From intimate high school performances to gracing national stages, Jaïr Faria’s journey into music is one defined by passion, authenticity, and a unique sonic identity. The Netherlands-born singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by music, yet his path to realizing his own artistic destiny was anything but conventional. With a father, Glen Faria, deeply rooted in the industry, Jaïr found himself immersed in melodies from an early age. However, it wasn’t until a serendipitous moment in music class that he discovered the true power of his voice.
Tell us about how you began your career in music?
When I was in high school, I attended an arts school where I also took my final exam in music. During class, I would always accompany others on the piano. One day, my teacher decided to turn things around and asked me to sing in front of the class. As I started singing, I noticed one of my classmates getting emotional. That was the moment I realized I had the ability to move people with my voice.
My father is a well-known singer-songwriter in the Netherlands. During the pandemic in 2020, we were both in our bedrooms making music. One day, he wrote a song and asked if I wanted to record some vocals for it. That song was later released and did surprisingly well in the Netherlands. We were invited to perform on the radio and appeared on several TV Shows.
After experiencing that, I knew I wanted more. I started writing my own songs, and at sixteen, I released my first single. That was the true beginning of my career.
“I would always accompany others on the piano, but one day my teacher asked me to sing in front of the class,” Jaïr recalls. “When I started singing, I saw a classmate getting emotional, and that’s when I realized I had the ability to move people with my voice.” It wasn’t long before the world took notice. During the pandemic in 2020, Jaïr and his father found themselves writing and recording music from their bedrooms. One of those songs, “Terug naar nu” (Back to Now), resonated deeply with listeners across the Netherlands, catapulting them into the spotlight. With radio appearances and television performances marking his initial breakthrough, Jaïr was fueled by the realization that music was his calling. By sixteen, he had already released his first single, officially marking the beginning of his career.
While Jair’s early exposure to music was undeniable, his journey to embracing his artistry wasn’t linear. Initially, he pursued a path in dance but soon realized that it wasn’t his true passion. “I think I really decided I wanted to be a singer around thirteen,” he shares. Though his parents had always known about his talent, it was a simple yet profound moment that confirmed it for his father. “I had a single singing lesson, and my dad happened to hear me from outside the door. That’s when he realized, ‘Wow, he can really sing.’” That realization paved the way for their collaboration on Terug naar nu, a turning point that solidified Jair’s place in the industry.
Now, as he transitions to singing in English and crafting a distinct sonic identity, Jaïr’s music defies easy categorization. From the soulful, R&B-infused “Why Me” to the edgy, guitar-driven energy of Better Than the Rest, his versatility is striking. Influences of alt-rock, Paramore-like nostalgia, and intricate vocal arrangements make his sound uniquely captivating.
When did you start singing or exploring that talent more?
I always sang because I enjoyed it, but I only started taking it seriously at the end of 2023
Cameron’s story is one of serendipity and early influence:
How and when did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music? Did your family recognize your talents before you did?
I always wanted to be an artist, but I actually started out in a dance academy, I found out dancing wasn’t really for me.. I think I really decided I wanted to be a singer around the age of thirteen. My parents always knew I could sing, but I never really showed it. One day, I had a single singing lesson, and my father happened to hear me from outside the door. That was the moment he realized, “Wow, he can really sing.” After that, in 2020, our collaboration on Terug naar nu (Back to Now) was born. We were asked to perform together quite often after that. Now, I’ve transitioned to singing in English and creating my own unique sound.
“I would always accompany others on the piano, but one day my teacher asked me to sing in front of the class,” Jaïr recalls. “When I started singing, I saw a classmate getting emotional, and that’s when I realized I had the ability to move people with my voice.”
It wasn’t long before the world took notice. During the pandemic in 2020, Jaïr and his father found themselves writing and recording music from their bedrooms. One of those songs, “Terug naar nu” (Back to Now), resonated deeply with listeners across the Netherlands, catapulting them into the spotlight. With radio appearances and television performances marking his initial breakthrough, Jaïr was fueled by the realization that music was his calling. By sixteen, he had already released his first single, officially marking the beginning of his career.
While Jaïr’s early exposure to music was undeniable, his journey to embracing his artistry wasn’t linear. Initially, he pursued a path in dance but soon realized that it wasn’t his true passion. “I think I really decided I wanted to be a singer around thirteen,” he shares. Though his parents had always known about his talent, it was a simple yet profound moment that confirmed it for his father. “I had a single singing lesson, and my dad happened to hear me from outside the door. That’s when he realized, ‘Wow, he can really sing.’” That realization paved the way for their collaboration on Terug naar nu, a turning point that solidified Jaïr’s place in the industry.
Now, as he transitions to singing in English and crafting a distinct sonic identity, Jaïr’s music defies easy categorization. From the soulful, R&B-infused “Why Me” to the edgy, guitar-driven energy of Better Than the Rest, his versatility is striking. Influences of alt-rock, Paramore-like nostalgia, and intricate vocal arrangements make his sound uniquely captivating.
“I often write based on personal experiences—heartbreak has been a huge inspiration,” he explains. “When I started working on my EP, I didn’t go into the studio with a specific genre in mind. I just wrote from the heart, and that led to a natural blend of different sounds.” The result? A body of work that seamlessly fuses genres while staying true to his authentic voice.
Jaïr’s performance journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. Opening for talented artists like Victor Ray, Numidia, and Davina Michelle, he relished the challenge of proving himself to new audiences. “When I’m opening for someone, it feels like I have to win over people who might not know my music yet. I love that challenge,” he says. However, stepping into the spotlight for his own show was an entirely different experience..
When did you start singing or exploring that talent more?
I always sang because I enjoyed it, but I only started taking it seriously at the end of 2023
Cameron’s story is one of serendipity and early influence:
How and when did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music? Did your family recognize your talents before you did?
I always wanted to be an artist, but I actually started out in a dance academy, I found out dancing wasn’t really for me.. I think I really decided I wanted to be a singer around the age of thirteen. My parents always knew I could sing, but I never really showed it. One day, I had a single singing lesson, and my father happened to hear me from outside the door. That was the moment he realized, “Wow, he can really sing.” After that, in 2020, our collaboration on Terug naar nu (Back to Now) was born. We were asked to perform together quite often after that. Now, I’ve transitioned to singing in English and creating my own unique sound.
How and when did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music? Did your family recognize your talents before you did?
I always wanted to be an artist, but I actually started out in a dance academy, I found out dancing wasn’t really for me.. I think I really decided I wanted to be a singer around the age of thirteen. My parents always knew I could sing, but I never really showed it. One day, I had a single singing lesson, and my father happened to hear me from outside the door. That was the moment he realized, “Wow, he can really sing.” After that, in 2020, our collaboration on Terug naar nu (Back to Now) was born. We were asked to perform together quite often after that. Now, I’ve transitioned to singing in English and creating my own unique sound.
How do you come about creating your songs? Personal experiences or relationships? Describe that creative process.
I often write songs based on personal stories—either my own experiences or those of the people around me. Heartbreak has been a major source of inspiration for my music, as many of my songs stem from those emotions. When I started working on my EP, I didn’t consciously go into the studio with a specific genre in mind. Instead, I simply wrote from the heart, letting the music develop naturally. That process led to an EP that blends different genres in an organic way.
I have a deep love for the sound of the guitar, which is something you can hear a lot throughout my songs. When it comes to songwriting, I usually come up with the lyrics first. Once I have a strong idea, I take it to the studio, where I collaborate with musicians and producers to bring the song to life. Most of the time Morgan Avenue and Jheynner Argote produced my songs.
What was the experience going from opening for Victor Ray/Numidia and then preparing for your own show for Just as I Remember? Was there a presence of nervousness, gratitude, anxiousness, etc? Anything you learned? Describe that for me.
I'm hardly ever nervous before shows because performing is simply the best part of being an artist. Whether it’s an opening slot or my own show, I always enjoy it. But there’s definitely a difference between the two.
When I'm opening for someone, it feels like I still have to prove myself since the audience didn’t specifically come for me. I actually love that challenge—seeing how I can win over people who might not know my music yet.
At my own show, the atmosphere is different. Everyone there bought a ticket just to see me, which makes it extra special. For example, at my EP release show, I saw people actually singing along to my songs, and that’s a feeling that’s hard to describe. It gives me so much energy and really confirms why I do this.
Are there any instruments you’d consider learning?
I've always played piano and taught myself a bit of guitar, but if I ever had a lot of free time, I would love to learn the cello because I think it's the most beautiful instrument there is.
Describe your music in three words.
Refreshing. Queer. Captivating voice.
Which song is your personal favorite from your EP Just as Ï Remember?
It’s difficult to choose 1 but My top 3 song of the EP are:
1. Broken Heart
2. Nova
3. Better Than The Rest
What can your fans and supporters expect from you this year?
This year I’m working on a new project and releasing some new songs. I also would love to perform in the US.
Are there any artists you’re interested in collaborating with?
Lola Young, Doechii, Omar Apollo. My dream collab will be Billie Eilish.
“At my EP release show, people were actually singing along to my songs, and that’s a feeling that’s hard to describe. It gives me so much energy and really confirms why I do this.” Whether performing for a crowd unfamiliar with his music or an audience that knows every lyric, Jaïr thrives on the electric connection between artist and listener. “The best thing about performing is the energy you get back from the audience and seeing how your music affects them.”
With his EP Just as I Remember making waves, Jaïr is already setting his sights on the future. This year promises new projects, fresh releases, and the dream of bringing his music to audiences beyond the Netherlands. “I would love to perform in the US,” he reveals, hinting at exciting possibilities on the horizon. And when it comes to collaborations, Jaïr’s vision is crystal clear. His dream list includes the likes of Lola Young, Doechiii, and Omar Apollo, but one name stands out above all: Billie Eilish. “That would be the ultimate dream—writing and creating something with Billie,” he shares with palpable excitement.
Jaïr Faria’s music is refreshing, queer, and undeniably captivating. With an ear for nostalgic yet forward-thinking sounds, he’s crafting a space in the industry that feels entirely his own. His top three favorite tracks from Just as I Remember—Broken Heart, Nova, and Better Than the Rest—highlight his emotional depth, sonic range, and impeccable artistry.
As he continues to push boundaries and evolve as an artist, one thing is clear: Jaïr Faria is not just a rising star—he’s a force to be reckoned with. And if his journey so far is any indication, the best is yet to come.
Lead Photographer: @jondailey_
Art Direction: @iknowlay
Denim Designer: @denim.god
Assistant Photographer/Videographer: @lifeis_golden
Styling & Brand: @LLirrem
Knitted Hats: @sosogoodtho
Talent:
Jaïr Faria: @jairfariamusic
Comments