A conversation with Jaime Hannah.
Jamie Hannah discusses his deconstruction of pop and the power of exploration.
The classically-trained, ethereal-pop icon, is making headlines around the globe with his new single ‘Secret Paradise’. His innate ability to showcase his inner spirit in his work is why Jamie Hannah will be the name on everyone’s lips this year! We were lucky enough to chat with him about Kylie Minogue, what it means to be an LGBTQI+ artist, and 2020.
Thank you again for chatting with me!
Now, as an Aussie myself, I have to ask, as a huge fan of Kylie Minogue, my Aussie pop queen, what was it like working with her?
Oh my goodness, she is, as you say, a queen! I was just astounded by her artistry; it came as a bit of a shock for me! At the time I was still studying, so the opportunity arose to make a bit of extra cash, so I jumped at it immediately! It was just the biggest ball of fun. She was the kindest soul. I look back on it fondly, that’s a dream collaboration: me and Kylie.
How do you think musical collaborations have changed recently, especially now with all these new media outlets and platforms?
I think there are pros and cons to social media. It makes art easily accessible which can work in your favor, but then against you. You’re competing with a larger group of influencers, artists, actors, etc. which can make it a bit fickle. If someone doesn’t like something it can then affect how or if they would want to listen to your music. But otherwise, for me as an LGBTQI+ artist in London, Instagram, in particular, is a phenomenal platform. I’ve met so many other artists and we all collectively push each other up, it’s a real network and community, which is special and you wouldn’t get otherwise. So I think it’s good and bad!
Early in your career, you made a huge shift in genre. What prompted you to go from Opera to Pop?
So I was brought up with loads of different types of music: jazz, musical theatre, classical, contemporary, pop, and whatever. I was kind of delving more into classical music at school just because it was what was taught academically. I was infatuated with the beauty of the female voice, which lead me to study at the Royal College of Music. When I went home in the evenings I was writing my music, singing Ariana Grande covers, so it felt a bit disingenuous to continue studying these classical pieces. I was re-evaluating my priorities, and doing my own thing felt truly authentic to myself, so I thought this is what I want to do!
And on that note, what would you say to an artist doubting, or to an artist considering switching genres or even mediums, but might be too afraid to?
Well, there was never a point when it just suddenly clicked, so if you’re just exploring there’s nothing wrong with exploring! My sound after leaving the Royal College has been molded, I started with quite a pop sound, and now I’ve gone into more ethereal cinematic sounds. Constant progression is fine! Allowing your craft to maneuver around what you do and your life, not forcing yourself to feel like you have to conform. That was one of the reasons I wanted to break away from classical music, I wanted to utilize the best bits from it but still have a creative license. It might sound preachy but I say go for it, there are no limitations, let yourself explore!.
Who are your idols? They can be musical or even just someone you adore?!
Ariana Grande is a goddess to me! I’m astounded by her vocals, just jaw-dropping, also another dream collaboration. I also think Elton John - all the stuff he’s done musically, and Hans Zimmer of course. And finally, this Transgender Activist, Munroe Bergdorf! She’s a huge activist for women in the arts and transgender rights; I’ve met her a couple of times and think she’s just a goddess!
As an artist gaining public acclaim, do you feel a certain responsibility to use your platform to address societal issues?
I still think I’m just an average Jim! But I do understand that as my music develops a further reach, people are looking more at what I’m doing and no just the music. So I guess just remaining authentic to who I am. I’m not going to flaunt things or shove things in people’s faces, but I’m going to be an advocate for what I believe in. I’m an LGBTQI+ activist, but as well as that I’m a huge advocate for animal rights, I love animals! I volunteer at this group dog shelter in Greece called Dash Dogs Rescue. Greece is the biggest European country that treats stray dogs quite badly. I am very much an advocate for shining a light on that problem and the mistreatment there – they’re poisoning dogs on the beach and running them over!
It’s almost festival season! Which festival are you most excited to attend this year?
There’s this gay one, sorry all about gay gay gay! But there’s this one LoveBox in London and Mighty Hoopla which is another big gay festival in London. I went to Glastonbury a few years ago, I haven’t got tickets this year but somehow I always manage to wrangle my way in! I also love Pride down the country, I’ll very much wave my flag and run down the street! It makes my heart so warm to see everyone out, may they be a community member or an ally.
Leading from the previous question, what festival would be your dream to perform at?
Oh goodness, I’ve never thought about that! Somewhere where there’s a lot of love and a very large demographic! Wireless would be a lot of fun or Wilderness; it’s very spiritual, free and ethereal, which is kind of matching to my sound.
Finally, what can we expect from you in 2020 Jamie?
So, of course, my single ‘Secret Paradise’ just came out a couple of weeks ago but moving on from that, i briefly went on tour around the UK which will be a lot of fun, but then postponed due to the coronavirus, unfortunately. Then I’ve got some Pride shows, not the biggest ones, but a couple of them I’m hoping can still happen! My next single will be coming out in May followed by a video that I shot in LA. It’s incredible and is encapsulating the four elements; earth, wind, fire, and water, kind of pairing my love for geography with visuals, which is cool! I’m constantly writing and working towards a larger project, so maybe you’ll see an EP release soon.