Jamie T exclusive interview, Kings & Queens out today
Kings & Queens out today!
Today UK cutie Jamie T's sophomore album Kings & Queens debuts in the states! His last album Panic Prevention hit #4 on the UK album chart, and promptly put Jamie on the map, drawing comparisons to heroes Bob Dylan and Joe Strummer. The album was nominated that year for the Mercury Music Prize, and at the 2007 NME Awards, the kid with the fuck-all grin was named Best Solo Act – beating Thom Yorke and Jarvis Cocker. Around these parts Jamie made his U.S. TV debut on Last Call With Carson Daly, his song “Salvador” appeared on the soundtrack to HBO’s Entourage, and the ultimate stamp of indie approval the cool folks at KEXP played the shit out of Panic Prevention.
Check out the video for "Chaka Demus" on YouTube. And if you dig it - buy the album on iTunes!
Click through for our exclusive interview with the man himself, rumor has it he might be moving to Williamsburg, so you might wanna learn a thing or two in case you run into him at the Levee.
So you recorded most of Panic Prevention at your parent's house - I imagine your life has changed much since then...how did the recording experience of Kings & Queens differ? And how as a result is Kings & Queens a different record all together than Panic Prevention?
Kings & Queens is a different record simply because it was recorded 4 years after the first. I recorded it in much the same manner as my first one , it was mostly short stints every day then long night sessions in my own studio. The record obviously has some new musical inspirations and ideas too.
Who are some of your influences?
I like watching movies. This has become a big inspiration - movie soundtracks like Nick Cave and Warren Ellis stuff.
How did Bob Dylan "ruin your life for a bit"?
He didn't. He's a lovely man.
When and why did you start getting into making music?
I started getting into playing the drums when I was about 13 because my brother wanted to play them. And back then I hated my brother so I decided I would beat him to it.
What's the most personal song on Kings & Queens and why?
They all have their moments for me.
How would you compare London and Brooklyn?
I dunno. They're both very different places. They’re so different I'm not sure I can answer the question.
How would you describe performing to US audiences vs. UK audiences?
Crowds tend to differ town to town let alone country to country. For example we play a show in New York! good crowd lots of energy - Then go play a show in Portland to the bar staff. That's what I love about touring. You never know what you're gonna get.
How does it feel to have accomplished so much at such a young age? Advice for all the young bands out there?
It's nice to be busy. The only advice I can give is to do what you want. Don't listen to anyone. Don't try and get signed (those guys will come a running like hyenas when they smell blood anyway). Just have fun doing what you're doing.
