It’s fair to say that Jess Glynne’s life has changed quite dramatically over the past six months.
This time last year, she was working for an alcohol company – the sort that tries to convince you to drink Jägermeister on a night out. Now she’s had two number ones in quick succession – featuring on Clean Bandit’s ‘Rather Be’ and the euphoric ’90s-infused banger ‘My Love’ by Route 94 – and is working on her debut album. She’s barely had time to move out of her mum and dad’s place in Muswell Hill.
“I was meant to move out last year but things got so crazy,” she tells us. “I’ve hardly been home, I’ve been coming and going. No day is the same and it’s been incredibly surreal.”
From what we’ve heard of Jess so far, it might be reasonable to assume she’s bringing out a house record. But that’s not necessarily the case.
“I’ve loved what I’ve done with those artists, but it’s definitely not a house album,” she laughs. “I’ve created my sound from what I love and my influences come from soul, R&B and hip-hop. Lauryn Hill is a massive influence. She’s probably my biggest inspiration for writing.”
What sort of things does she write about? “Well, I don’t really write about love,” she considers. “I’ve been in love and I’ve been heartbroken but the thing I like about Lauryn Hill and ‘The Miseducation…’ (Spotlight feature) is that it’s not all about love. It’s about life experience and more interesting things that you can relate to as a human and take advice from. I find that a lot more enjoyable to write about. This album is basically going to be a story of me.”
Before parting ways, we get onto the subject of being a Londoner. “It’s so creative here, and I just feel like everyone’s doing something. I’ve always been influenced by what’s fresh and what’s new.” So what is she listening to that’s fresh and new? “You’re going to think this is so weird but nothing right now,” she cackles. “I find it really difficult to listen to music when I’m trying to write and trying to be creative.”
What would she like to be doing this time next year? “Oh God, I don’t know! Touring with my album, performing festivals, writing a new album or travelling around the world. I wanna do everything!”
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WHERE: North London
WHAT: An upbeat soundtrack to London that’s full of soul
GET 3 SONGS: ‘Right Here’ (video above), ‘Rather Be’, ‘My Love’
FACT: Jess is obsessed with horse riding.
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Words: Daisy Jones
Photo: Alastair Strong
Fashion: Ian Luka
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