A Q&A with Jamie Grey
Soulful pop and heartfelt storytelling…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Like What I See’. It’s a very important song in my career. I’ve suffered a lot with self-doubt and a lack of self-love my whole life. I’m finally at a stage where I’m letting fear of judgement go and liking my reflection in the mirror.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The production we took a lot of care over as we wanted the record to feel timeless. We also had seven mixes of the song before we felt it was totally spot on.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourself, what do you enjoy most about producing your own material?
Ben Lythe produced it. He brought a classic, timeless feel to the record. Ben is an amazing multi-instrumentalist who truly respects the craft of musicianship. His production influences, which I also share, are all over this song.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I want them to feel my heart in the records and resonate with that — who I am and what I stand for.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Many different ways for me. Usually, I have something really pressing on my mind or in my heart. Sometimes the songs just find you because of that feeling. I’m a deeply emotional person, so I’m always feeling a certain type of way about something.
What bands/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
My influences change all the time to be honest. My music taste is expanding in a way I’ve never known before. It’s like I’m hearing things differently. I first loved old Motown soul records when I was a kid and wanted to sing like those predominantly Black American artists. They sing with such passion and feel every note — and I definitely have that.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
My dream has always been world tours. I’d go to the smallest country in Africa or to the United States. I love new cultures, new experiences and meeting people who feel music the way I do.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
My latest single ‘Like What I See’. I’m for the first time in a place making records like I always dreamt of making — timeless pop songs that feel real and are beautifully played with thought and care to the craft.
What ambitions do you have for your career?
The biggest. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been crippled by self-doubt and fear that I wasn’t good enough my entire life — until now. I can finally feel my body letting go of all of that and it’s the most freeing, powerful feeling on earth. I now feel what I’ve always dreamt of achieving inside of me and feel it’s actually attainable. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like this, so I feel unstoppable in my pursuit of sharing my message around the world.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my talent with you all and for resonating with it. It means the world to me to have you here.
Find out more about Jamie Grey at @jamiegreymusic
