Joe Newman, the British singer-songwriter who fronts alternative rock band alt-J, has opened up about the personal philosophies and daily rituals that shape his life as both an artist and father. In a wide-ranging conversation, Newman discussed everything from his creative process to his concerns about rising far-right rhetoric, while promoting his new solo project JJerome87.
The musician's mornings now revolve around his young daughter, who recently woke him with an unusual request. A couple of days before the interview, she shouted for him to help make a pregnancy movie, as Newman's partner is currently expecting their second child. His routine follows a simple pattern: toilet, tap water, breakfast and coffee.
Watching his daughter develop brings Newman particular joy and optimism. He finds it lovely to observe her humor, her kindness toward others, and the time she takes to listen during interactions. Making her laugh until she giggles uncontrollably ranks among his greatest sources of happiness.
Newman expressed strong concerns about contemporary political discourse, particularly regarding immigration. "The corrosively cruel, hypocritical and short-sighted rhetoric of the far-right" troubles him deeply, he told Positive News. He finds it concerning how much platform such voices now command and how they persuade people that asylum seekers or those fleeing war-torn nations represent threats to British identity.
"We are a country that evolved from countless different kinds of immigration through our history. This is a country built off the back of immigrants," Newman told Positive News. On a lighter note, he also admitted frustration when his partner asks him to retrieve small items from her bag.
The artist credits one particular habit with serving him best throughout his career: documenting and archiving song ideas. Creative inspiration can be fleeting, Newman explained. "Sometimes creative sparks are just that – they happen in a moment. If you don't capture it in that timeframe, a second or a minute, you can lose something really special," he told Positive News. Writing everything down and recording all ideas helps him weave concepts together later.
Newman has successfully broken several habits over the years. He was a thumb-sucker until age 13, when an orthodontist intervened. More recently, he gave up pasta and stopped drinking three and a half years ago.
When facing difficult moments or overwhelming responsibilities, Newman turns to cinema. Throughout his GCSEs, A-levels, and university degree, he watched films constantly as both an escape and a creative tool. He acknowledges this serves as both a useful writing aid and a chronic method of avoiding responsibilities.
The book Newman has revisited most frequently is How I Live Now by Meg Rosof, a chilling narrative about civil war within the United Kingdom and a nuclear detonation. He recommends it as essential reading.
Newman's views on drug policy have evolved significantly from his youth. He grew up believing drugs were frightening and destructive, but now sees potential for more nuanced discussion. "I think now that there is a much more nuanced conversation to have about the benefits of drugs and opening that world that could be controlled and safe and accessible as a way of coping with trauma," he told Positive News. He specifically mentioned cannabis, ketamine, and hallucinogenics, predicting that peer-reviewed research will eventually highlight their therapeutic value for treating certain conditions.
Song ideas frequently keep Newman awake past two in the morning. When he stays up that late, he typically finds himself contemplating the overall sonics of an album or working through lyrics. Pulling out his phone to capture these thoughts often wakes him further due to the screen's brightness.
His primary motivation remains surpassing his previous releases. Newman channels all his efforts into writing and creating albums, constantly thinking about the next project.
Newman credits his parents with teaching him to pursue his dreams. After graduating from university, he and his bandmates had to register for unemployment benefits and visit the Job Centre. His parents encouraged him to tell government bureaucrats what they wanted to hear, collect the money, and focus on his passion for music. They reasoned he would spend the rest of his life paying taxes anyway, so he should make the most of that opportunity.
Looking toward the future, Newman harbors concerns about technology billionaires. He theorizes that the next generation of tech moguls could become comic book-level super-villains, pointing to the unchecked governmental reach demonstrated by Elon Musk. The combination of desire for governmental power, access to extreme wealth and resources, and control over rapidly developing technology, AI, and robotics could enable them to terrorize countries.
When asked what he would tell his younger self, Newman demurred. He no longer recognizes that person and believes people become fundamentally different as they develop and grow. He would not want to bother his younger self with advice.
Had music not worked out, Newman imagines he would have enjoyed a trade requiring a shed in his back garden. He envisions himself as a master builder, carpenter, or joiner, working with tools and creating bespoke items for people. Among his simpler pleasures: applying suntan lotion and enjoying the sun while knowing he remains protected.
JJerome87's album The Canyon is currently available on Mushroom Music and VirginMusic Group. Tour dates can be found at jjerome87.com.
