Embracing Contradictions: Dora Jar’s Journey Through Her New Album, No Way To Relax When You Are on Fire
By: Catherine Wong
Dora Jar’s whimsical creativity and funky energy have captured the attention of audiences across the nation. In an 1824 press conference we caught up with Jar to discuss her debut album, No Way To Relax When You Are on Fire, her ongoing headline tour, and the inspiration behind this new era of her life.
“I would like anyone who listens to feel courageous, open, and dancey and like the strange parts of them are the best parts of them,” Jar commented. No Way To Relax When You Are on Fire does just that. With songs like “Smoke Out the Window” and “Behind The Curtain,” Jar encourages listeners to get up and perform their most outrageous dance moves.
It is also no secret that Jar’s creative spirit is prevalent throughout her album. She likens it to a “fun house where every room is radically different but a part of the same house,” highlighting her youthful and wild side. Describing the album as a fun house could not be more accurate! The opening track, “This is Why,” features airy, whispered vocals and almost haunting instrumentals. However, “This is Why” is a stark contrast to track three, “Debbie Darling,” a slow-paced ballad about embracing the hidden parts of yourself. As the album progresses, innovative tracks like “Puppet” and “Sometimes All Ways” wave introspective lyrics with groovy beats. Jar mentions she was “obsessed with creating contradictions” similar to that of heartbreaking topics masked with electronic beats throughout the writing process.
While writing this album, it is clear that Jar goes through moments of self-discovery. “I ask who I am a lot in these songs, and the real answer is ever-changing,” she said when asked about her introspective lyrics. Jar even opens “Timelapse,” the second track on her album, asking “Who am I?” and repeats the same question in each chorus.
This concept of ever-changing also applies to Jar’s live shows. Her first performance was supporting Billie Eilish on the Happier Than Ever, The World Tour back in 2022. Equipped with only a few songs from her EP, Jar began her musical journey on world-renowned stages like Madison Square Garden. Now though, the 27-year-old is on the road for her Behind The Curtain Tour.
“We are seven shows in and the show has changed so much,” Jar said. “It’s all about being in the moment and letting the audience lead us into new and exciting places.” Jar is extremely fan-oriented as she aims to make her shows disability inclusive. Inspired by Disneyland’s initiative to make accessible attractions, Jar strives to ensure people with special needs have the best experience possible at her shows.
Though she is not playing venues like The Kia Forum, Jar enjoys the intimate audiences all the same. Being able to see the fans and their emotions and reactions encourages Jar as it feels as if “people are giving their heart back to me.” That being said, we hope to see Jar’s name painted on a Kia Forum billboard very soon!
The No Way To Relax When You Are on Fire era has just begun for Jar. Not only is she exploring her artistry musically, but she is also creating stunning visuals inspired by her favorite childhood movies. Mary Poppins, specifically, can be credited for Jar’s compelling imagery on the album cover. Jar can be seen standing in front of a staircase of smoke, paying homage to Mary Poppins using a chimney and smoke as a staircase. Jar noted this imagery was another contradiction and how you can’t exactly walk on smoke, but Mary Poppins makes it work just as Jar did.
In the future, Jar hopes to write a musical by the time she is 40 years old. However, while we wait for her future Broadway endeavors, catch Dora Jar on her upcoming shows in San Diego and Los Angeles, California. No Way to Relax When You Are on Fire can also be found on all streaming platforms!
Where to find Dora Jar: Instagram | Tiktok | X | Spotify | Apple Music