A Q&A with Jamie Rafferty

Glasgow singer-songwriter Jamie Rafferty blends nostalgic indie melodies with heartfelt American songwriting…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
My latest release is my first single off of my debut EP, it’s called ‘Back at 25’. It’s mostly inspired by stories and the way people from the village talk about it rather than one experience, like the village itself it’s the sum of its parts. It’s a nostalgic song for me. The lyrics came quite easily, felt like I knew exactly what I was writing about and gave the song its identity.

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The hardest part was probably deciding which songs would go on this EP. I didn’t want there to be just one theme running through it so had to really be specific about what songs went on this. All of the songs tell different stories, some about my life, some about others’ lives and some are just stories.

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
I was really lucky to work with four amazing producers, Seton Daunt, Owen Lewis, Elliott Blaufuss and Luke Sital-Singh. Each brought something different. Above all, the guys are real music fans and musicians. I felt safe handing over songs to them because I trusted their instincts and taste. They all approached the songs with a lot of care and detail and gave each song exactly what it needed. All of the guys created a great environment to work in which for me is the most important.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I just want people to connect with the music in general. If someone could find their own meaning in my music that would be amazing. That’s how I fell in love with my favourite artists’ music.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I always start with melody, usually a word will come to mind at some point which will set the tone and tell me what the song is to be about. Then I take the song to a producer and we try to put the pieces of it together and make it sound like a real song. If I’m writing with someone I try to keep it as natural and close to my own writing process as possible. I try to never go in with a specific subject for a song unless I have a lot to say about it.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I’ll always be influenced by the same music I’ve carried with me my whole life, Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, John Mayer. More recently I’m a big fan of Zach Bryan and his approach to the production of his music. I’m always trying to take what I love and make it sound more personal to me.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I love Europe in general, it would be really cool to play to audiences in European cities. I’ve played in the Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow on my own as a support act but the dream is to go back and do it as a headliner.

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 first single ‘Back at 25’. It’s definitely what kicked off the EP as a whole and will give you a taste of what’s to come when the EP comes out in September.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
To go as far as the music will allow me to go.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Thank you for taking the time to come and see me.

Find out more about Jamie Rafferty at soundcloud.com