When jasmine.4.t became the first UK artist signed to Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory Records, it felt like a natural match. Her raw, heartfelt songwriting and deeply personal narratives align seamlessly with the label’s ethos of amplifying unique and authentic voices. Bridgers discovered Jasmine through mutual connections in the music world and was struck by the vulnerability and universality of her songs. That connection led to the creation of You Are The Morning, Jasmine’s debut album—a collection of tracks that explore love, resilience, and the transformative power of queer community.
Jasmine’s path to this moment was anything but linear. Her journey to becoming a professional musician began with the gift of a guitar from her late uncle, a pivotal moment in her life. “He was very close to us, picking us up from school every day,” she recalls. As an autistic person, she hyper-focused on the instrument, diving into guitar books and using music as an outlet for her emotions. Over time, songwriting became her refuge. “It typically starts with me crying into my phone as a voice memo,” she says.
You Are The Morning emerged during a tumultuous time in Jasmine’s life. In 2021, she came out as trans to her closest friends and family, facing mixed reactions. “Some did not accept me, but some did,” she reflects. Amid the chaos of divorce, homelessness, and personal transformation, Jasmine found solace and strength in her queer community. That support network and her first trans romance profoundly shaped the album, which Jasmine describes as “a celebration of love, joy, and being able to live authentically.”
The album’s lead single, “Skin on Skin,” is a powerful example of the emotional depth Jasmine brings to her work. Written during a period of separation from her then-spouse, the song captures the joy and healing found in queer love. Featuring Julien Baker on guitar, its lyrics—“press it all down on me”—radiate sensuality and catharsis.
Jasmine worked closely with Bridgers, Baker, and Lucy Dacus to produce You Are The Morning at L.A.’s legendary Sound City Studios. The 12-day recording process was highly collaborative, reflecting Jasmine’s view of her songs as fluid and ever-evolving. She was joined by her all-trans band—Phoenix Rousiamanis on piano and strings, Eden O’Brien on drums, and Emily Abbott on bass—who infused the album with a spirit of solidarity.
The communal nature of the record is especially evident in “Best Friend’s House,” a warm and joyful track that feels like a group of friends singing together in a room. With contributions from E.R. Fightmaster, Claud, and others, the song exemplifies the themes of chosen family and mutual support that run through the album.
Each song on You Are The Morning offers a glimpse into Jasmine’s life. The opener, “Kitchen,” feels like an intimate fireside moment, with lyrics asking, “why do you want me around?” The title track pairs her fingerpicked guitar with lush strings, evoking the poetic lightness of a Sufjan Stevens composition. Meanwhile, “Highfield” features vivid imagery of places like Broom Lane and Wats Street, blending strings and backing vocals from Bridgers, Baker, and Dacus to create a deeply evocative piece.
Other tracks highlight Jasmine’s knack for blending personal reflection with broader themes. “Tall Girl” reclaims identity with poignant self-awareness, while “Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation” uses a banjo and violin to add a country twang to its exploration of darker themes like depression. “Elephant” brings an upbeat energy that contrasts with its introspective lyrics. “It’s all for you,” Jasmine sings, turning the elephant in the room into a cathartic declaration of love and persistence.
“Transition,” though short, is one of the most striking moments on the record. Comprising just three lines, the track feels like a meditation—a brief but powerful reflection that lingers long after the final note. Its simplicity emphasizes Jasmine’s ability to distill complex emotions into something raw and relatable.
“New Shoes,” one of the album’s oldest songs, reflects on Jasmine’s past relationship. Originally written for her ex-spouse, the song contrasts early optimism with the realization of the importance of chosen family.
The album closes with “Woman,” a bold and unapologetic declaration of identity. Backed by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Jasmine’s voice transforms from a solo performance into a collective moment of catharsis. “I am, in my soul, a woman,” she sings, ending the album with a powerful affirmation of selfhood.
For Jasmine, music and activism go hand in hand. “Just giving a trans woman a microphone shouldn’t be taken lightly,” she says. She uses her platform to raise awareness and funds for organizations like Trans Mutual Aid Manchester, which provided her with essential support during some of her most challenging times. “It feels really good to give back,” she adds, embodying the gratitude and communal spirit that runs through her work.
You Are The Morning takes moments of personal darkness and transforms them into something radiant and universal. From the tender intimacy of “Kitchen” to the triumphant affirmation of “Woman,” the album feels like a sunrise—soft, warm, and filled with hope. With her debut, Jasmine.4.t not only cements her place as an essential voice in music but also creates a space where others can find light in the darkest moments.
You Are The Morning is out now.
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