What is your name?
Jazz Mino
What is your genre of music?
Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
My name is Jazz Mino and I’m a London based pop artist and singer-songwriter. I’m happiest when I’m in the studio, writing songs and performing! As well as gigging, I busk a lot around London and the UK where I was discovered by Amazon Music, Beefeater Gin and United Talent. I tend to play live with my ukulele, alongside my band of violin and cello (Natalia Wierzbicka, Miranda Lewis). I’ve been playing with the girls for just over a year now, they’re great funto work with and the sound gives a unique twist to my produced music.
Are you signed?
I wish! If you’re label reading this and looking for new artists, I’m still available.
You are releasing new single ‘Hurt’ what’s the story behind the track?
My next single, “Hurt” is actually quite an emotional song for me as it’s about losing my Grandma. It was a very difficult time as I was with her a lot during her last moments, but I also cherish getting that time with her and feel incredibly lucky. We were extremely close and she was an amazing woman. She taught me to read music, so I wouldn’t be a musician if it was for her influence! It’s also comforting to know that as long as I’m singing and writing, a part of her will always be with me. “Hurt” is the most honest and difficult song I’ve ever written, but it’s a big chapter in my life and sadly life isn’t always perfect. We all lose people that we love and I think many listeners/fans will really be able to relate to “Hurt”.
Take a listen to ‘Hurt’ right here
https://youtu.be/MFacnr5itvc
How long did it take to write?
I actually wrote “Hurt” in about half an hour. I find there’s never a set time of how long my songwriting takes – Sometimes it takes days and other times it just kind of ‘happens’. “Hurt” was one of those that just ‘happened’; writing it was like a huge release of emotion for me.
Do you have any gigs coming up or maybe a tour of your own?
Yeah I’ve got a gig Tuesday 20th September, 7pm at The Looking Glass in Shoreditch which I’m really excited about. It’s a really cool place & I’ll be performing with my band. The gig is open to everybody and you can buy tickets here: http://bit.ly/2bgSJqC
If so where will you be heading?
I’ve not currently got any tours planned, I’ve been performing quite a bit in Europe this summer and have had a wonderful time. It’s definitely something that I’d love to do more of in the future.
Will we see a new EP or Album from you soon?
I’ve been in the studio quite a bit this summer but haven’t made any firm plans for an album or EP yet… But who knows, I’ll see where the next couple of months take me.
If so what can you tell us or will we have to wait 😉
I guess you’ll have to wait 😉
You have supported and performed in front of many great artists and bands already, how was that for you?
Yeah it’s been great fun. I think the highlight for me has been supporting Lianne La Havas as she’s one of my favourite artists.
Did you receive any advice of any of them?
Not so much advice, more just encouragement and compliments which is always great to hear from somebody that you look up to and respect.
You have also performed at some great venues and festivals already, which is your favourite so far?
Ooh that’s a difficult one! I think every gig and venue has their own charm. Innocent Unplugged festival was amazing, really chilled atmosphere and so colourful! I played at Century Club in Soho over the summer too which had an awesome vibe.When I’m busking around London I adore performing on the Southbank – Definitely my favourite ‘street’ stage.
Where is your dream venue to play in the uk?
I think my dream venue in the UK will always be to headline Glastonbury Festival. As my mum always says, dream big!
Where is your dream venue to play anywhere overseas?
Overseas I’m not sure, I think I need to do some more exploring and travelling with my music – Ask me the same question in a few years!
Do you have any collaborations with any other artists in the planning?
I don’t have any collaborations with other artists coming up, but have been working with producer RazOlsher on my past couple of singles which has been fun.
What made you go in to music?
Initially it was my Gran. She taught how to read music and to play the piano. In terms of writing/performing, a close friend of mine inspired me although I’m not sure she knows this! I saw her performing and just realised that it was something that I was meant to be doing too. I’ve been writing and performing ever since!
Do you play any instruments?
Yeah, I tend to write a lot of my songs on the piano but play the ukulele when I’m performing live. Kind of gives a different spin on my songs.
Who are your influences?
I absolutely adore Etta James, Johnny Cash and Amy Winehouse. With my writing, I’ve recently been really inspired by Sia – I think she’s an incredible writer and very stylistically diverse. I’ve experimented with a few styles and it’s lots of fun to explore, push your boundaries and test yourself.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Normally, inspiration for my songs comes from my feelings/experiences. It’s very much the case with my last three singles and the same with “Hurt”.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
In 5 years time… Pretty much doing the same thing I am now, but hopefully with a label behind me and on a bigger scale I.e. Playing bigger venues, festivals, touring and working with/meeting lots of different musicians, producers and like-minded creative people!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
When I’m not doing music, I’m spending time with my fiancé, Louis. I love travelling, exploring and eating so a lot of time we spend together is booking spontaneous trips, wandering around London and trying all the different restaurants. My friends consider Louis and I to be their own personal food critics. We’ve probably been to every restaurant in Shoreditch (where I live)! I also love heading back home to Somerset to see my mum and cats. My absolute favourite is my ginger cat Hobnob as he’s like a dog. He constantly craves affection and he’s also hardcore– Sadly he got run over by a car and hit on the head about five years ago…But he’s still going! He’s a trooper.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
There’s been a few, but lately “Chandelier” by Sia. I love the lyrics, and the track just has so much energy, emotion and passion. It really inspired me to explore the more electronic side of pop and I think it’s worked really well with my writing.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I’ve been given is not to compare yourself with other artists and what they’re doing. You’re on your own journey and if you’re not loving every step – What’s the point?
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
To focus on yourself, smile, love, enjoy what you’re doing, work hard but also play hard! For me, my friends and family are so important to me and if you’re solely focused on your work and yourself – You’re not going to have anybody to celebrate with when you get to the top!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Aim high achieve high”, which I still agree with but more recently, mainly due to my Gran passing away I think spending time with those that you love, and surrounding yourself with the things that make you happiest in life is key to a successful career. I really value my friends, family and their support, and this balanced with my work ethic has really got me where I am today.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget
1. My ukulele! I’ve done that once before – Won’t be making that mistake again!
2. My tuner
3. The right mentality
4. My own lyrics (don’t thing this has happened but the fear is always there especially with a new song!)
5. To have fun on stage!
You are away from home on tour for ages and you get back, where is your go to place in your hometown?
I have two answers!
London – I’d rush back to my little flat in Shoreditch, London jump the sofa and sit there for the rest of the day with Louis and Homeslice pizza.
Somerset – Head through the door, give my mum a big hug & then make a beeline for my cat Hobnob. Cuddle him for the rest of the day, accompanied by a good book.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yeah, I’m on most them&am pretty chatty, come say hey!
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/JazzMinoUK
Twitter – @Jazz__Mino (two underscores!) / https://twitter.com/Jazz__Mino
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jazz_mino_uk/
Website – http://www.jazzmino.com/
Mailing List (Updates about life, new music & gigs!) – http://bit.ly/1vFrFcm
I’ve got a few songs on iTunes/Spotify etc, but also put quite a bit on my YouTube channel
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/JazzMinoUK
