Allan Jamisen – This Is Not An Act (2026)
Peppering his back catalogue with a slew of cinematic, genre-diverse singles, it is safe to say that singer-songwriter Allan Jamisen is, well, eclectic and unique. From rock-infused 2025 singles ‘Rise Above’ and ‘Living The Dream’, to the electronic pop ‘Gotta Do’ and the trip-hop-tinged ‘The Coalition’, the US-based musician waves his arm across a smorgasbord of styles, indulging in something different each time. So, where will he go with his new single, ‘This Is Not An Act’? Join us and find out.
Following ‘The Coalition’, Jamisen strolls into 2026 with ‘This Is Not An Act’. Recorded and produced with Andy Skiles and John X Volaitis, the single shows another facet of Jamiesen’s musical persona, delving into a jazz-filled rush of sound. Odd, to say the least, ‘This Is Not An Act’ whirls between vintage acid jazz and electronic, ambient pop slithering along the track, not to mention an art-pop flutter of horns dancing together in an ambient groove.
For me, and this is entirely my own experience of ‘This Is Not An Act’ – an experience because all of Jamisen’s work is more than mere notes wafting from my speakers – the track evokes powerful emotion and connection with a simplistic melody that simultaneously has a barebones resonance and intricate, kaleidoscopic delicacy. A bit broken in a way, the saxophone, flute, electronic beats, synth-filled shimmers, and even Jamisen’s rich vocals harmonically caress your face, while also walking along with individuality, prominence, and a desire for singular attention. Groovy and thrilling, but stilted and biting, ‘This Is Not An Act’ is hard, soft, languid, tense, poignant and wistful – all emotions rolled into one.
Sensual and soulful, a smoky jazz lounge vibe pops to mind, sliced by the electronic fuzz of a night with friends when you’re a little out of it. Yet, while the instrumentation and arrangement carry you from one setting to another, Jamisen’s spoken-word vocals backed by Meaganlark’s dulcet tones are a direct conversation staring you in the eye. A song about life in all its grit and glory, Jamisen explains:
“’This Is Not An Act’ explores twin themes of authenticity and morality… the lyrics represent the reflection of an inner dialogue of a person communicating with their higher self, trying to grow beyond their limitations and past mistakes….”
Find out more about Allan Jamisen on his Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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