The Jockey Club Live welcomes Jess Glynne back to Newmarket Racecourse August 26. She took time out from recording in LA and later preparing for her live shows to chat.
Since getting noticed as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s Grammy Award winning and number one hit Rather Be, Jess has become one of the biggest UK breakthrough acts of recent years.
Her number-one debut album, I Cry When I Laugh, has gone double platinum in the UK. The BRIT nominee is also one of only two British female solo artists to have five consecutive UK number one singles.
She says it’s going to be great fun playing after the races. Her last show there was one of her highlights as the fans were so amazing and she can’t wait to come back.
Q: You’re back for the second year running playing at The Jockey Club Live events around the country, what has brought you back?
I had a lot of fun last year firstly. Secondly, loving horses as much as I do and the shows we did I couldn’t say no.
Q: Your autumn arena tour was a huge success, do the crowds at these differ from those at the racecourse?
Every crowd has a different energy but they don’t differ too much. The atmosphere at both types of shows was overwhelmingly amazing.
Q: You managed to go into the crowds at some events last year to watch the racing, did you place a cheeky bet and win?
Yes I did, I sneaked out in into the crowd and put a bet on and came up with a winner but it wasn’t down to my knowing the form though. Just luck.
Q: Is it good to know your music has such broad appeal when you consider the ages and demographic of your fanbase?
I love the fact the songs resonate and touch people, whatever their age or background.
Q: As they are large scale outdoor summer events, do you approach them differently from the indoor shows?
Our approach is the same for both indoor and outdoor events - the band and I love playing live and the crowds don’t differ too much in size so it’s great.
Q: Newmarket is a perfect example of this, but is it good to play in parts of the country that are not on the normal touring circuits that you would do?
Yeah, of course. it’s always good to see people I wouldn’t normally reach.
Q: The Jockey Club Live shows are a great day out for friends and family, watch an early evening of racing and then party the rest of the night away to acts like yourself. Will you be bringing your friends and family along to the shows?
Maybe but I doubt it as the shows are dotted all about the country. That’s okay though because me and the band always have a lot of fun.
Q: What have you got planned for the remainder of 2017?
It’s going to be an exciting year - you’ll have to wait and see.
Q: Is the new album finally delivered, how was the recording process?
The new album is still in the process of being made. Trying not to rush anything as I want it all to be perfect.
Q: Must have been hard having to spend all that time in LA. what did you get up to between recording sessions?
LA was all work no play. I had a lot of fun working with new people and making new music.
Q: How did you approach it this time round, is there more pressure for album number two?
I have approached this record just as I approached the first, I think the pressure is just the same. I think if it ever eased off then that would mean I don’t care.
Q: When you were at school, were you into music, what gave you the bug to want to be a singer and performer?
My parents always introduced me to new music from a young age and I was just obsessed with vocals and performing since I can remember. I think I always had it in me but it wasn’t till I left school that I realised it could become a reality.
Q: Were you into sports at school as this summer certainly sees you in some interesting sporting grounds?
I used to love sports, I was in most of the teams at school and loved athletics. My dad always encouraged that.
Q: You’ve mentioned before you tried horse riding when you were younger, what was it about horses that you liked?
I started riding when I was quite young, maybe about seven or eight with one of my really good friends and I just loved it ever since. Horses were always one of my favourite animals.
Q: Your Newmarket performance last year was amazing and anticipation is building for what you are going to do this year. How are you planning on giving the fans what they want but also something different from last years storming show?
I assure no one will be left disappointed and it will be just as exciting as last year’s show if not more.
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