JLS FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview

Photography Jack Alexander 

Styling Georgia Medley @TheOnlyAgency

Grooming :Nadia Altinbas @TheOnlyAgency Using  Aveda , dior & Living proof

Hair: Kazz Kumar

Set Design: Victoria Thomas-Wood

Words: Miles Holder

When looking back on bands from years gone by, it can be difficult to truly summarise the impact certain acts have on the pop music landscape without first living through it. From runners up on the X-factor season 5 to selling out world tours, dominating the charts and earning record breaking merchandising deals – to say JLS were one of the hardest working UK acts would not be an understatement.

Returning today with their new single Eternal Love, we caught up with JLS to learn more about this era of their musical journey, past accompaniments and what it means to be returning to a very different music industry to one they left behind.

Was it hard to decipher what this era of JLS would sound like?

JB: It’s been a while and while we’ve always been individuals, after the eight years we were able to finish each other sentences, so coming back into this after so long we spent time in the studio, trying new things and finding a new sound which still contained the classic JLS sound. For the single we have a great blend of old and new, working with Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac who produced Beat Again. 

When it came to your solo careers you found your individual styles, was it difficult to return as a group and blend those styles back into one?

Oritsé: We all have music that each member loves to listen to and we all have different styles but the chemistry and major thing about being in a band is being able to bring those styles back into one to create that JLS sound. Whether it’s soul, RnB or gospel, we all bring that into one place and not many bands can find such individuals and make it one and that’s what unique about JLS

What was the biggest fear going into JLS 2.0?

Aston: There’s always that level of uncertainty about coming back to the music industry, things change so quickly now but social media has totally changed the game. Before, we weren’t really using socials at all so having to add that into the mix has been tough to keep on top of but you have to make it fun because that’s how the world is. The most fearful things like release week – turns into excitement. 

Was there ever a worry what you have progressed into something at odds with fans expectations?

Marvin: When we first announced the tour, there was only meant to be 12 dates and we were blown away from the reaction – we went all the way to 30 dates. We sold more this tour than our last tour and that showed us that when people think of JLS they think of good times and great records. 

JB: Just as we’ve grown and changed, so have our fans and their expectations are certainly to hear the hits that everyone will know and recognise. We’ve got the opportunity to work on an album of new songs and not a greatest hits – and we’re still going to be bringing the influences and styles we were known for into the new music. 

What does obtaining such longevity mean to you?

Oritsé: I was speaking with a manager named Benny Scarrs and he said “when you’ve got staying power, you need to take it seriously.” Because it doesn’t happen often, and with so many artists fighting to make it to their second album, it’s very special to be able to come back. That staying power is in the hands of the fans, and returning to that warm welcome is very humbling. 

We were introduced to JLS as four young men, how does it feel to be entering at this new state of mind?

JB: It feels more relaxed, the first time we came off the X factor and straight to work. We worked very hard and it was always go go go and it was that way the whole way through. This time around, we’re doing it because we want to do it, whereas before we had to do it. We want to be back interacting with the fans and performing and it’s been nice to take it at our pace. The studio can be a strain, especially when there are tight deadlines and we started JLS 2.0 without a deal and it’s been a very organic process. 

At any point did you stop to reflect on what it meant to be four young POCs owning the UK Pop charts, and what it meant to your young fans who saw themselves reflected in you? 

Aston: Not at the time. As much as we sit here now and think about it; at the time we were riding the wave and we were trying to always be on the hustle even before people knew who we were. In downtime, instead of reflecting, I just wanted to see my family so there was no period where there was time to reflect.

JB: Over the years following the last tour there was definitely a period of reflection. I have a son now and he’s interested in watching old videos of us on stage but when you’re in it, you don’t really think too much about it. 

Looking back do you think you were probably hustling too hard, and overworking at a detriment to your wellbeing? 

Marvin: The four of us were very lucky that we were very tight and we set our own standards and expectations that we wanted to maintain and achieve. You hear about other artists who have struggles which are understandable but all I can say for us is that no one pushed us to do anything. It was in us to give everything to our band because we had the desire. We made a list of 300 things we wanted to achieve and affirmed it every night and visualised that success – did we achieve all entries no but we did a lot and that was down to our mindset. 

What is your FAULT?

Aston: I’m a kid at heart. Even if it’s a serious situation, there’s always a laugh. There’s always a fun side to it. Life is not as serious as everyone makes it out to be. 

JB: I’m the opposite, I’m the grumpy one of the group. I’ve become less and less grumpy. I’m probably still am the grumpiest though.

Marvin: I bite my nails, I always tell my kids not to do it but I do it all the time. 

Oritsé: If I come up with an idea at random times I have to get it out. I’ll be awake at 2 am in the morning just writing any poetry that comes to mind.  

Cover Credits:

Oritse:
Shirt, MARR
Vest, Trousers, both Zara
Boots, Dr. Martens x Rick Owens
Jewellery, talents own

Marvin:
Blazer, MARR
Vest, Zara
Trousers, CLOSED
Boots, The Kooples
Jewellery, talents own

JB:
Shirt, MARR
Vest, Zara
Trousers, CLOSED
Shoes, Dr. Martens
Jewellery, talents own

Aston:
Jacket and trousers, MARR
Shoes, Converse
Jewellery, talents own