Jess Glynne is on top of the world. This year she became the first British female artist to have seven number one singles, including ‘My Love’, ‘Hold My Hand’ & ‘Rather Be’ (with Clean Bandit).
Her second UK No.1 album ‘Always In Between’ has just been released. And it features the UK No.1 single ‘I’ll Be There’, as well as theRudimental/Macklemore smash ‘These Days’!
Brad popped on the phone with Jess for a cheeky pop chat last week. Here’s what went down.
Q. Congratulations on the album release. What inspired the album title ‘Always In Between’?
A. Thank you so much! I feel like I’ve been in a very in between state of mind these past few years. Been kinda here, there, everywhere.
I also feel like it describes who I am with my friendships and relationships. It’s something that I’ve felt very insecure about my entire life but I’ve learnt to embrace it and accept that it’s a part of who I am and what I’m all about.
The album is a lot about self acceptance. I feel that people always seem to look at being in between in a bad light as if we’re lost, but I see it as a positive empowering light and it’s just a part of who we are. I’m a proud bisexual as well.
Q. I wonder if it touches on that in any way?
A. Yeah there’s definitely a massive part of that as well. People constantly question who you are, who you love and for me personally I don’t really need to put myself in a box or anything. It’s something that I’ve felt a pressure to answer to… to be ‘something’ and I just don’t think anyone has to be anything if they don’t want to be.
Q. Definitely! I was just wondering if you had any other ideas on the album title. ‘All I Am’ perhaps?
A. Genuinely that was the only title I had in mind.
Q. Awesome! And then the intro to the album is a really fun way to open it up. Did you write the song with that intention?
A. You know what? It actually was! Yeah! The lyrics to ‘No One’ are vulnerable and raw, however the song is fun and upbeat.
Q. I wonder how you will perform the song live? I feel like that song needs to be performed as it is.
A. Maybe at some point I’ll change it up but at the moment I can’t see it performed in any other way.
Q. ‘I’ll Be There’ is probably one of my favourite songs of the year. It’s such a stunning song about being there for your friends in good times and bad. What was the inspiration behind the song?
A. Wow. That means a lot, thank you. The inspiration behind the song came from a friend who went through a really awful breakup and turned to me when she was going through a pretty shit time. She was listening to my first album and sent me a message one day in an essay saying, “Thank you. Your album got me through this awful time. I’ve been listening to it as a fan and I didnt realise how deep the lyrics went”.
It’s weird when you hear that from someone who knows you. It was a song that we wrote together. She started playing it to me. She sung a verse and chorus and I was like, “Did you write that for me?” and when she said “yes”, I got so emotional. It was really special obviously and it’s turned into something really great.
Q. How special! Also I heard that for the album you organised a house for songwriters to collaborate and in one of those sessions was Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac?
A. Well it’s true we got a house but no the session with them wasn’t at that house. It was a bit before then.
Q. I wonder how hard it would’ve been to open up and feel comfortable when you’re writing such a raw song like your new single ‘Thursday’?
A. It is definitely a struggle, yeah. It is definitely difficult ’cause you’re being so honest and baring your soul in a way. But it was really nice writing with someone like Ed because you knew he could understand exactly what this industry is like and how it could make you feel as well as being an artist and a normal human being.
The pressures you are put under being a famous person – he could definitely relate and it was really nice talking to somebody who could understand.
Q. And then together you wrote the new Little Mix / Nicki Minaj track ‘Woman Like Me’, which hit No.1 on iTunes worldwide last week. I wonder if it feels like your eighth No.1 at all?
A. No no no haha. It’s not my song! I know I helped write it but I dont think I can claim it.
Q. Perhaps you’re being a little humble hehe. Seven No.1 hits is a massive deal and I cant help but see similarities between you and Adele. You’ve both expressed love for each other on Twitter.
A. Adele? People are saying I have a relationship with her?!?
Q. No no haha. I’m saying you both have said you like each other’s music. I was wondering when you guys might collaborate?
A. Ohhh right! Of course I love her music. I mean I would love to work with Adele but I’m not sure I can see it happening any time soon. She likes to do her own thing which I love about her.
Q. True true. But you sure know how to pick a strong collaboration. ‘These Days’, for example, was a monumental success in Australia. Six weeks at No.1 on radio and three months in the top ten. Did you know it would be a hit when you heard it?
A. I’m not sure. You never know with these things. You can have a good feeling and know it sounds good to you but you never know what it can achieve when it’s out. But I think we all had a great feeling together.
Q. The song ‘Hate/Love’ talks about being someone who isn’t right for you. What advice do you have for people wanting to get out of a toxic relationship?
A. I think sometimes it’s really hard to walk away from someone that you care about and that’s what the song talks about. It’s like your vision is blurred with what you’ve been through.
In relationships I don’t think anyone should ever be made to feel afraid to walk away, because sometimes it’s not meant to be. You won’t know until you let go of the negative part and if it is meant to be then it will be.
Q. 100%. And last question… When might we expect you to tour in Australia?
A. Definitely next year. 100%. It’s happening. I’m already putting something together. I’ll be there, don’t worry. *sings* I’ll be there!!!
Q. Haha Hahaha! Literally! Thanks for your time and I hope to catch up with you in person next time.
A. Thank you so much!
Jess Glynne’s sophomore album ‘Always In Between’ is available digitally and physically now.
The latest single from it, ‘Thursday’, is available at all digital service providers.
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