Los Angeles based artists StaJe and Tailor recently unveiled the visuals “What You Like”, the first single from their collaborative album Call Me At Midnight due out next year. StaJe, who is best known for his energizing mix of electro pop and R&B dipped anthems, and Tailor, who brings an infectious mix of heartfelt song-writing and masterful production, have, by blending their incredible talents, created a multi-dimensional track combining the diverse elements of their musical backgrounds resulting in a delightful and exuberant sonic experience.

In “What You Like”, the duo created a romantic yet light-hearted song all about pleasing your special someone. Perfect for the holiday season, the song is playful and bright, arousing feelings reminiscent of the early stages of love and romance. Tailor shares of the track: “We wanted something sensual. Something persuasive. We will do whatever you like, whatever you want and that will be enough for us.” In the music video, the concept is based around a stand-up comedy night gone wrong, where StaJe and Tailor take over the stage to turn the audience’s frowns upside down with their fun-loving and engaging performance.

As artists who have both overcome immense struggles and adversity in their early careers, the duo carry with them a radiating, almost infectious kind of energy that is sure to lift your spirits. PopWrapped caught up with the pair to find out more about their new single, the inspirations to and behind their music and which artists are currently top of their playlists.

Tell me a little more about your new single and video for “What You Like.” What exactly is the song about?

T: To me it’s about feeling a girl, liking a girl so much I’ll do whatever she wants to do, just so I can see her again; literally anything she likes.

S: Yes, all we want to do is please our women. As far as the video goes, we thought it would be a dope idea to make it feel like a talent show. Something we all can relate to. Overcoming the fear of performing in front of people was the portrayal that Tailor and I were pretty much just like, let’s do it! Having a great actor like Drew Hale do some stand-up comedy for us was epic! It was one of the more laid back, funnier music videos I’ve done.

What was the song-writing process like behind “What You Like”?

S: Doing this with Tailor was easy. We just fed off of each other. Over the years that we have worked together it has become more and more authentic to write and collab with him. He really came up with some cool melodies that helped bring this single to life.

T: StaJe came up with the chorus and had the idea of going back and forth. We agreed we didn’t want the song to be that long so the idea that we share the chorus and one verse seemed like the perfect remedy. 

How did you find the collaboration process and working together in this way? How did you each fit yourselves into the puzzle of what you were creating, so to speak?

T: I trust him with his part and he trusts me. I think maybe once since we’ve been collaborating he told me he doesn’t like something I did. 

S: Working with Tailor is easy. It’s like our brains work the same way when we hear the music. 

Was there a certain sound you were trying to achieve on the release?

T: We were going for a 70s vibe mixed with modern pop without a doubt. 70s and 80s sounds are popping right now in the industry; we just wanted to start our own wave.

S: Yes, as Tailor said we wanted that throwback 70-80s type of vibe. It was important to us that the music video also matched that theme. I think we pulled it off.

The visuals for “What You Like” are interesting and feel like a short film. How did you come up with the concept for the video?

T: We always wanted it to be a show, but StaJe ironed out the details and made it what it was. In the beginning of the video, the director told me to act nervous, but I didn’t need to act. I was actually nervous and have bad stage fright.

S: Tailor was a funny character on set! I honestly had no idea he was actually nervous. Like legit nervous because there were people watching us. As soon as the lights went on though he turned into another person. I would have never known had he not told me. We wanted it to feel like a skit with small dialog. It kind of reminded me of when I was back in high school and we had talent night showcases; it just brought me back to the beginning where it all started.

You both have compelling backstories, and have been homeless at one point. How has overcoming such struggles and hardships been reflected in your music?

S: I think being homeless and having a tough background helped me realize just how emotionally relatable we all are! When I write music, I write it from a place that is vulnerable and susceptible to emotions. This song was birthed off of the feeling of wanting to please the ones you love, to go over and beyond to make them happy – essentially doing whatever they like.

T: I think it gives me a different perspective for sure. And the vulnerability that I experienced, I put into my voice and lyrics; it makes it more real and relatable. 

You have an album coming out together next year. Is there anything you can share about it?

T: All I can say is that it’s gonna be a smash! Every song is different – it blends and flows effortlessly. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times and it’s still not old.

S: It’s a classic! Just feel-good music all around. It’s time to get back to that.

Finally then, who is on your playlist right now? 

T: The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Romeo Santos, Rauw Alejandro, and Dua Lipa. All of them straight fire.

S: Michael Jackson and The Weeknd.

Check out the video for “What You Like” above and you can keep up to date with StaJe by liking his page on Facebook or following him on Twitter and for more information on Tailor, visit his Instagram.