Introducing Pop Newcomer Jamie Hannah
It’s set to be quite the year for British newcomer Jamie Hannah, who has just unleashed his brand new single ‘Secret Paradise’ to rapturous applause. The hotly-tipped multi-instrumentalist is about to head back out on tour with Louise Redknapp this month, and we caught up with him to find out what we can expect.
We got to chat with Jamie Hannah about everything from his sound, the first song he was obsessed with, music idols and so much more…
For anyone that hasn’t heard any of your music yet, how would you describe Jamie Hannah is three simple words?
Ethereal, Cinematic, Pop
You have quite the musical CV – can you remember the first time in your life when you became interested in music?
It might have been when my mum taught me to read by singing nursery rhymes with a music book every night instead of a bedtime story. If it didn’t have music involved, I wasn’t interested. Or maybe it was listening to my grandpa play jazz piano when I was a toddler? I loved it when he used to play ‘Autumn Leaves’. My sister and I would always sing at the top of our lungs to The Beatles in the car on the way to school too.
What is the first song you can ever remember being obsessed with, and what was the first song you ever performed in front of an audience?
The first song I was obsessed with…goodness, probably the theme tune to “Bear in the Big Blue House’. That was such a good show. I’m also addicted to the film Titanic too. I watched it secretly when I was quite small, and Celine performing ‘My Heart Will Go On’. Pwoah, gets me every time.
I was performing lots whilst I was at school – from singing ‘You Raise Me Up’ in the school X factor competition to Handel’s aria ‘Ombra Mai Fu’ from his opera ‘Xerxes’ in a church in Chelsea.
What sorts of sounds filled the house when you were growing up and how do you think those moments have inspired and shaped you into the artist that you are in 2020.
Music of all sorts filled our house – jazz from Grandpa, musical theatre from my sister, Scottish folk songs and Robert Burns from my mother, my father loved the Beatles and groups from the sixties and seventies. At the same time, I was with the National Youth Choir for ten years, and we performed a whole variety of music from sacred songs, to world music, to pop songs. Between my sister and myself, we played several instruments – sax, clarinet, piano, double base, drums, guitar. There was always music somewhere going on.
Everything I have experienced musically has formed my musical background, and it’s there in my toolbox when I am writing and arranging, I so appreciate the wide base and training I have in all types of music and my classical training allows me greater scope and versatility.
You’ve already worked with some musical greats, but who is still on the bucket list – who would be top of your list of collaborators.
I mean if Ariana Grande gave me a ring I probably wouldn’t say no! Haha The list is endless – Elton John, Tracy Chapman, Andrea Bocelli, Clean Bandit.
You have an incredible range – was there a standout moment in which you realised that you could sing so well?
That’s very kind of you. I’ve always just loved to sing. Sing in the shower, sing in the supermarket, wherever. I never really thought it was anything special. I do remember once though at school singing ‘Tears of Heaven’ by Eric Clapton to a room of about 400 people, and they all stood up at the end clapping. I recall looking over to my headmaster, and he and his wife had tears in their eyes. Lol, I thought I had hit a bad note, and they were just happy it was over.
Who are your musical idols, and how, if any, have they influenced your own sound and musical direction?
This list is endless again too. I have got to include Handel and Monteverdi – their beautiful melodies, the dissonant harmonies, and how they painted words in their music. Andrew Lloyd Webber, of course, he is just a genius and Freddie Mercury and Elton John…I could keep writing for ages.
You’re about to head out on tour with Louise. What can fans expect from the shows?
Yes! About to head out with Louise Redknapp on tour from the 11th of March around the UK. It’s gonna be a party! Adlibs galore, some questionable dance moves, and the most remarkable group of musicians performing alongside me. A couple of tracks I wrote whilst I was out in L.A. earlier this year too, I’ll be performing. I plan on doing a couple of covers, too, to get the audience feeling reminiscent.
We adore your new single ‘Secret Paradise’ – what was the inspiration behind it?
‘Secret Paradise’ is an ode to anyone who has felt they have lived in a parallel reality. A reality comforted by the safe haven of their own white lies. Once a deceiving love saga, now allowed to live freely.
What was the last album you listened too in full, without skipping a track?
Celine Dion – Courage (Deluxe Edition)
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Instagram – it can be a great way to keep in touch with friends, see what they’re up to, promote what you’re up to, and support other creatives. Alongside throwing in a lil’ thirst trap here and there.
How do you feel you’d fare as an artist without social media existing? Is it a help or a hindrance?
Good question. I’m not sure on that one. If all artists were in the same situation, then it would be ok to be a musician without social media. There would be more emphasis on live shows, streaming, radio, and press. Social media makes everything more immediate, and you can talk directly to people and get their views on your music.
However, too much reliance on social media could be counterproductive. I limit my time on it and try to make the best of the good aspects of showcasing my music and keeping in touch with people.
Aside from the forthcoming UK tour, what else do you have planned for the rest of the year?
I have my debut EP coming out in late spring. I’ve been working on it for about two years in Sweden, L.A., and London. I’m such a perfectionist, so I’m incredibly excited to see that out. I’ll be heading back over to L.A end of April too for something top secret, which should be wild when it’s finished.
Make sure to check out Jamie Hannah’s latest single ‘Secret Paradise’ below…
