Del Osei-Owusu sits down with an artist on the FOTN radar and gets them to tell their origin story over a cup of tea and biscuits. This week it’s the turn of JAIRIC, and he brought warm chocolate chip cookies with a little sea salt.

Hello Jairic, how are you?

I’m doing great, thank you. It’s great to be here.

Congratulations on the release of “Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You” how does it feel?

Incredible—with a little healthy adrenaline. I made it in the south of France, and when you’re building a whole album, a single can get swallowed by the process. Hearing the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m grateful—and hungry for what’s next.

What’s the story behind the song?

The song came from real life. A family member was going through it—lots of anger in the air. I stood with them, but the heat started spilling onto me. ‘Don’t let me put a track on you’ is me saying: don’t turn me into the target.

You’re an artist originally from Detroit now living in Cannes France how did it all begin for you?

After some travel and shows overseas, I visited France with my family and it clicked—I wanted a home here. A close family loss and years of diligent work on our business made me turn to my wife and say, ‘We need this.’ The people, the sea air, the food—I wanted our kids around other languages and rhythms. That’s how Cannes became part of our family story. I’m grateful.

What did you listen to growing up?

Pretty much everything. I’ve got a huge palette and a ‘crazy’ library that spans all genres—I can usually find something to appreciate in any music.

You come from a musical family, was there any event that was the catalyst for you wanting to become a musician?

The catalyst was access. In a musical family, I was drumming in church, playing big parties, and sitting in on studio sessions when I was young. Those reps built confidence and made choosing music feel natural

You’ve had some high profile performances, what’s been a memorable moment for you?

The best part has been doing it with my family beside me. I get anxious before every show, so I prepare hard and respect every stage. Afterward, taking in the view—a rooftop, a coastline, a skyline—those are the snapshots I remember.

Being from Detroit, what are your three favourite things about that city?

The people—especially my family. My Detroit sports teams. And the city’s unmatched mix of swag and grit. Proud to be Michigan-made.

Living in Cannes, what’s one thing you appreciate about it?

The everyday pace—being able to walk everywhere, the sea air, and the food. It’s a simple, healthy rhythm I really appreciate.

What are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment… bouncing back and fourth between Otis Redding and Jul.

What’s next for you?

More music and more film. We’re singles this fall for my EP n=40 – the entire EP drops in December. This winter, travel hits: Europe, Caribbean, India. I’m starting to film visuals for my upcoming LP this spring, titled L’Americain. I’m planning a small run of intimate shows—rooms where the songs hit hard—and developing a music-driven film project with the working title “11:11.” In short: more records, more visuals, and a live experience that feels cinematic.