Paris-raised artist Nathan Daisy has unveiled “Cynical,” the first single and self-directed video from his forthcoming debut solo album, Life XI, set to release on June 11 via DFWMA. Formerly known as JAW in the internationally acclaimed trio dOP, Daisy embarks on a new chapter that emphasises clarity, sobriety, and self-alignment.
“Cynical” is built on dark pop textures with subtle trip-hop influences, establishing the album’s emotional language. The track addresses the ego while shedding voices and influences that hinder personal growth. Rather than reacting with anger, Daisy opts for calm detachment, channelling a restrained approach to these complex emotions.
The accompanying video, created under Daisy’s direction, reflects this intention with its minimalist focus on presence and internal tension, allowing the song’s emotional weight to take centre stage. Filmed in Kyiv in 2023, shortly after the onset of the war in Ukraine, the video was brought to life in collaboration with cinematographer Dmytro Cherniavskiy and editor Zovsimnetiho. Set in one of the city’s oldest cinema studios, it portrays an imaginary figure representing ego and bad faith—an authority that pretends to embody meaning while being driven by pride.
This character also symbolises Daisy’s personal battle with cynicism, misplaced pride, and the residual bitterness from past betrayals. Filming took place during a challenging phase in his life marked by depression and struggles with addiction, yet he persevered through emotional breakdowns to complete the project alongside his dedicated team.
“Cynical” serves as the opening track of Life XI, encapsulating the journey shaped by themes of depression, a breakup, and the transition from addiction to sobriety. The album captures a transformative six-year period, beginning in the COVID-19 era and culminating in Daisy’s new artistic phase.
Produced in full collaboration with Ukrainian artist Taras Bazeev, Life XI was developed over five to six years. What started as a modest project evolved into a fully realised record, created across distances and uncertainties. After their initial meeting in 2019, Daisy and Bazeev continued to exchange creative ideas remotely, allowing the music to flow organically.
The album’s title reflects Daisy’s unique way of measuring time—not by years, but by the loves he has experienced. Each romantic encounter has marked a distinct “life,” with Life XI symbolizing the eleventh chapter, and the first focused on a relationship with himself.
Throughout the record, themes of boundaries, ego death, friendship, and responsibility emerge through a blend of dark pop, cinematic electronics, and introspective songwriting. Tracks such as “Troublemaker,” “Lab Rat,” “Hard Drive,” “Friends,” and “Wrong” explore themes of humility, independence, creative loss, honest communication, and reconciliation with past mistakes.
Raised in a musically rich environment in Paris, Daisy’s artistic foundation was influenced by a diverse range of artists, from Michael Jackson and The Doors to Serge Gainsbourg and Alain Bashung. As JAW, his distinctive voice has contributed to the global house and techno scene, with over 300 million streams. The gold-certified single “No Eyes” with Claptone marked a pivotal moment in his career, enabling him to immerse himself in music fully.
With the release of Life XI, Nathan Daisy marks the true inception of his solo career. Looking forward, he intends to produce a series of collaborative EPs with producers worldwide, including several from Ukraine. His goal emphasises continuity and genuine connection over sheer scale, focusing on the freedom to create music and build toward live performances.
