HOT NEW SCOTTISH SINGER SONGWRITER JAMIE RAFFERTY TALKS HIS BRAND NEW SINGLE, AMERICANA INSPO, AND THE VALUE IN PERFORMING LIVE

INTERVIEW | JAMIE RAFFERTY by Martha Munro

Meet Jamie Rafferty: the up-and-coming nostalgic singer-songwriter from the tiny Scottish town of Croy. His hometown may be small, but his ambition is by no means tiny. He may have only begun releasing music last month, but he’s spent years building up his reputation for impressive live performances, from pubs to jam-packed festivals, and Oasis-esque inspo to Sam Fender style sounds. Read on to get to know this nascent new talent as he rises through streaming platforms for the first time.

First and foremost, your upcoming second single ‘So I Can Let Her Go’: What can you tell us about the song?

It was written and recorded in Nashville on my first ever day there last year. Being in Nashville had a really strong influence on the song and the way we wrote it. Some of my favourite writers have strong ties to the city, John Prine and Willie Nelson being a few. We decided to lean into the storytelling style of song and came up with this idea of flipping ‘Jolene‘ by Dolly Parton on its head; instead of begging someone not to take your partner away, I was begging someone to take mine away so I could begin to move on. 

You only released your debut single ‘Back at 25’ last month – how does this upcoming release differ from the first?

‘So I Can Let Her Go’ definitely leans more into the country and Americana aspect of my taste, which was a conscious decision but I think it feels fresh in that sense and doesn’t fall into the stereotypes of those genres. In ‘Back at 25‘ I could just let the words flow and had a very strong feeling of what I was writing about. With ‘So I can Let Her Go‘ it was a different thing altogether, crafting a story around characters and trying to resolve it. 

What’s something you left ‘back in 25’ – in other words, is there anything you’ve definitely left in the past from last year?

I’m a bit of a contradiction in the sense that I love being nostalgic, and ‘Back at 25‘ is definitely a nostalgic song inspired by old stories, but I try not to look back too often. Always better to try and keep on pushing forward with life, it’s always moving. 

You may have only started releasing music on streaming platforms this year, but you’re no stranger to the music world, having consistently played pub gigs and bigger events like TRNSMT. Why is playing live important to you?

I’ve learned so much from playing live in all aspects of my life. I’m extremely fortunate that it’s been my job for the last few years, playing in pubs and bars. It’s a constant learning experience. Songs take on a new life of their own when played live and it’s amazing seeing people react in real time to different songs – you never know the reaction you will get. 

Growing up in a small town makes music-making hard, perhaps even harder than most people might expect. If you could say anything to a young aspiring musician in a small community like your own, what would you tell them?

I would say to write about what you know. Being from a small community like I’m from gave me a different outlook on life that I’m really grateful to have. 

You’ve got a myriad of inspirations, from Sam Fender to Oasis. But if you could pick just one artist, dead or alive, to have dinner with, who would it be and why?

This honestly changes every day, but I’m going to say Bruce Springsteen. Although I’ve read and seen everything there is about him, to sit and talk about life with him would be unreal. 

And finally, your desert island albums: If you could only listen to three records for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Again, this changes every day but today I’m going for: Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the edge of Town; The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding; Oasis – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

Celebrate the release of ‘So I Can Let Her Go‘ (out 31st July) by joining Jamie Rafferty at his upcoming headline shows: tickets available here.