J.M. Dee blurs the lines on “Pretend To Hate” - Interview
J.M. Dee has never been interested in standing still, and “Pretend To Hate” feels like another confident step forward for an artist who treats genre as a suggestion rather than a rule. Based in Naples, Florida after growing up just outside Washington, D.C., Dee has built a reputation on unpredictability, and this release reinforces that identity by leaning into warmth and emotional clarity rather than bombast.
At first listen, the track disarms you with its simplicity. Acoustic guitars form the backbone, ringing with an organic ease that immediately feels intimate. There’s a subtle country tint to the arrangement, but it’s softened by pop sensibility and melodic polish, creating a sound that feels timeless without drifting into nostalgia cosplay. The melodies are clean and inviting, designed to linger. Believe us, you’ll be humming along by the end!
J.M. Dee hands the emotional reins to a female vocalist whose performance is sweet, lush, and quietly powerful. Her delivery carries a softness that deepens the song’s emotional tension, adding nuance to the push and pull suggested by the lyrics. It’s a smart artistic decision that highlights Dee’s strength as a songwriter and producer rather than just a performer. He knows when to step back and let the song speak through someone else.
In our recent interview with J.M. Dee, he spoke candidly about the making of the track, describing the process. Rather than forcing the song into a predefined shape, he allowed it to evolve naturally, trusting the acoustic foundation and vocal tone to guide the final form. The song itself is great, but getting to learn about it really deepened our love for it by the end of the chat.
“Pretend To Hate” may be understated, but it’s far from forgettable. It reveals an artist comfortable with subtlety, confident enough to let emotion unfold slowly, and mature enough to prioritize songcraft over spectacle. For a musician known for keeping listeners guessing, this track proves that sometimes the most surprising move is choosing honesty, warmth, and a beautifully simple groove.
Go ahead and click those links below to give it a spin and make sure to follow along as well to stay tuned for the latest.
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