A chat with Jamie McDell

Hey Jamie, how the heck are you?

I’m very well thank you! Settling back into life in New Zealand which has been lovely.

So set the scene for me... what did you have for breakfast and what’s the most interesting thing about your day?

I’m writing this on a Sunday so my lovely husband brought me coffee in bed and then made BLT bagels. We are having the most stunning day of weather, there are also a few small waves on the beach so have been for a quick surf interrupted by a bronze whaler so that’d probably be the most interesting thing that’s happened so far!

Introduce yourself to our campers.

I’m Jamie McDell from Papamoa, New Zealand. I try to write music that’s meaningful and prioritises authenticity, I’m inspired by the traditional sounds of country & folk music and I think I just released my best body of work.

What’s changed most about you in the four years since Extraordinary Girl?

I would say I’ve had a lot of stand-stills, things that haven’t gone to plan and overseas experiences that have definitely pushed and pulled at my optimistic view on a music career. I believe that’s led to a really special era of songwriting for me, I’ve gotten more excited about new perspectives and how I can contribute something different to the country music genre.

Let’s talk about Jamie McDell the album, how would you describe it in two sentences?

The record tells tales of my family and explores my journey to understanding how my childhood intertwines with life in my late twenties. It celebrates honesty lyrically and sonically.

I love the grunge-y guitars on ‘Botox’, what can you tell me about that song?

Jedd Hughes must take credit for that! It’s probably the song I’m most proud of. I surprised myself when I wrote it, I think it was the beginning of me really saying what I meant to say rather than covering everything in metaphors.

Tell me about the first song you wrote for the album?

I think it was actually a day in Papamoa when I sat down and wrote ‘Something More’ and parts of ‘Baggage Claim’ that would signify the beginning of this record. I just needed to share some things I was trying to understand and I think these were actually a way of revealing to my partner what I was struggling with.

One of my favourite songs is ‘Daddy Come Pick Me Up’, what’s the story of that song?

Thank you!! So far, this has been a really great one to play live. Throughout my teenage years, my Dad has always made sure he’s the first person I called whenever I needed to be picked up, whether I was in trouble or not. I wrote this song when I was overseas in a bit of strife and wishing he could’ve come and got me out of the situation.

‘Something More’ is a beautifully touching song, how did that song come about?

That song spilled out start to finish which is really always a sign for me that I just needed to find safety in being honest with myself. I have the most wonderful family, but like everyone we’ve had our hard times and I needed to acknowledge that at this time. I hope that vulnerability is comforting to some.

There’s some beguiling steel guitar on ‘Baggage Claim’, there’s just something about that sound… what can you tell me about the recording of that song?

Dan Dugmore is responsible! It was an absolute honour having him in the studio. I knew of him from James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt records. On this track I believe he brought out the actual dobro he had played with Linda on tour.

I could ask you about every song on the album as they’re all great! Which song have you not had the chance to talk about much that you think is maybe a little underrated?

Thank you so much!! Truly means the world. ‘Where Are You Now? (TD’s Song)’ is really special to me and I have enjoyed seeing the listenership on this one. It was really the first time in my life I’ve experienced grief and loss and trying to understand what it all means. I hope it’s relatable to others going through something similar. I’m also proud to have a tribute to TD on this album, it was a real honour getting to enjoy his company.

You made the album in Nashville with some very cool musicians, how did that come about?

I was lucky to run into Nash Chambers the very first time I visited Nashville four years ago and he has been instrumental in gathering an amazing team of players for this album. The community actually feels quite small and great players are accessible in that there is much humility in lending their talents to records of artists that aren’t well-known.

Who’s your most well known Nashville friend, and how did you meet?

I would probably think Nash Chambers?!! I’ve been a Kasey fan for years, ever since I was covering her songs in primary school. We actually just got in touch for a coffee when we were both hanging out in East Nashville. I started sending him rough demos and we both felt we could create something great together.

People might not be aware of the country music scene in New Zealand, what’s it like there?

It’s growing and there is a lot of hard work being done by those that are achieving acclaim overseas. A small platform at this stage but we hope it will flourish as our audience relies less on radio to tell them what’s worth listening to!

With the poor $ numbers from streaming, what’s the best way for people to support you and your music?

Buy physicals, come to shows, share records with your friends, request that your local stores play local music and give credit through the right copyright channels.

If you could recommend one artist to listen to this week, who would it be?

Jenny Mitchell, she has a new record coming out soon but her latest singles are beautiful and important.

What’s the question we should have asked you today but haven’t?

I think you’ve asked very thoughtful and wonderful questions and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Finally, how do you take your coffee?

Double shot oat milk flat white everyday!

You can find out more about Jamie at her official website, and you can check out what she’s up to on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Jamie’s sel-titled album is out now and available to buy or stream (Tidal link)