Jay Som teams up with Hayley Williams for Past Lives video ahead of Pitchfork London whynow

Jay Som Releases "Past Lives" Video Featuring Hayley Williams

Jay Som has unveiled the music video for “Past Lives,” a collaboration with Paramore's Hayley Williams, ahead of her performance at Pitchfork Festival London on Saturday, 8th November. The song is from her first album in over six years, Belong, and has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to its slow-burning indie vibe.

About the Video

The new animated video, directed by Daniel Topete, visually captures the song’s theme of spiraling introspection with vivid colors and imagery.

Jay Som's Career and Album

Belong, released earlier this year on Lucky Number, represents a confident comeback for Jay Som after a significant hiatus from solo work. Since her 2019 album Anak Ko, Jay Som, also known as Duterte, has quietly established herself as a notable figure in indie music by producing and engineering for artists like boygenius, Lucy Dacus, Troye Sivan, and Beabadoobee. She also toured with boygenius, contributing guitar and vocals to their live shows.

Critical Reception

The Observer described Belong as “a reminder of why she’s one of the most quietly brilliant artists around.”
DIY praised the album as “assured, emotionally rich and full of depth.”
The Guardian highlighted “Past Lives” as “the perfect soundtrack to getting introspective as the dark nights draw in.”

Artist's Reflection

"Belong is about trying to find where I fit after stepping away for a while."

Across 11 tracks, Jay Som explores this journey of rediscovery and self-placement.

Summary

Jay Som’s new album Belong and the “Past Lives” video mark her assured return to indie music, blending introspective songwriting with vibrant visuals and acclaimed production work.

whynow — 2025-11-04