Jamie Scott & The Town Cont'd
Exclusive Interview
“Taking the Town by storm” Cont'd...
Whether they’re going for gold or not, this band has been very busy so far. JS & the Town have already released 4 singles, and Jamie’s popular song ‘Made’, written for the box-office hit ‘Step Up’, earned him a small role in the movie as well. Not in a relationship at the moment, Jamie has dedicated his free time to work on a side album - something a little “different” he tells me (but won’t say more). Ricky tells me that the band would love to play in Denmark next, as they were nominated as Best International New Act in the 2008 DMA (Danish Music Awards). I personally was impressed with the fact that the lyrics for Jamie’s song, ‘Just’, were inspired by a book called ‘The Prophet’ by Kahlil Gibran, an author whom I revere. You have to be rather deep and spiritual to appreciate Gibran’s words, and it doesn’t take long in Jamie’s presence to get the sense that he is indeed an emotional person, with a sensitive side, deeply in touch with his feelings, and rather wise for his age.
I ask him if he feels that he’s evolved as a musician over the years, and how his style may have changed or developed. “In the beginning,” he says, “I was hugely influenced by the people I worked with, right up until 2 or 3 years ago when I developed my own style. When I first signed up with Sony in 2002, I think they had in mind an artist with more of a Jamiroquai feel, but these days I have returned to my roots, to the styles I was influenced by growing up. I think my music now is more natural, more simple and raw – I just pick up a guitar and perform.”
What about contemporary artists who influence the band? Jamie says he listens to Kings of Leon, Rufus Wainwright, and Beck, while Nick likes Ryan Adams and Tony Baxter. And it seems that Jamie is as modest as he is talented: as well as being the lead singer of the band and a guitarist, he also plays the piano, and the interesting thing is that he has never had any lessons. “I’m not very good at being told what to do,” he admits cheekily, “but sometimes I do wish I had studied music, if only to be immersed in an environment with like-minded people who want to learn, share and inspire.” Chris reveals that his band-mate is so gifted musically that he can pick up any instrument and play it. Jamie grins humbly and returns the compliment: “You know,” he tells Chris, “I never told you this before, but when we first met, I could hear this amazing music coming out of the kitchen at my mate’s house and I thought to myself ‘What’s that cd playing?’ only to discover it was you humming and tapping away. I knew right then and there that I wanted to work with you!”
The camaraderie between these boys is touching. It seems that they “click” so well together, not just socially, but musically too. When I asked them how often they rehearse, they told me that they literally have had only 2 full days of rehearsal time, if you put together all the hours they have practiced together, during their entire career! Chris believes it’s all down to good chemistry. “There isn’t really a ‘right’ way to play,” says Jamie. They evidently are a good fit, and it is clear that music comes naturally to all of them, as their performances during this trip seem flawless so far, but Nick points out, “actually we do make mistakes…and Jamie is known for turning around on stage and staring at us if we do – he makes it kinda obvious!” Jamie kiddingly retorts, “I think I should do a James Brown… and fine you guys for your mistakes! Ha ha!”
I inquire whose idea was it for Jamie to get into this industry in the first place. “I knew from a young age that I couldn’t sit at a desk and have a real job,” he tells me, “but I always loved music. I think it was just natural progression.” I ask the band if they ever considered entering one of those reality singing or talent television shows, such as Idol or X-factor, but they all shake their heads in unison. “We’ve written songs for people who performed on those shows,” they exclaim, “but we wouldn’t take that direction!” Their goal for the following year is to simply keep doing what they do best: travelling and performing in front of people, and recording their latest music. For JS & the Town, it’s not about being famous, nor is it all about the money. “It’s about enjoying the whole experience of spreading the music….and taking long lunch breaks!” says Chris with a wink.
This remark sets the excitable boys off in more fits of laughter, and it isn’t long before they are cracking jokes back and forth again. I find myself giggling away with them, trying to figure out whether they are serious about driving their car into the pool just for a laugh (they didn’t of course). Before I know it, time is up, and the band must get ready for their final night performing in my home town of Limassol.
As I say goodbye, I realize how much fun I’ve had chatting to Jamie, Ricky and the band, how much I enjoyed their performance the night before. I sincerely hope that they will keep their promise and grace us with their presence again someday, once they’ve really hit it big internationally (or anytime before, for that matter). With unique music and soothing vocals that melt the soul, it is no surprise that Ricky’s team of talent has already acquired a speedily growing fan-base, of which I now myself am a part of. As far as this island goes, the band has definitely made its mark here. JS & the Town have without a doubt taken this town by storm.
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To find out more about JS & the Town, and to see them perform online, check out their live webcast on the last Wednesday of every month, by visiting: www.myspace.com/jamiescottandthetown