What is your names?
My artist name is Jemima
What is your genre of music?
I would say my genres are singer-songwriter and pop.
Give us a little bio about you.
Aussie singer-songwriter Jemima struggles to stay in one place. She spent her late teen years living in her van as she road-tripped the Australian east coast. Her dog came too, naturally. At 20-years-old she decided, on a whim, to move to London. She spent two years there, performing at bars in Soho and Camden and studying a Bachelor of Song writing at university.
Driven by an insatiable desire to tell stories that mean something, Jemima just released her latest single “As You Are”. The ’60s-inspired pop track debuted at #1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter chart for Australia.
Jemima’s first release of the year, “Patient”, reached #2 on the same chart. The folk-pop ballad — which explores the intricacies of mental health — also won the approval of folk musician Angus Stone. After hearing the song, Stone invited Jemima to his home studio to sing backing vocals on his Dope Lemon release, “Streets of Your Town”.
Jemima’s debut EP will be released in September
What made you go into music?
I’ve been passionate about music and writing since I was a child. I started writing songs at about 8-years-old but became more serious about it when I learned guitar at 14. A few years later I started playing gigs and I’ve loved it ever since.
Are you a signed?
No, I’m an independent and self-managed artist
You have released your new single ‘As You Are’, tell us more about the single.
‘As You Are’ came out on July 30. This song is upbeat, I see it as a bit of a celebration. I wanted to make the track sound like a ’60s song because I’ve always loved music from that decade and I wanted to, in a way, pay tribute to that.
What is the meaning behind the single?
I wrote this song about a night I had in London when I realized I was falling for someone. Overall, it’s a song about accepting the person for who they are.
Describe the track in two words.
Celebratory, joyful
What was the writing process like?
I wrote this song in about 15 minutes, so I guess it was eager to be written. I usually write ballads and more melancholy songs. But one day I had this urge to write something upbeat so that I had something a bit different to perform. I decided then that I wanted this track to have some ’60s elements because I often associate love and cheerfulness with those old ’60s love songs.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was a lot of fun. We recorded the whole EP in one go, so it was great to be able to focus on the project all week rather than having to go back to it at different times. ‘As You Are’ was special to record because there were a lot of firsts for me – saxophone, sleigh bells, ’60s-style backing vocals etc. It was really energetic to record. I was jumping up and down between vocal takes in the recording booth.
Who did you work with on the single?
I recorded at Rockinghorse Studios Byron Bay with some super talented musicians (Jack Smith, Mat Akehurst, Tim Schou) and the wonderful Paul Pilsneniks, who recorded and mixed the track. Paul Blakey, who is so kind and great to work with, mastered it. I’m very grateful to be able to work with such lovely, talented people.
Will we a music video for the track?
Yes! I’m actually making the music video myself. It will be out very soon
We will also see an EP this year, what is the name and how did you come up with it?
I haven’t revealed the name yet, but I’ll be announcing it in the next few weeks. I thought of the name a few years ago and just couldn’t get it out of my head, so when it came time to choose an EP title earlier this year, it seemed like the inevitable choice.
What can we expect from the EP?
The EP is confessional, personal and energetic. There’s a bit of everything, I hope that it showcases several moods. I love storytelling songs and all of these tracks are pieces of my own experiences.
Do you have any online shows coming up?
I have none scheduled at the moment. I’m focusing on the single and EP release at the moment. There’s a lot of work to do!
What else can we expect in 2020?
The EP is due out in September and I’ve recorded a song that I’ll release after that. I’m releasing merch for the first time and several videos. It’s a really exciting and busy time.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Not yet, but there are so many amazing artists I’d love to work with, so who knows what will happen in the future
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
For sure! People can reach out via my website (www.jemimamusic.com) or any of my social media pages.
Do you play any instruments
I play guitar, piano, ukulele and I’m learning drums and banjo.
Who are your influences?
I love a wide variety of artist. I’ve been listening to Queen, the Beach Boys, the Beatles and Elvis since I was a kid. I also love Taylor Swift and Nina Nesbitt. But I’ll listening to anything, no matter the genre, if it’s good music.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I draw inspiration from experiences I have, people I meet, emotions I feel. Sometimes I write about other people’s experiences, but mostly I just channel things that I feel and try to write from the heart.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
At the Grammys! Haha. In five years, I just hope to be writing and releasing music I’m proud of. I have a tendency to plan really far ahead but lately I’m trying to just enjoy where I’m at now.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I write poetry or stories, I paint, I do puzzles, I read, and spend way too much time playing the Sims. I spend time with my dog Levi, sometimes we go on road trips together.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I don’t know if it was any one song, but more like a blend of talented, driven and passionate artists who don’t give up on their dreams.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be a polite nuisance. It works!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
It sounds cliché but just to be yourself. There’s no point in trying to imitate other artists out there. We already have a Beyoncé, a Katy Perry, and an Ed Sheeran. But each person has their own unique qualities and wonderful things to share with the world.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Try as if it is impossible to fail. I keep it up on my wall for the days when I doubt myself.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
There’s a little beach in Blacksmiths which is usually quiet. So that’s my favourite place to be.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? To bed
2/ Who do you see first? My mum
3/What do you eat first? Pizza, or a burrito, or a burger. Or a combination of all three.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitar (obviously), my setlist (which I tape to the side of my guitar), tuner, hairband, water
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes! And I really appreciate anyone that follows any of these pages, so thank you if you do.
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Spotify:
