Paris Jackson FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview
Paris Jackson X FAULT Magazine
Photography: Desiree Mattsson
Styling: Rushka Bergman
Words: Miles Holder
Some artists are born into greatness, and others have it thrust upon them; Paris Jackson, however, doesn’t care too much for either destiny – preferring instead to carve out her own path in the world of music.
Today Paris releases her debut album, entitled wilted an album steeped in metaphor and fantasy while still preserving its honesty and showcasing Paris’ vulnerability throughout. While Paris’ recent Facebook Docuseries Unfiltered provided a small glimpse into her life, there is no better window into her psyche than those found on album tracks ‘cosmic (wait for me)’, ‘freight train’ and ‘let down’.
We caught up with Paris to discuss her musical journey so far, the album and of course, her FAULTs.
‘cosmic (wait for me)’ feels like a song with a lot of longing behind it. Does exploring these emotions through more metaphorical themes help you to process them better?
Paris Jackson: It’s how I explore all of my emotions, not just when I’m songwriting but in life. Tackling problems in the literal sense can sometimes be even more confusing for me, and so I take a step back from it. I find when I don’t only focus on life in the literal sense, I can better process all my thoughts and emotions.
In Unfiltered you mentioned that you doing indie/folk was surprising to some. Has it been difficult to find your own sense of self – separate from the expectations of others?
Paris Jackson: I think at the very beginning it was challenging, but as time has gone on it’s become easier. I’ve discovered that no matter what I do or what creative decisions I make, I’m going to be disappointing somebody. So I decided if I’m going to disappoint people regardless, I might as well disappoint them while being true to myself. It’s impossible to please everyone, and sometimes you just need to go with what you believe is right for you.
You’ve created an album which is open, honest and personal but that also means you open yourself up to critics. Do you ever fear the vulnerability which comes with such an honest project?
Paris Jackson: Sure I understand that aspect of it all; I think that people can critique a lot of things, but you can’t critique how someone feels. If you don’t like the songs or my music, it’s fine; I don’t care. I’m honest about my feelings which is something you can never say is wrong or bad.
Talk me through your inspiration for freight train?
Paris Jackson: It’s written about loss and all the things that happened during that loss. I felt betrayed and alone, and so the song delves into all the feelings which came with that loss.
What’s something you wish journalists would stop asking you?
Paris Jackson: I think sometimes journalists try to dig too far into my personal life or try to dig up information about my family through me. I do understand it, journalists have a job, and they need to go get their story out there and get all the clicks and whatever. We’re all trying to do our jobs and make money the best way we know how so while it’s annoying I can still sympathise with them.
2020 has been a crazy year, what’s something you’ve done to protect your mental health this year?
Paris Jackson: I’m a big advocate for therapy, even if you are quote-unquote “healthy”. Therapy has been a big part of my journey, and I think it’s really important that we raise awareness and remove the stigma of mental health issues.
If you could go back to the beginning of your musical journey and leave yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Paris Jackson: If I could go back, I don’t think I’d tell myself anything because I wouldn’t want to take away from my journey. I believe everything that’s happened to me has been part of making me the person I am today. I wouldn’t take away any of that pain I went through because, without it, I wouldn’t be me.
What is your FAULT?
Paris Jackson: Probably the standard downsides to being an Aries, like being stubborn and impulsive, but I’ve also noticed that with experience and growth, any fault can become an asset by adding wisdom. Being stubborn can turn into being assertive and grounded, being impulsive can evolve into being spontaneous.”