Hajaj seeks out a moment to himself on “Space”

There is no one way to be, and London-based soul-funk singer-songwriter Hajaj embodies this concept every day. He grew up in a conservative culture in Saudi Arabia, but he found a way to embrace who he truly is through music. When it comes to music, Hajaj believes that it transcends borders, ideas, and boundaries, so he incorporates eclectic sounds and styles of different artists and eras into his songs. For instance, elements of the 60s and 70s Motown era, songwriting styles of Brian Wilson and Paul Simon, and vocal influences of Nancy Wilson and Celeste can be heard in his soulful and blues-driven music. He’s shared,

“Individuality is something I advocate for. I’ve tried to conform, but if you’re built a certain way and you have a calling that you ignore or neglect, it’s not healthy.”

Hajaj’s 2021 debut EP, Last Call for Coco, amassed millions of streams independently, with tracks like “High No More” and “Love to Last” going over well with fans. It contained themes of identity, trust, and expectation, and his upcoming debut album will build on these themes. Fans can expect adventure, movement, and tension when the album arrives. Before it drops, however, Hajaj will release the six-track EP In the Meantime on October 24. The project will feature past singles “Yours or Mine,” “The Waiting Room,” and “Maybe it’s You,” along with its latest single “Space.”

On “Space,” Hajaj seeks out a moment to himself. The track feels larger than life with the heavenly chords, impassioned vocals, and emotional lyrics. Throughout the track, Hajaj holds back and lets go as he sings lines like, “The road we went down took a toll on my health / Resentment is the abandonment of self” and “Time will tell, it’s uncertain what happens / I must protect myself from being deceived.” His feelings then come to a head in the choruses, where he soulfully holds out the notes as he asks, “Why are you still here?”