JJ Felix explores a heavier sound on grunge album JxxJ
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Newsdesk
Control Freek Records presents JxxJ as the UK’s first AI grunge album, as the virtual rock artist begins a new chapter of self-expression.
UK, 21 September 2026 – Virtual recording artist JJ Felix explores distorted guitars, grunge influences and a more provocative creative direction on his fourth album, JxxJ. Released on 1 August 2026 through Control Freek Records, the album reflects creator Barrie Birch's long-standing appreciation of rock and his desire to explore a heavier sound through JJ.
Control Freek Records describes JJ as the UK’s first solo AI rock pop artist and JxxJ as the UK’s first AI grunge album. The release follows a catalogue that has moved from melodic pop rock into more emotionally focused songs and electronic reinterpretations. Barrie’s musical interests include Nirvana, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi and Red Hot Chili Peppers. For JxxJ, it was the possibilities of grunge that particularly appealed: an opportunity to give JJ a rougher sound, a more provocative character and greater creative freedom.
Although Barrie has spent much of his 30-year music-making career producing electronic music, JJ has provided a way to explore another side of his musical imagination. The project combines songs with a visual performer and an ongoing fictional story, allowing him to develop the sound and personality together.
Barrie wrote the album’s lyrics and recorded sung melody ideas, then used Suno to develop those foundations through repeated prompting and generations. He continued shaping the material through editing, arrangement work and production.
“All Over Me”, one of his personal favorites from JxxJ, reflects the experimentation he wanted to explore through the character. For listeners discovering JJ for the first time, Barrie recommends the debut single “3am in Silver Lake” as an introduction to his music.
JxxJ follows the self-titled debut JJ Felix, second album Love and Loss, and JJ EDM Mixes, featuring fellow virtual artist AA Rivers. The remix album takes JJ’s rock material into electronic territory, bringing together two distinct artist personas created by Barrie. Control Freek Records claims it as the world’s first AI rock-to-EDM remix album.
JJ’s fictional story began with a British musician pursuing his ambitions in Los Angeles. Barrie’s affection for the city informs the setting, which combines elements of his own experience with imagined relationships, setbacks and opportunities for JJ. On 21 September, JJ came out as bisexual in a video encouraging kindness and acceptance.
“I'm still JJ. Nothing's changed. I'm just being honest about who I am,” JJ says in the scripted video. “Love is Love. Be nice to each other.”
Control Freek Records presents JJ as the world’s first openly bisexual AI recording artist and the world’s first LGBTQ+ AI rock star. For Barrie, the development reflects his wish to give the character an identity beyond his appearance and sound.
He hopes JJ’s story can encourage people struggling with acceptance to feel less alone. That ambition sits alongside his enjoyment of making the music and the responses he reports receiving from listeners who connect with JJ’s songs and personality who don't care if JJ is made with AI, as his music and persona stands out and that's what fans appreciate the most.
JJ’s releases, streaming links and further information are available through his official website.
About JJ Felix: JJ Felix is a virtual rock artist created by UK musician and producer Barrie for Control Freek Records. His catalogue spans pop rock, grunge and electronic collaborations, combining human songwriting and creative direction with AI-generated music and visuals.
