I’m very happy to introduce you to Jazz Morley today, an up-and-coming artist on the U.K. scene which should have everyone’s attention. I’m writing this post while listening to one of my favourite songs by this Bournemouth-based singer songwriter, “Bad Love.” If you never miss a New Music Friday playlist on Spotify, you’ve probably heard “Bad Love” or “Take Me Down” there. Those two tracks perfectly represent Jazz’s attitude towards music: talking feelings in a very personal yet crystal-clear way.
Her style, a mix of soul and electro-pop will make you ask for more and search the internet for artists with a similar sound: be warned, you won’t find anyone like her! With Christmas holidays fast approaching, you may want to check out her cover of “Last Christmas;”I guarantee that even the Grinch would be moved to tears by her silky smooth voice. Since you may have noticed I tend to be a bit biased when talking about Jazz, please enjoy this quick chat I had with her and be seduced by her yourself.
Jazz, when did you decide you wanted music to be your career?
I’ve always been surrounded by music. When I was younger, my mum was a touring musician and my dad worked in the entertainment industry, so it was a natural habitat for me. I’ve always loved being on the stage and had my first public singing solo at 4 years old. I knew it was all I wanted to do, so after leaving school I made it work by saving up for a PA system and keyboard and then started gigging.
What are your main inspirations and greatest influences?
When I was younger I was obsessed with Whitney Houston. I then found the likes of Etta James and Gladys Knight. I’m in love with melancholy and soul. Only in the last few years have I found a real connection with electronic music, and I think that comes through in my music too.
Which is your favourite song you have written and why?
I think my favourite songs are the ones I have a strong emotional attachment to as they mean the most to me. It’s funny how songs can be cyclical, adapting to your life as you grow and still holding significance. I wrote a song about my brother when he went to Afghanistan years ago, and he is now out in Iraq. That song seems to resonate with people for so many reasons.
What song written by someone else do you wish YOU had written?
“Lilac Wine” by Jeff Buckley must be one of my favourite songs ever. It’s so packed full of emotion and pain. Sometimes, if I’m feeling down, I put it on and just indulge in the sadness.
Please leave one tip you think is invaluable for aspiring singer-songwriters to know.
Trust your gut instinct and try to stay true to yourself. It’s so hard when all sorts of people are giving you advice and opinions; I know there have been a few times when I’ve not even known what I think or feel anymore. No one knows the secret to the music industry, and if they say they do, they are lying. Your guess is as good as anyone’s, so be as strong as you can.
Which artists are you currently listening to?
Trace, Gallant, LANY and Christine and The Queens.
(Check out Jazz’s Jukebox Playlist and listen to her top songs of the moment.)
What job do you think you would be doing now if you didn’t have your music career?
Something to do with writing. Maybe trying to write a book or perhaps journalism. Saying that, the morbid side of me is really intrigued by criminal psychology. I’d love to have an insight into the mind of a psychopath.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was born in a toilet. I was three weeks early and the midwife thought my mum was suffering with constipation. Alas, my head came out. Luckily my dad caught me!
What does the future hold for Jazz Morley? What can we look forward to?
Hopefully lots more music and great experiences. I want to release an album, I want to play at The Royal Albert Hall, and I want to take my music around the world. I love meeting new people and living life to its fullest. You never know what lies around the corner. I want to love, be loved, and hopefully leave something positive behind.
Thank you, Jazz! Readers: be sure to check out her single “Bad Love” out now on Aneko Music.
