Jean Alter is the alter ego of Javier Bennett—a rebrand that’s been a long time coming, ever since I released my debut single “sleep” in 2021. My name never sounded right for the weird/homemade/diy/alien sound I was trying to produce. And songwriting has always felt like tapping into something bigger than myself; I think that’s what Jean Alter represents for me. I wanted something unique, androgynous, simple, memorable asf—the limitless options were overwhelming. It took years of writing random names in my notes app. But I see myself in this one the most.

I released a debut EP in late 2021, but it wasn’t until November of that year that my hobby turned into an asset. A cover of “God Must Hate Me” by American Idol’s Catie Turner was recorded and shared on TikTok, and was seen by Catie herself shortly after. Our collaboration began, and the song was released under Atlantic Records on January 18, 2022. That year was monumental for my music. The collab with Catie made a dream feel closer to reality—like if I put my all into this, I could make producing a career.

After a successful sophomore EP release in August, including fan favorites like softly, in time and to hold out. I released a single “Human Being” in November that same year. That song was a clear indicator for both me and my audience that I had the potential to make catchy pop songs. Human Being became my most streamed song in a matter of weeks, and was featured on Spotify’s Anti-Pop Editorial Playlist.

Three years later, I’m back with music that’s the strongest it’s ever been. Five tracks revolving around the line “Here I stay, here I reside,” a debut website programmed by me, as well as my first music video directed by me and shot by my friend Sophia. Three years of exploring, evolving, and writing, I bring to you, “Wilmo”.