Jamie Grey Talks New Single, Musical Memories And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Kevin Ashburn
Jamie Grey excels at intimate songs infused with heartfelt feeling, his voice sparkling with unrestrained power and soul as he delivers lyrics which confront the toughest of emotions head-on. He has recently released his latest single ‘Like What I See’ and very kindly spoke to us about the track, his musical memories and more:
When did you begin songwriting?
I started at around 16/17 years old.
What is your earliest musical memory?
I have two. My sister playing Tracy Chapman’s album over and over out of her bedroom. Also hearing Bryan Adams song ‘Everything I Do’ from the Robin Hood film, and just wanting to write a song as good as that one day.
Your new single ‘Like What I See’ is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?
I’ve started to feel a big change going on inside of me. I could feel myself knowing myself more than ever and it feeling clear who I am, what I stand for and where I want to go. I’d been saying for a month or so before writing the song that I like my reflection in the mirror for the first time.
Where did you record the track, and who produced it?
Ben Lythe produced it in his home studio in Birmingham. He brought a classic, timeless feel to the record which I really wanted. 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.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
I wouldn’t say funny but just that I wrote the track on the first day of meeting Ben and Charlie. That’s rare for me, to write something so raw and special on the first day. I really hit it off with the boys in the first hour of meeting them.
Do you have a visualiser to accompany the single?
Not so much on this single release, we’ve hired a radio plugger and publicist with our budget; however, I do have a live video version of the track coming out for YouTube very soon.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, or recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
Yes, I have a chain that I love for my voice. I own a Flea U47 microphone, which is a remake of the classic Neumann’s mic’s. I run it through a Neve 1073 pre amp and I love the sound I get for my voice every time.
Was it a difficult song to write?
No, it’s been one of the easiest ever. It just fell out of the sky. We wrote it in 45 minutes.
Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Happiest I’d say my single before the current one. A song called Hold Me I’m in Heaven. I had a song a few years ago called ‘Out Of My Head’ which has an angry feel to it as it talks about constantly being in my own head, which thankfully I no longer am. Most reflective, I’d say my song Late Bloomer or Here Now. Both of these are reflective songs about realising what is truly important in life before it’s too late.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I want people to feel like they know me. Like my set gives a complete demonstration of who I am and what heart I have. I also wanted to leave an impression that vocally, I blew them away. I adore the art of singing, from a technical stand point to an emotive one. I try to improve my voice every day. Can my range be better? Can my control be better? My breathing, my delivery.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Not really. I’m someone who doesn’t like too many effects. I want it to be as real and raw as possible so people can really hear my vocal tone and ability.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
A small seaside town in Teesside called Redcar. 5 words I’d go for. Gritty, Raw, Humble, Real and Authentic.
How do you look after your voice?
With great care. I’m a bit obsessed if I’m honest. I do a lot of warm-ups before shows and I’m constantly wanting to improve. I’m very conscious of the foods I consume at what times as well as alcohol and fragrances, etc
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
To be honest, I don’t really read. I never have. I love the idea of it, but for one reason or another I’ve just never read books. I also love flirting with many different genres in my music, depending on where I’m at at a certain time in my life. I’ve always quietly dreamt of singing on the next bond single.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
It depends for me. I’m not one of these artists who can just name you his 3 biggest influences in an order because I go through such phases of loving lots of different music. As a young child, I first heard my sister playing the Tracy Chapman self titled album, and I fell in love with it. Her raw honesty in the writing and her way of making me feel I knew exactly the type of person she was and what her life looked like. I love that sort of autobiographical style. Eminem did that for me also when I first heard the Marshall Mathers LP it literally blew my mind. Right now I’m diving into a lot of older music that I missed or wasn’t exposed to as a kid. Listening to classics from the 60’s and 70’s. I recently watched the Billy Joel documentary and dived into his catalogue. It’s all I’ve been listening to and has me so inspired.
Do you have any UK/European live dates planned for 2025/2026?
I’m very sure we do having just come off my UK tour earlier this year and a tour of Holland towards the end. Right now though I really want to write lots of new material.
Do you have any further music releases planned for the 2025?
No this is the last for 2025.
What makes Jamie Grey happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happy – being with my wife, kids and family in general. Being on stage or writing songs with people I resonate with. Unhappy, I’d say a lack of sleep. I don’t do well on little sleep, and I really value sleep. I believe it’s the key to everything, so I put a lot of stock in my sleep time.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Dedikated PR
Jamie Grey’s latest single ‘Like What I See’ is out now.
Listen Here: https://jamiegrey.ffm.to/likewhatisee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiegreymusic/
