INTERVIEW:
Jareth
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ONE definitely experiences something…
spiritual, unique and entrancing when encountering Jareth. The London-based songwriter has been discussing the remix of her song, Bit by Bit, and working with Saltwives; how important London is regarding her drive and personality; if there is more material coming later this year – she picks a couple of new acts we need to follow.
Jareth picks three albums that mean a lot to her and reveals how she spends time away from music; I ask if there are any tour dates coming up and whether she always wanted to be a songwriter – she ends the interview by picking a rather epic cut.
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Hi, Jareth. How are you? How has your week been?
I’m good (smiles). Thanks for asking. My week has been really pleasant; mostly because the weather has been so lovely.
For those new to your music, can you introduce yourself, please?
Hi. I’m Jareth. I am a 'real deal', an all-round genuine artist - not to be confused with David Bowie’s character in Labyrinth. I am no Goblin King.
There is a remix of Bit by Bit out now. How did you come to work with Saltwives?
It's simple: I have an amazing team of pioneers that do wonderful things behind my back when I am busy being Jareth. In short, my people did their thing and connected my voice with the right musical wizards.
Knowing about the artists they have worked with; was it quite daunting working with one another?!
That is the great thing about being me: I was too busy living in my alternate universe; I basically had no idea.
What is the story behind Bit by Bit? Does it hold personal weight?
Everything I write holds weight. I am emotionally obese and music is my physical personal gym. I imagine everyone I know must be secretly haunted by my cathartic, artistic expressions because I am heavily influenced by my real-life experiences. I’m like a musical reality T.V. show.
Is there going to be more material coming from you later this year?
Most definitely. I have the Moonchild E.P. en route and it’s going to reveal more of me, emotionally, which I am so excited about.
London is where you are based. How important is the city in regard to your music and sound?
London is so important to me. I see this city as my actual astral house. I’m so fully involved in its fluid fabric. I am the type of citizen that bins trash that isn’t my own just because I want the city to look cute.
Did you always know you wanted to be a songwriter? Was there ever a moment of doubt?
Well. The thing is, when I look at my bank account, I don’t be getting no Adele vibes, which distresses me to no end - but I am semi-over it. I feel like I have to get to Adele’s level to answer this question honestly because, until I am there, I am no more a songwriter than the seagulls that wake me up in the morning.
Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we catch you perform?
Catching me live will be a treat for everybody involved (mostly me). I like to live my life as a series of constant surprises; so, let the mystery of my live dates be a surprise for everyone involved.
Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?
I just want to get as much of my art out there for people to access. It’s very important for me to share my seemingly mundane experiences with other unicorns.
ARTWORK: Russell Cobb
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in your mind?
There was this time in Miami for Ultra Music Festival a few years ago when I was with my friend, Fran Lobo (another singer-songwriter). We were on a big yacht thing of a boat having so many cute moments at the floating bar with the captain.
We shared many London-style jokes; bringing our fellow Americans into London road culture and, obviously, took formidable selfies. I get that it doesn’t make for a good story but, you know what, you had to be there; it was very girl power, female boss - and it was so fabulous.
Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?
Spiceworld by the Spice Girls connected me with my inner-Geri: just because I am black doesn’t mean I am automatically ‘Scary’.
The Writing's on the Wall by Destiny’s Child confirmed to me I am actually Kelly Rowland secretly being Beyoncé.
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse awakened me to my inner-dark side.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Until I see my bank account at level-Adele, I actually need to be quiet; take several seats and not advise any up-and-comings. In short; I need to be a real-life household name before I guide any artists anywhere. I’m fabulously lost.
IN THIS PHOTO: Martyna Bake
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Martyna Baker and Purple Ferdinand. They are very real and so easy on the ear; extremely soft on the soul…especially if you have been through some tough times.
IN THIS PHOTO: Purple Ferdinand/PHOTO CREDIT: Olivia Rose
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I chill out every time I close my eyes (this includes blinking). I am addicted to most, if not all forms, of meditation. Like the trees, I take the business of successful breathing very seriously.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Kano's (ft. Benga) Forefather is great for zen meditation and (just) general filtering out of imaginary haters who are totally and secretly obsessed with your being. It’s super-good purge music (smiles).
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