It’s easy to get bogged down by the daunting success of your first hit. But what if your name isn’t even attached to it?
Three years ago Jess Glynne exploded onto the scene as the unidentified voice on Rather Be, the Grammy-winning single from electronic music group Clean Bandit.
But with her fiery red hair, oldies vocals and a penchant for anthemic dance tunes, she emerged out of the shadows almost immediately, releasing her solo debut I Cry When I Laugh.
She’ll be bringing her hits — Right Here, Hold My Hand — to Dubai Design District’s Meet d3 on December 9, a design, fashion and lifestyle event taking place for free from December 8-10. But first, Glynne catches up on her life.
Hi Jess. You’ll be in town for Meet d3, so tell us: what’s your relationship like with fashion? What’s your personal style?
I love fashion, I love feeling good in what I wear. My personal style, I like to just keep sleek and casual day to day. The way I feel about style and fashion is wear what you love and don’t worry about what other people might think because you should be happy and comfortable in whatever you wear.
It’s been over a year since we last spoke — it was before I Cry When I Laugh came out. How much has life changed since releasing that album?
The album has taken me all around the world and has given me experiences I genuinely didn’t think I would ever have. I’ve now reached a point where I can start to show what I love creatively and start bringing in other dimensions to who I am as an artist. I have all my fans to thank for that.
You spent three years or so working on that album. Do you remember what it first felt like to listen to it, start to finish?
I was just so proud of what we’d made and grateful for my team for helping me live my dream.
You have a penchant for creating these big-sounding, timeless anthems, like Hold My Hand. Is that something you set out to do in the studio?
I don’t go into the studio with a particular goal in mind. I just want to make music that is honest and [that] I love.
There’s also a sense of optimism and hope in your sound. Do you consider yourself an optimist?
My parents always told me you get out of life what you put in. My glass is always half full rather than half empty.
What are you working on at the minute in terms of new music — will there be a new album in 2017?
I haven’t put a timetable on it, but yes, I am working on new music and I’m really excited about making a new record.
Before you entered the world of professional touring and recording, what was life like for you? Did you come from a musical household?
My parents are massive music fans and supported me and gave me opportunities to live my dream. They introduced me to Amy Winehouse’s first album, which was an inspiration for me. She came from the same part of London as me and from a similar background so I found her inspirational. I had normal jobs in retail and in a gym and other stuff… I would work, hang out with my mates and live a normal life.
You’ve said before that you used to tell your mum you want to be a musician without the fame. Does that statement still stand?
My music, my family and my friends are the most important things to me. The fame comes with success and is unavoidable, I guess, and not a priority for me.
Finally, 2016 has almost come to an end. What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2017?
I haven’t made any yet. Ask me on New Year’s Eve.
Don’t miss it!
Entry to Meet d3 is free. Jess Glynne will take the stage late in the evening on December 9. Go to meetd3.com.
