Jay Som teams up with Hayley Williams for Past Lives video ahead of Pitchfork London whynow

Jay Som Collaborates with Hayley Williams on "Past Lives"

Jay Som has released the video for "Past Lives," a collaboration with Paramore's Hayley Williams, ahead of her performance at the Pitchfork Festival London on Saturday, November 8th. The track is from her first album in over six years, Belong, which has quickly become a fan favorite for its slow-burning indie style.

New Animated Video Reflects Song’s Themes

The video, directed by Daniel Topete, uses vibrant animation to capture the song’s spiraling sense of reflection and introspection. Released earlier this year on Lucky Number, Belong marks Jay Som’s confident return after a significant hiatus from solo work.

Jay Som’s Expanding Indie Music Influence

Since her 2019 album Anak Ko, Jay Som (Melina Duterte) has built a notable reputation in indie music, working as a producer and engineer for artists like boygenius, Lucy Dacus, Troye Sivan, and Beabadoobee. She also toured with boygenius, adding guitar and vocals to their live performances. Now, with Belong, she is back at the forefront of the scene.

Critical Acclaim for Belong

The Observer praised the album as “a reminder of why she’s one of the most quietly brilliant artists around.”
DIY described it as “assured, emotionally rich and full of depth.”
The Guardian highlighted "Past Lives" as “the perfect soundtrack to getting introspective as the dark nights draw in.”

Artist’s Reflection on Belong

Belong is about “trying to find where I fit after stepping away for a while,” Duterte explained.

Across its 11 tracks, she explores this personal search with thoughtful songwriting and immersive soundscapes.

Author’s Summary

Jay Som’s Belong marks a powerful comeback with reflective themes, enriched collaborations, and widespread critical praise, establishing her as a notable indie voice once again.

whynow — 2025-11-04