Jim-E Stack: A Musical Journey of Collaboration and Transformation
Jim-E Stack was deeply moved by the remix of Charli XCX's song "Girl, so confusing featuring Lorde," which he co-wrote. The emotional impact of the remix was evident when Charli and Lorde performed it together at Coachella. The remix was released in June 2024 while Stack and Lorde were working on Lorde's album, Virgin. The album, co-written and co-produced by Stack, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, showcasing Lorde's personal exploration of gender roles, body image, and sexuality.
Stack's career breakthrough this year includes co-producing Bon Iver's album "Sable, Fable" with Justin Vernon. His collaborations with artists like HAIM, Empress Of, and Kacy Hill have solidified his position as a studio guru. Moving to Los Angeles in 2016 allowed Stack to form lasting friendships with artists like Dominic Fike, Aminé, and Dijon, who are part of a new wave of creatives blending jagged production elements into mainstream pop music.
Born in San Francisco, Stack's musical journey began in high school and continued at Loyola University in New Orleans. After a stint in Brooklyn, he found creative fulfillment in Los Angeles, where he connected with collaborators like Dan Nigro. Stack's second album, "Ephemera," released in 2020, showcased his experimental pop sensibilities and set the stage for his work with Lorde on "Virgin."
Lorde's willingness to take risks and embrace a raw, unpolished sound resonated with Stack during the creation of "Virgin." Similarly, the recording process for Bon Iver's "Sable, Fable" was marked by spontaneous moments, like Stack quickly laying down the drums for "Day One." With Grammy nominations for album of the year possible for both projects, Stack may find himself in the running for producer of the year, non-classical.
As the year comes to a close, Stack reflects on his transformative journey and looks forward to exploring new musical territories. While he has aspirations for another solo album, his commitment to collaborative work with artists like Matty Healy of The 1975 and Dora Jar takes precedence. Stack's dedication to pushing boundaries in music and nurturing unique voices continues to shape his evolving career.