The Magic Lantern, aka Jamie Doe, talks to us about creative osmosis, supporting CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and working with a full band for the first time in years. He also introduces us to three more artists to add to our playlist. Jamie plays at Tea + a Gig on Tuesday 2nd May – get advance tickets here.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Jamie Doe and I'm a singer, songwriter and musician living in London. I've been performing my songs under the name The Magic Lantern for 10 years now and standing up and singing for people is one of the great joys of my life.
The Magic Lantern has its origins in the Bristol music scene that included artists such as This is the Kit, Rozi Plain and Rachel Dadd. How does being part of a likeminded network of artists support and influence the creative process?
It can only help. More than anything, being part of group of like minded people, can give you the confidence to carry on when things are tough and cheer you on when things are great. The influences of my friends have crept into my own work by osmosis until sometimes I can't hear it until I listen back to a recording. I'm extremely lucky to be surrounded by so much love, and that gives me the confidence to keep hurling myself at the world’s indifference.
On your ‘Love of too Much Living – Remakes’ album you asked artists in your circle to reinterpret and record your songs. How much did have to relinquish your control over the songs to reach the final result?
I had no control at all over how each artist made their own interpretation. It was wonderfully liberating. More than anything else, I was curious to see what they would do, given that the original recordings were so stripped back. The songs were very personal though, so listening to some of the remakes was quite emotional as I had never heard them sung to me, only by me. It was also very important to me that all the proceeds of the record went to the male suicide prevention charity CALM - the Campaign Against Living Miserably - who's work I very, very strongly support. Check them out:
Your forthcoming album ‘To the Islands’ sees you working with a full band for the first time in years. What is proving most rewarding about this experience?
It's been great to work with a full band again. I've been very lucky to be able to ask some of my favourite musicians to play my music with me this time. Working with them and being inspired by their musicianship has been a great experience. Together we are making something very beautiful and I think it is going the best thing i've ever done.
How much effort do you need to put in to make your voice sound so effortless?
If only the voice worked on an effort and reward system. I find how I'm feeling makes more of a difference to how I sing than how hard I try. When I'm feeling confident and relaxed it just pours out, when I'm stressed it's like pushing water up hill. I've been singing long enough now though to realise that the difference is more noticeable to me than to the audience.
How did you come to know about SoundsCreative Projects?
I met Tara Franks through a great recorder player called Rhia Parker. They've done some work together and we met at a house gig that Rhia organised. We hit it off straight away, and here we are!
What do you think of the Tea + a Gig concept?
I love it! I think it's great to provide an opportunity for people to hear live music during the daytime who might not otherwise be able to see gigs, which of course, normally happen at night. More please!
At SCP we believe in connections. Can you connect us to 3 great artists we should know about?
Sam Brookes - one of the best singers I’ve ever heard and a marvellous human being to boot.
Alabaster Deplume - a poet, composer and saxophonist from Manchester. There is no-one quite like him. His monthly night 'Peach' at the Total Refreshment Centre in Dalston is a unique and special thing to experience.
http://www.alabasterdeplume.com/
Samantha Whates - a Scottish singer-songwriter I've done a lot of touring with, Samantha's songs are as deep and true as they come.
http://www.samanthawhates.com/