Exclusive Interview: J4DE on “Freak Out,” Overcoming Setbacks, Manifestation, and Electrifying the Stage

J4DE, the moniker for actor and musician Jade Hassouné, is an artist who thrives on blending contrasts. Known for his breakout role on Shadowhunters, Jade has transitioned seamlessly into music, where he crafts tracks that are both deeply vulnerable and undeniably danceable. His latest single, “Freak Out,” is no exception, capturing raw emotion with uptempo production that invites listeners to move while reflecting on life’s challenges.

In this exclusive interview, J4DE opens up about navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, from grappling with self-doubt to finding reassurance in moments of manifestation. He reflects on how setbacks have fueled his creative process and shares how live performances have become an essential space for testing new material and connecting with audiences. With an EP on the horizon and an unwavering passion for his craft, J4DE is proving that empowerment comes from embracing every step of the journey.

PC: There’s such a rawness and universal message behind your new single, “Freak Out.” Could you share a bit about the inspiration behind the song and how you bring that vulnerability to your craft?
J4DE: I’m so glad you said that because I’ve been told time and time again in the music industry that people can’t relate to what I write about because it’s so specific to my experiences in the entertainment industry. I’ve gone through a lot of struggles in the last few years, even though I’ve achieved success. From the outside looking in, it might appear to be what people associate with success. But in reality, I was navigating challenges and learning from them—and I’m still going through that. I’m not yet where I want to be with my dreams, which is something everyone can relate to. We’re all working hard to get to a certain place, but it never feels like we’re quite there. It always seems like there’s another challenge to overcome. You feel like you’re moving forward, only to take three steps back, and you start wondering, “Will this ever happen? Am I ever going to feel like I’ve made it?”

I also think people are connecting with the song because I haven’t often shared those darker aspects of my journey. I generally present myself as a positive person, so it’s cool for people to see that there’s a shadow side to all of that—which is something we all experience. It’s one of the universal truths of life. There are ups and downs, cycles, and seasons. That’s just the way it is. What makes the difference is how we navigate through it and how we express it.

PC: Love how you threw that shadow pun in there. Speaking of the ups and downs you’ve experienced on your journey, what’s been a standout moment for you? And during those more challenging times of self-doubt, how have you managed to persevere?
J4DE: I’ve always been able to persevere because there’s always evidence of manifestation. When you’re willing to look for it, it’s always there. Along the way, some miraculous things have happened to me—things I didn’t expect to happen so quickly, like being a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. That was one of the top accomplishments of my career. I thought something like that would come much later.

While I was struggling, hustling, and trying to make it in music, that opportunity came through. It was so nourishing and reaffirming for me to see that dreams were coming true, even during tough times. That encouragement is what kept me going. I focus on finding evidence that things are coming together—these small pieces of my dream that I’m building step by step. I hold on to those moments. That’s how I’ve been able to navigate forward, even though the full vision isn’t quite there yet, especially in music. I feel like I’ve had to start from scratch in that space, as the success I’ve had in acting hasn’t necessarily carried over to music.

The Shadowhunters fanbase didn’t really translate over to the music side. Some did, but most didn’t. Recently, I realized something exhausting to hear but true: the Instagram algorithm plays a huge role in this. Even though I’ve only posted music for the past six years, some people still don’t know I make music because they’ve never seen my posts. That’s been a really challenging realization, but I have to keep going.

I try to maintain the mindset of asking, “Where is it working?” Oh, this person loves the song. This person shared it. Someone in another country is listening. I focus on those wins to keep myself motivated because I know it’s going to happen. I also hold onto things like Drag Race and Shadowhunters as proof that dreams do come true. Those experiences remind me that it’s all possible and worth pursuing.

PC: There’s this fascinating juxtaposition of raw, vulnerable lyrics with uptempo production in your music. At what point in the creative process did you decide to include that contrast? Why was it important to you that this song had it?
J4DE: I’m always here for sad boy music because that’s life. [laughs] The way I express my emotions is through writing music—things that are dark and painful come through in my lyrics. But one of my goals, my pillars, is to make people dance and be the life of the party. So it has to be a dance, club song because I want people to move—not just when I’m performing, but when they’re listening, working out, vibing, or even dreaming. What comes through are my sad experiences. [laughs] But it’s always right on the edge. It’s like, “Yes, I’m sad,” but I’m getting back up right now. That’s where my music usually lands—it’s about empowerment. I’m standing back up, taking my power back, and reminding myself that I can do this.

One of my first songs, “To the Next,” is so uplifting, cute, and happy on the surface, but it’s really about feeling like nobody cares about your work and dealing with that judgment. It’s saying, Who cares? Why does that matter? I’ve got more coming. I think it’s cool to have that contrast and those opposing forces. It’s a part of who I am and my essence.

PC: You wrote this song a few years ago. How did you know that now was the right time to release it? Do you think letting it sit for a while and still having it resonate the way it does is the mark of a great song?
J4DE: That’s a great question. A few years ago, I went into hermit mode, especially during some of the darker times I faced two or three years ago. I had never done that before—stepping away from putting stuff out there and just creating music for the sake of creating. In the beginning, I was always creating to release, whether for radio or for some other goal. But during that time, I faced challenges, including working with a manager where things didn’t work out. It really hurt me, and I was deeply disappointed by a lot of people in the music industry. So I let all of that go and focused on creating without the pressure of releasing anything.

In that two-year period, I created so many songs that I now have a database of tracks ready to go. It was a new experience for me, and it was really cool because people had been telling me to do that for a while. They’d say, “Why don’t you create a bunch of songs so you have them ready and can decide what to release?”

When the time came to release “Freak Out,” I knew it was right. Its darker vibe felt perfect for now, and everything just fell into place. With music, things have to be planned months in advance, so when the timing worked out, I was like, “Now’s the time.” Since starting my music comeback in the summer, I’ve been focused on releasing music consistently. So far, I’ve released three tracks in just a few months, which is really exciting, and I want to keep that momentum going.

Letting songs sit for two years has been a good process because I’ve grown and evolved. I’ve become someone new, and now I want to move on and create something fresh. “Freak Out” is part of this project and the vibe I’ve built. I’m planning to release an EP in February, which will feature a lot of the songs from that period and reflect that time in my life.

PC: I love that for artists, EPs and albums are like snapshots of what you were experiencing at that time. How much do you use the live stage to test out this backlog of material?
J4DE: That’s another great question. What’s interesting is that I started making music during COVID. When I was ready to start performing, lockdowns happened, so I didn’t get to experience a live audience until 2022. My first live show ever was in November 2022. Before that, I did some prerecorded performances that were projected on a screen for Pride events, but it wasn’t the same as being in front of a live crowd.

That first show was at an iconic queer party in Montreal that I’ve been attending for years. It was a full-circle moment for me because I had decided I wanted to pursue music while watching someone perform at that same party. Two years later, I was there onstage performing myself. That moment felt like proof that things were working.

What made it even more special was that the audience didn’t know my music—every song I performed that night was unreleased. It was amazing to see their reactions. Each time I perform, I try out different songs, often ones I’ve just come out of the studio with. Every show is unique, so it can be hard to gauge. Sometimes the crowd is shy and hesitant to dance, and other times they’re fully into it.

I always try to create memorable moments, whether it’s with glitter showers or chains—something that stands out and elevates the experience. Performing live is unmatched; there’s nothing else like it. Ultimately, I want to be a touring artist, and I’m using these opportunities to hone my craft and connect with people in real time.

To keep up with J4DE, follow him on X, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.