Jackie Hayes brings the audience into the daily grind of ennui, surprise, excitement, disappointment and all things that unfold in the imperfect tense on "omg". These motifs carry through on the day to day mercurial back and forth dialogues and inner monologues of the punchy "brand new" that mixes the good, the alright and not quite right all together in one messy stew. Jackie elaborates upon their creative economies on the infectious and buzzy "have fun" that seeks excitement and thrills in what is often a less than entertaining and/or uplifting reality. The ballad "material" updates the "Material World" pop conceits with the inescapable trappings of all the fashionable folderol and designer luggage that permeates our existence and can stand in the way of greater substantive meanings. The closer "sunday" goes out on a high note that mixes lazy weekend wonderment and idle behaviors with a big anthem of inner reflections, desires to forget the things that bother us and embrace the lesser appreciated virtues of indolence. Join Jackie Hayes after the jump for an exclusive exploration of the things that keep them amused and enthralled during this weird and wild era:

Jackie Hayes’ world of inspirations

Running

I started running every day a few weeks ago. I like to listen to podcasts or music while I do it. I am completely new to the realm of sports and all things fitness-related — I wasn’t into that stuff when I was younger. I did skate for a little bit but stopped after I fell and gave myself a black eye. I go to the gym and just try to run a mile or two without stopping. I don’t necessarily have a goal in mind or want to run a 5k or anything. It’s just nice to have that one fixed thing to look forward to every day.

YouTube video essays

Not a day goes by where I don’t listen to at least one video essay, YouTube podcast or mystery. Some topics are more guilty pleasures than others. I’ll listen to those the rise and fall of [insert popular YouTuber here] or the history of [insert thing here] or literally anything. Sometimes it’s more about having background noise while I do my laundry or the dishes.

Clothes

I like to scroll on eBay, Depop, and TheRealReal to try and find the best deals for clothes. Sometimes I’ll go in person to thrift stores, vintage stores and flea markets. A recent find was a Miu Miu skirt for $12. My favorite in-person place to go to right now is Lost Eras in Chicago. It’s 2 floors and has rows and rows of things from estate sales, donations, and other sources. They have everything there, from vintage clothing to mascot heads. Supposedly it’s haunted but I don’t know for sure.

Cats

I’m not sure if this one counts but I’m still gonna say it. I have three cats, Toby, Pepper and Sandy. I love looking for fun toys to bring home to them. The last thing I got was a cardboard house from Target.

Playing Guitar

Over quarantine I took a pretty long break from playing guitar and now I’m getting back into doing it every day. I like to open up FL and just play with different plug-ins, experiment with new sounds and try out new tunings. I’ve been into running things through a digital tape recorder since I don’t have a real one right now.

Jackie Hayes’ new EP There’s Always Going to Be Something is out now everywhere.