Jamie Woon Interview

Jamie Woon is sat at home, preparing himself for a day of interviews.

Since being named as one of acts to look out for in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll, the phone hasn’t stopped.

"It’s been pretty intense," says the softly-spoken 27-year-old Londoner, touted as the forerunner in a new generation of soulful dubstep artists alongside fellow BBC Sound of 2011 nominee James Blake.

He’s softly-spoken, that is, until he starts laughing. A lot.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

Michael Jackson was a huge influence on me. I used to listen to the radio a lot as a kid and my mum used to play a lot of James Taylor in the house. My mum is a singer so listening to her voice has been the biggest influence of all.

Would you ever collaborate on a record with your mum?

She provides backing vocals on (recent single) Night Air but I’d definitely collaborate with her again. We were actually discussing it the other day…

Whilst you were having Tea?

(Laughs) That’s right, just as I was passing the salt. The ball is in her caught now so we’ll see what happens.

You are a graduate of the BRIT School. Why do you think it has produced so many successful alumni?

That’s what it’s supposed to do (laughs). I can’t remember anything they taught me but it was a really valuable experience. It was like being a pop star in a sixth form common room – it was good fun.

You also attended the Red Bull Music Academy in 2008 in Barcelona – was it like BRIT School in the sun?

(Laughs) Something like that! It’s hard to explain – in short, it’s a travelling music school that moves to a different city each year. Just thirty people from around the world are selected to attend the Academy for two weeks.

I remember (Public Enemy rapper) Chuck D and (Drum n Bass DJ) Goldie gave seminars there. I released two records from collaborations that were first made at the Academy – Solidify with (fellow Londoner) Subeena and I’m Goin’ Wit’ You with (French musician) Débruit and (hip-hop artist) Om’Mas Keith.

You recently came fourth in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll – is critical acclaim important to you?

I just want people to hear my music. It’s obviously great to get recognition and it means more people are listening to what I’m producing – but I always think it’s unfair to shine a light on just a few artists.

Tell me a little bit about the production of your debut album, Mirrorwriting?

I produced most of the album on my laptop and also escaped to the countryside on a few occasions to write and record. It’s quite a melancholic record, but what you expect? I’m from Britain! (Laughs) There’s a brooding, dark undertone to the record…

With a light, fluffy overtone?

(Laughs) You make it sound like a haircut. It’s about trying to find redemption so it’s not a complete sob-fest.

Are you a fan of social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter?

I am, but I’m not very good at using them.

Do you think such websites are pulling down the barrier of mystery between the fans and the star?

Probably, but that doesn’t matter. It’s just a cool way of connecting with people – I’m more into the fun side of it rather than the promotional side.

What do you get up to away from the music?

The same stuff as anyone else really – hanging out with mates and going to gigs. I saw a band called Sound of Rum recently – they’ve just signed to (Radio One DJ) Rob Da Bank’s record label – they’re definitely worth checking out.

You are, like many people, a huge fan of The Wire – who is your favourite character?

How did you know I’m a fan of The Wire?

I’ve done my research Jamie.

Yes you have. I’d have to say Omar – he’s a solo warrior.

Just like you Jamie.

Yes, just like me – just without the sawn-off shotgun (laughs).

What are your hopes for the remainder of 2011?

I’m looking forward to releasing the album and seeing what the reception will be like. I want to push the songs forward live and start work on the next album. Just keep doing what I’m already doing.

Jamie Woon releases his debut album, Mirrorwriting on Polydor Records on April 4th. Jamie will also be playing a gig at Cardiff Arts Institute on March 6th.

Michael Took