What is your name?
My name is Reya Jayne.
What is your genre of music?
I am a UK Country-Pop artist, but I like to call my specific style ‘Neon-Country’!
Give us a little bio about you.
‘An English Rose with a Nashville Sound’
I am an English Country-Pop artist, influenced by the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini and Shania Twain. Born and raised near Sheffield, I was on stages from age three performing as a dancer until I swapped the ballet shoes for a guitar and started writing my own music. At 18 years old I moved down to London to study Songwriting and never looked back! Since then, I have released a long string of singles leading up to my debut EP ‘All I Have to Say’ (including iTunes no. 3 single ‘Eyes of the Liar’), had radio play on Absolute Radio Country and BBC Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, and also played the BBC Introducing Stage at The Long Road Festival 2022. This year, I am bringing out my favourite music to date and really focusing on forging my own sound.
What made you go into music?
I had always loved performing and singing, and in my teenage years I think songwriting became this amazing emotional outlet. I bought a guitar and I couldn’t even tell you when I started to write my own music it just sort of happened – I don’t remember a time without it!
Who are your influences?
I am definitely very influenced by Shania Twain; she has always been one of my mum’s favourites! Production wise I love the way that Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini bend the rules of country music and I don’t think there are many people doing that in the UK right now. Then, of course, there is the holy grail of songwriters, Miss Taylor Swift, who I’m sure is an influence for most female songwriters of this generation!
Are you a signed?
No
You released your new single ‘Bet She Doesn’t Know’ , tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
‘Bet She Doesn’t Know’ is unfortunately based on a true story of a guy I met at a festival. We had a great time (all very PG 13), he kissed me goodnight and walked me to my UBER, and as any girl would I immediately went to social stalk, only to be met with photos of him and his GIRLFRIEND dating back to 2014… so hell hath no fury like a songwriter scorned, and thus ‘Bet She Doesn’t Know’ was born!
Describe the track in two words.
Savage bop
What was the writing and recording process like?
I recorded this song with my producer Louis Takooree and it was so much fun! Angry songs are always the most fun to record because you really get to bring the energy to the vocals sessions. We started experimenting with crazy things like running the vocals through distorted guitar amps and I think the final product came out really cool!
Who did you work with on the single?
I wrote this song alone but collaborated with Louis Takooree on the production and Tanja Zogg on the visuals!
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect from it?
I’m working mostly on singles for the time being – I’m really enjoying the freedom of working on stand-alone projects and developing my sound and gaging the reaction from my listeners at this point but never say never, maybe an album could be on the horizon!
What else can we expect in early 2023?
I’m already working on the second single of the year and building up my live calendar for 2023 – its shaping up to be a good one!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I would love to be spending my time between London and Nashville in 5 years-time, writing and touring, doing what I love!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
‘What’s meant to be will be, it won’t pass you by’ – I’m a big believer in the power of the universe and a bigger picture that we might not know about yet!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Spare guitar batteries (been caught out by this one too many times), lip gloss, a beautiful pair of boots, plentyyyy of water and a good warm up session before hitting the stage!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I do indeed, @reyajaynemusic on all platforms! ( Instagram, Facebook)
