After going unexpectedly quiet since the release of her stunning debut album ‘Blood Red Sun’ in 2016, singer and songwriter Jasmine Rodgers took the time away to become more self-reflective within her sound, and now returns with her long-awaited new single ‘Flies’.
Taking on a more compassionate and captivating flow on this return, ‘Flies’ sees the frontwoman in a renewed state of mind. Mixing subtle production with her own driven and absorbing vocal style, this new release showcases her return as one of warmth and soaring energy.
So with the single out and about, we sat down with her to find out more about her new material and what she has in store for us next.
Words by Chris Bound
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Photocred: Christoper Brew
Chris) Hi Jasmine, how are you today?
Jasmine) Good thanks, trying to keep busy in a non- looking-at-social-media-constantly way, it’s not really working.
For those that haven’t heard of you yet, how would you best describe your sound and who have been your biggest influences so far?
My music is a mix of folk, blues, goth, punk and soul with a bit of rock. I play intricate guitar lines and sing sweetly while I think of dark stories. I love PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Nick Drake, Scott Matthews, The Staves, Nadine Shah, Otis Redding, Liam Bailey, Eartha Kitt, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline. I’m listening to lots of everything at the moment though, the last gig I saw before lockdown was Jerkcurb, which I loved.
And what was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano. When I play it I feel completely lost in it and it’s such a broad instrument.
Do you remember what the first song was that made you want to start a career in music?
Listening to Blondie and Siouxie Sioux, they were so strong and beautiful.
You have just released your new single ‘Flies’. Can you tell us how that track came about? Is there a story behind it?
Yes, I was on the tube and I saw a fly in between two glass panes in the window. It got me thinking about being stuck. Got me thinking how my problems were very small in comparison. Got me thinking how the smallest most fragile things, even a fly, have their own innate beauty and I thought it’s all relative isn’t it? I am lucky in so many ways. Time to get up and keep going.
And was there a particular style you were looking for when you wrote it?
I wanted to play with two vocals and I didn’t want it to be sweet. Sometimes I default to singing sweetly but I felt tired. I wanted to convey that exhaustion and then the feeling of finding a way out. Feeling hopeful again. I played on an electric guitar rather than an acoustic to add a bit more of an edge to the song.
Can we expect a new EP, or even an album from you in the near future?
Yes, COVID caught me right in the middle of recording but in a way, like lots of others, it’s given me a chance to work more on the songs. So I’m learning more about recording at home, learning more about the type of sounds I like. By next year I think the songs will be ready.
The coronavirus outbreak has obviously affected everyone’s plans, but what have you got in store for the rest of the year?
Phew, it’s nearly over but mainly to write more and I’ve started up my weekly three song live streams (every Wednesday at 8pm on Facebook live- for a few more weeks), where I sing songs and tell crap jokes. Donations are to support music venues- this time the Windmill in Brixton, London.
And finally, what is the best piece of musical advice you have ever been given?
Have fun, it can be so serious, remember to have fun, but not too much fun.