New Zealand independent Americana singer-songwriter, Jamie McDell recently released her self-titled third studio album, a record that sees her traverse further into country-folk sonic territory.
Originally recorded in 2020 in Nashville with famed Australian producer-musician Nash Chambers, this batch of songs also finds Jamie embracing a 'say what I mean' motto with her songwriting, resulting in an album she is extremely proud of.Alongside Nash, in the studio McDell was able to draw upon the 'incredible and friendly' musical talents of Dan Dugmore, Jedd Hughes, Dennis Crouch, Shawn Fichter, Jerry Roe, Jimmy Wallace, Tony Lucido and Ross Holmes.
The album also features a number of guest vocalists: The McCrary Sisters, Robert Ellis, Erin Rae and Tom Busby (Busby Marou). The end result is a record that journeys through '70s folk and country with generous sprinklings of roots and indie rock.
For those new to Jamie McDell, how does this collection of songs showcase your current style?
I think I've always tried to revolve my music around the story and the guitar, so this record definitely comes from that intimate place.
With Nashville as its recording home, and the stories born from my family's influence and my journey into my late 20s, I'd call it my version of country/ folk. It celebrates the traditional country elements, while remembering that I'm somewhat of an outsider to this genre.
The album bio says these are some of your most 'brutally honesty moments'; what triggered this direction with your songwriting?
When I started writing this record I told myself to just 'say what I mean'. It sounded like a simple thing, but it really gave me a new freedom to knock down any walls, if there were any, and say what I needed to without trying to always wrap it in metaphors.
The motivation to self-title this record; was there a bigger meaning involved personally to call the album 'Jamie McDell'?
I think it was just a feeling of being proud of every single element of this record – the songs, how it was made, who was involved. It just felt like I'd reached where I've always wanted to go sonically, so I was excited to present it as 'Jamie McDell'.
You have again worked with Nash Chambers on these recordings, a partnership that began back in 2017. How vital has he been in helping you realise your own creative potential, to unlock ideas, lyrics, sounds, tones etc. to push you into new areas?
Nash has been great for me in that he celebrates imperfections, he loves anything that's honest but he's always up for a laugh.
There are some really personal and deep moments in this record and it's great to have someone who can handle that with grace and understanding but also knows when not to take things too seriously. I love the way he records my vocals as well, always searching for the scratches and not afraid of the missed notes.
Recording in Nashville with a slew of talented musicians in on those sessions; how collaborative was the process and how did that enhance the finished product?
Every person I got to work with in the studio was incredibly friendly and respectful of the songs. When working with musicians I've always felt the want to give them space to create what they feel the song needs.
With the talent, experience, and awareness these musicians had, they honestly were spot on every take and often on the first take, so it was more enjoying the process than feeling the need to control it.
You also have a number of singing guests involved: The McCrary Sisters, Tom Busby, Robert Ellis, and Erin Rae – what did they add to the project, give this record that made you smile?
Robert Ellis and Tom Busby I've been lucky enough to tour with, so it just felt so special to have friends lend their talents to these songs.
At the time of recording in Nashville I'd been starting my day with Erin Rae's 'Putting On Airs' and when it came to imagining who might be able to sing the high harmony on such a special song ('TD's Song'), she was my absolute dream guest. I'm so grateful she said yes!
It was such an honour to have the McCrary Sisters in the studio and just get to see them do their thing. That was a pinch-me moment for sure, having watched them perform at the Americana Honors Awards with Margo Price with tears of joy in my eyes.
Given the songs were recorded in 2020, with the delays caused by the pandemic in releasing the album, how do you maintain a freshness to these songs as the album release cycle ramps up?
I've had times where I've had space from the songs, enough so that when I come back and listen I feel excited again!
It has felt like I've been in a waiting room for a while. My partner and friends have been amazing in maintaining the excitement for this body of work, so I'm grateful to them for that.
What does it mean to have been able to release your music independently, especially considering the mainstream success you had early in your career?
It feels amazing to be releasing this body of work knowing I've gotten to create my team myself. Putting an album out still takes a village and I feel so incredibly supported by mine.
Looking back at your childhood, learning your Dad's John Denver chord book, picking up a guitar, beginning to write your own songs... has it always been a natural tendency to follow the life of a musician/ creative spirit?
It does feel like I haven't had a choice!
Creating and writing music is definitely where I feel most at home. Creativity, in general, is something I value, whether it's music or some other creative project I hope I can keep growing and learning in this space.
The move to live in Toronto in 2019; how did that foster your own creativity at the time, plus the direction of your music?
To be honest, I think it made me feel uncomfortable and alone, which was hard at the time, but what I needed to really get in touch with my sound and what I wanted to say. I met some incredible women along the way who've inspired me to explore new female perspectives in my music.
Now that you're back living in New Zealand full-time, do you plan to make that home for the foreseeable future, or can you envisage more overseas adventures?
I'm not very good at staying in one place for a long time, so I can imagine there will be lots of adventures yet to be had but of course when it's safe to do so.
The rest of 2022, what is the plan now with the album released?
To play some shows if I can! Write more, and think about how the next album might come to be.
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you! Our industry is fragile at the best of times, I feel so grateful to be able to keep releasing music and I just hope we can keep encouraging and supporting artists on their journeys to keep making it happen.
