A humbling experience turned out to the inspiration for ‘A Day and A Week‘, the EP by deejay Duchiez which was released on April 21.
The Jamaican artist, who has lived in New Jersey since 2007, was arrested and jailed there for eight days last summer. Duchiez did not disclose details of the case but said behind bars is not a bed of roses. She admits there were mixed feelings about writing and recording songs about such a personal issue.
“I did have second thoughts when I got out because I didn’t want anyone in my business or to be judged based on the stigma, but I put my pride to the side because I really wanted to express myself. I heard a quote that stuck with me, ‘Can you stay true to what you said you were gonna do long after the mood that you said it in is gone’,” Duchiez recalled. “Even though my situation changed, I wanted to stick to the plan and express that part of myself and just let it all out.”
The jacket for ‘A Day and A Week’ is as graphic as the songs, with the Kingston-born artist in an orange jumpsuit similar to those worn by jail and prison inmates. Duchiez co-produced the EP with Jaboog. Its songs, which include ‘God is Real’, ‘Crisis’ and ‘Humble Child’.
This is her most personal project since she launched her professional recording career three years ago.
“I was so focused on getting this project done, it’s all I’ve been thinking about since I got out, that’s where all my time, energy and money have been invested in. I would wake up with a song on my mind and it was loud and clear as day even before I started recording them, so I knew I had to get it done and let them out,” said Duchiez.
