Lynne Jackaman is Back

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Lynne Jackaman- Debut Album ‘One Shot’ due for release August 14th 2020.

Interview conducted on June 29, 2020

By Dan Locke

‘One Shot’ is the stunning debut album from British singer-songwriter Lynne Jackaman, released August 14th 2020 on CD, DL and limited-edition vinyl LP.

What is your upbringing?

I grew up in suburban, South East London. I was fortunate to be born into a big family full of many different characters and influences.

How did you discover music?

Growing up as one of 4 kids, I can remember hearing an eclectic range of music, blasting out of each room in the house. Jazz, Rock, Pop, Opera.
My parents had a great vinyl collection, which I used to love diving into. I can remember loving ‘Motown’ and old R&B/Soul records. The melodies, harmonies, performances and energy were infectious. I always did and still do love music across many genres as long as it gives me ‘that’ feeling.

How did you start to write music?

When I was around 11 yrs. old, I met an incredible Jazz guitarist called Barry Squires. He was well known for his performances around Greenwich, London as a legend on ‘the scene’. He invited me into his studio to write and record and gave me my first live gig. It was then I knew that is what I want to do. The rest is history.

What was your first performance at like?

I was extremely nervous and equally free. My expectations were totally open as I had never performed in front of an audience like that before so it was a lot of fun.
I was just relieved when I head the audience clap after the first song.

What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?

The title of my first ever original song was called ‘The Way I love You’. I recorded it at home on acoustic guitar with an SM58. I’m not sure where the demo is now… Probably a good thing.

How did Saint Jude start with you as the lead singer?

I walked into a studio in Baker Street for a writing session.
That was the day I met Adam Green who I subsequently went on to co-found and create our band ‘Saint Jude’ with. He had the best ‘feel’ of any guitarist I’d heard and was a ball of creativity. He played the guitar how I wanted to play it and I sang the way he wanted to sing. He became my best friend and we shared memories that will stay with me forever.
The track ‘Beautiful Loss’ from my forthcoming album ‘One Shot’ was written in memory of him.

How the band did get its name?

Adam over heard two old guys talking about the troubles and strife life was dealing them. He overheard one say to the other: “You need to pray to Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes. I loved it. We had many different names to choose from but I was mainly committed to the fact that I didn’t want it to be called ‘THE’ anything…so we picked ‘Saint Jude’.

How was it to perform with Ginger Baker back in 2014?

It was all very surreal. I had watched the documentary ‘Beware Of Mr. Baker’ and thought ‘Wow, I wonder what it would be like to work with him’.
A couple of days later I received a phone call asking me to perform with him! It was all very serendipitous. It was most certainly an experience I’ll never forget and challenging at times but well worth it.

You have performed in a church and on the big festival stage. Which stage do you feel more comfortable on?

Feeling comfortable at a live show is less to do with the location and more to do with how I am feeling in myself on that day. During every performance I give a lot of myself. My songs are deeply personal so singing them can stir a lot of emotions in me. If the crowd is lovin’ it then it can pull me out of myself and add something extra special that I didn’t know I had to give.
I love the fact that at live shows we are all in the same room and moment together and anything can happen. It’s exhilarating. It’s magical.

What happened to Pledge Music?

Best you ask them that; o).
I just know they went into liquidation taking mine and a lot of other artists money donated by the fans with them.

Tell me the story, behind the song “Too Much” (Alternative Club Mix) with Snoop Dogg?

I was called up by a dance producer in London. He said ‘I’ve got a track with Snoop on it and I feel your vocals would be perfect’. It was as organic as that.

How was it to tour with Paul Young?

Paul Young is a truly lovely human being. He made me feel so welcome. He and his band would sit in during our sound checks and support us in the wings during our set.
Being able to tour up and down the country performing on stages such as The London Palladium was amazing!
Walking out on that stage and performing with just my voice and Jamie Evans on guitar was exhilarating as there was nowhere to hide.
Having my mum and aunt in the audience also didn’t help ease the nerves.

Your album comes out Aug 14th. Tell me about the recording of it?

‘One Shot’ has been such an incredible journey. This album has changed my life in so many ways. The whole process was so organic. I never imagined I’d end up talking my demos to FAME Studios. I guess you just never know where things will lead…
I was introduced to British producer – Jamie Evans. I knew that my songs hadn’t reached their potential yet or found their sound and I had a fire in my belly to do them justice.
He was incredible and has a unique talent for hearing a song and knowing exactly what it needs to make it shine. He had previously worked in Muscle Shoals and said that they would ‘love me’ over there.
We sent some demos over to the studio manager and engineer ‘John Gifford’. He loved it and did everything he could to make it happen. He went above and beyond as did Spencer Coats (assistant engineer) and everyone involved. We recorded ‘One Shot’ in 12 days.
I felt so loved and accepted and I’m proud to now be able to call the incredible musicians and souls I met in Muscle Shoals, friends.

How was it to record at FAME studios?

It was extremely intimidating at first and very surreal!
Looking up from the mic and seeing some of my favourite albums on the wall which had been recorded there blew my mind. ‘I Never Loved A Man (the way i love you)’ by Aretha. ‘Tell Mama’ by Etta James just to name a few.
Deep in my mind I just kept hoping I would deliver and do myself, my fans and those in the room proud. It’s a lot of pressure but that’s when you dig deep and find something you never knew you were capable of.
You have to surprise yourself and be open to change which isn’t always easy.

What is your favorite track on the album?

This varies depending up on my mood. All the tracks are deeply personal. Right now it has to be my single ‘Sooner or Later’. It’s the perfect summer vibe.

How do you stay healthy while touring?

I’ve always been acutely aware of the fact that, being a singer, my instrument is in my body.
My vocal and physical health are of paramount importance to me when I tour and gig. Why should anyone show/audience get a better me than the next?
I have always taken a very holistic stance on health and have been vegetarian and pro-animal rights for years. To be healthy on tour, you have to prepare. The world is a lot more aware of diet now so it’s a lot easier to find the supplements and food I wish to supply my body with.
It’s simple. If I’m unhealthy or tired, so is my voice. I tend to eat less on tour simply because I am a ball of nerves for the whole day leading up to the show and it steals my appetite. I just wish to be the best I can be and I’m my own worst critic.

What are your feelings about streaming music?

Streaming is a necessity and a massively relevant part of releasing music and the world we now live in. To ignore it and its impact would be pointless. Artists need to survive, however.
How can you pay to make music and then give it all away for free and expect to be able to live?
Over the years I have built an incredibly loyal fanbase. This is so important for an artists’ survival. On one hand streaming is an effective way to get your music ‘out there’ and shared but it has to come back to a hub where fans will then buy your music, come to your shows and also buy your merch. All these things cost time and money to produce.
With touring not being possible right now this is harder than ever for independent artists but there is always a way if you search hard enough and I remain hopeful.

Digital vs. vinyl?

You quite simply can’t beat holding a physical album in your hands.
I think that purchasing a vinyl is really investing in the artist. I totally get the convenience of digital, for quick distribution and audio quality but I prefer the crackle of a 45 filling the room.
I particularly love vinyl because it is collectable and allows you to truly experience the artwork and creativity that went into the visual side of the music.
I was very blessed to have met the incredible Alfred George Bailey and Joseph Bisat Marshall who created and designed my album cover and artwork with me.
Having my album on vinyl is an amazing feeling. I can’t wait for you all to hear it.

What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?

The oppressed and silenced will always rise up.
No one is more or less than anyone else. Every being with a heartbeat (including animals and nature) should be respected. We need to be kind, open-minded, and mostly open-hearted. Listen more and judge less.

What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?

It would have to be ‘Evidence’ by Candi Staton. Not only am I a massive fan of her music but this track was also a reference point for the sound I wanted on my album.
Little did I know whilst writing these songs that I would end up recording them in the same Studio (FAME) where Candi recorded the song. Life sure has a crazy way of surprising and guiding you sometimes.

How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?

The world has already massively changed since the appearance of Covid-19. All of a sudden, we were all thrust into a new way of life that we had never experienced before. Everyone has had to personally and professionally adapt. This virus has allowed the digital world to truly step into its own.
Without that I’m not sure how we could get our music out so effectively without the ability to tour, etc…. We just have to adapt and stay positive. People need music. I was a fan and lover of music before I was a singer/songwriter and it’s always got me through my hardest times in life and always will.

What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?

Mainly experiencing new emotions and working out the balance between making the most of the ‘downtime’ whilst not wasting it.
Trying to find that delicate balance of knowing when to put the pressure on and when to take it off. I’m fortunate that I live with my partner so we have helped each other through this with love and creativity. I’m not alone and I feel very grateful for that every day. Having my album release to focus on has certainly helped.

Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?

I’ve just done more of what I love to be honest.

Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You did some live things and you did something very interesting. You did a break down on what streaming platform play their artist. What type of feedback did you get on this?

The feedback was primarily one of shock, I think. This kind of information is not heavily publicized but it’s the truth. The best way to support an artist is to buy their music and share anything they share online to help expand their reach.
The most helpful promo is fans who love what you do, word of mouth, as that energy is infectious, persistent, and inexhaustible.

Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?

Absolutely. Anything is possible. I’m just remaining open minded and keeping a close eye and ear on the new way of doing things as they develop.

This week Live Nation announced their first ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — This will bring fans a live music tailgating experience unlike any other, kicking off July 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, Nashville, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Brad Paisley will headline performances in all three cities, marking the start of a much anticipated return to in person live events. Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also headline the series. Is this something you would be willing to do?

I think it’s a great idea and way for fans and artists to still feel proactive and connected. I’d love to do it.

With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of music fest for the next couple of years?

There will never be an end, just a different way of doing it. It’s still really early days in adapting to the new way of life and restrictions that Covid-19 has harshly dictated to us. We have to develop new models that work at a steady and organic pace so they are achievable, effective and sustainable.

What about Holographic concerts in our living room?

Why not! The more choices we have the better…saves money on travel costs too.

How do you see yourself in the next five years?

Hopefully happy, healthy, creatively fulfilled and surprising myself each day.

Anything you would like to say in closing?

I’d like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to my fans for all their support.
I’d also like to thank those involved who helped to make this vision finally come to fruition and who believed in me when i didn’t think finishing this was possible.
Jamie Evans for Producing and arranging my album and bringing it all together.
Wayne Proctor for mixing and mastering it.
John Gifford and Spencer Cotes for always going the extra mile and to all the
Incredible musicians and friends in Muscle Shoals who I will be mentioning more in-depth on my socials over the next couple of months…
My album ‘One Shot’ is set for release on August 14th and I currently have a
limited edition run of vinyl’s/cods available for pre-order on my site here: