Meet Jewel Owusu
Jewel Owusu has always lived in the in-between, drifting across sounds, cultures and ever-evolving versions of herself. A Filipino-Ghanaian artist and producer, she creates alternative electronic indie pop that feels confessional, textured and unguarded. Born in Hong Kong, raised in New Zealand and now based in Melbourne, her sound reflects a life shaped by movement and diverse influences.
Following her sophomore EP the end of everything, which sparked a surge of listeners, industry support and a buzzing headline tour, Jewel is now entering a bold new era of her artistry. We caught up with her to chat about music, creativity, fashion and what’s next.
Tell us a little about yourself and your music.
Hello, I’m Jewel Owusu. I make what I like to describe as electronic indie pop - indie pop with electronic influences, while also drawing inspiration from genres like rock and hyperpop. I live in Melbourne, but I’m originally from the Philippines and Ghana. For anyone new to the Jewel Owusu project, I’d recommend checking out blurryeyed, don’t let me go and mouse as a good introduction to my sound.
How did this project first begin?
I’ve always been a music lover and spent a lot of time experimenting with different instruments growing up. I also loved writing, whether it was short stories, poems or anything else that let me express myself.
The project really started during COVID. A producer friend and I were bored, so we started making songs together and seeing what happened. My sound has evolved a lot since then. In the beginning, we were making lo-fi pop with strong R&B influences, but over time as I refined my taste and songwriting ability, it grew into the electronic indie pop sound I make today.
What inspires your sound and creative direction?
I take a lot of inspiration from visuals, and I often find myself creatively energised by beautiful imagery, quotes and aesthetics on Pinterest.
Of course, my real-life experiences shape my songwriting, but I’m also a very visual person, and images often help me uncover the feeling or world I want a song to live in.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m finishing an album, which I’ll be able to share more about later this year.
Alongside that, I’m trying to give myself as much freedom as possible to create without a specific outcome or goal in mind. It’s been a really valuable way to keep experimenting, stay curious and continue pushing my sound in new directions.
What excites you most about this current stage of your career?
Right now, I’m really excited about performing more live shows. The live set is feeling stronger than ever, and I’ve been building a lot of confidence as a performer.
I’ve also fallen even more in love with the process of creating and sharing music. I’m incredibly proud of the songs I’m releasing at the moment, and I’m excited to bring them to bigger stages and connect with more people through them.
How would you describe your live show to someone who has never seen you perform?
Energetic and electric, but also really honest and vulnerable.
I try to create a set that moves between big, high-energy moments and quieter, more intimate ones so it feels like an emotional journey rather than just a performance. There’s a lot of movement and intensity, but also space to really connect and sit with the feelings in the songs. I want it to feel immersive.
What has being part of Live Nation’s Next On program meant to you?
Next On comes at a really crucial moment for me as an artist.
Getting access to an iconic venue, proper production and marketing support, and keeping 100% of ticket and merch sales takes a huge amount of pressure off. It means I can focus on what matters most — putting on the best possible show.
What role does merchandise play in building your identity as an artist?
Merch is really important to me, and I want it to feel like an extension of my world rather than just a product.
My personal style is a big part of my identity as an artist, and I’ve noticed that a lot of people who connect with my music also share a similar sense of style. Because of that, I think of merch as something that speaks directly to them.
I try to create pieces that feel unique and considered, something that feels like it belongs in the same universe as the music, so people can wear it and feel connected to that world.
What’s next for you that fans should keep an eye out for?
I am releasing so much music this year, as well as an album.