You may have seen Jay Aquarious romping around the city with his Hooked on Casiophonics crew, or maybe you’ve been to an art event and heard him sing. Well now, he’s on his own, and is in the process of putting together his forthcoming solo project, “Naked,” and in honor of his solo career taking off, we did a photoshoot together at Buffalo’s newest and hottest bar/restaurant, the Tokyo-inspired Misuta Chow’s downtown. The lighting was perfect. The mood was just right, and the photoshoot took flight. After the photoshoot wrapped up, I asked Jay some questions about his exciting new project:

How did you come up with the title, “Naked”?

I would have dreams about being naked in different places. I would be standing there working or sitting down and my clothes would just vanish. I didn’t understand why or the meaning of it. I looked up the definition of it and it means to feel vulnerable or insecure, so you need clarity or you need to be visible…

What can you tell us about the idea behind the debut single, “Try and Figure Me Out?”

It’s about going into a relationship with somebody that is insecure, and letting them know that I’m not about to go through all of this with you it’s not necessary, but I’m also not going to say bye to you. I’m going to stand by you because that’s what a relationship is all about, but you have to change.

Have you been in a relationship with someone like that or were you ever that person?

I’ve never been in a relationship, in general…so any songs on the album that are about love are an idea, or a fantasy or are based off of somebody else’s relationship, or something that is happening right now but is romanticized.”

What else do you want people to know about the project? 

The song ‘Try and Figure Me Out’ is a remake of a Jamaican reggae song “Gwan Big Up Yourself” by Roy Woods. I rap on it, too. I am rapping more on this project than the last project. The last project I was singing more than anything. This time I’m more relaxed vocally, but I’m spreading myself more with what I can do with my vocals.

Visit Jay’s website for more music news.