Jade Helliwell was last year named the BCMA Female Vocalist Of The Year and her rise to fame is only continuing to grow at a rapid speed. Last week she returned with her brand new EP ‘Infatuation‘, which is the follow up to her ‘Forget The Night’ EP, which shot straight into number #8 on the all-genre iTunes chart last year following a viral video of Jade singing ‘Hallelujah’ with busker Dawid Osial.
Here we speak exclusively to Jade Helliwell to discuss her new music, touring plans, and more;
Growing up who inspired your love of music?
I was inspired by lots of different genres due to listening to whatever it was my mum was playing as a child. So it ranged from Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, Selena Quintanilla Perez, Dolly Parton, The Corrs and Celine Dion.
When did you realise you wanted to pursue music as a career?
I think I’ve always known I wanted to have a career in music but didn’t think it could become a reality really until last year when I left my job as a teaching assistant to pursue music full time.
What was it about Country music in particular that made you choose that as your genre?
I just love the honestly of the songs. In a good country song I think you believe every word that the artist is singing and that made me feel connected to the genre.
How would you describe your overall sound?
My sound is heavily influenced by modern pop music but it has elements of country that I love. Sometimes that comes from the instrumentation, and sometimes just through the lyrics and the vocal performance on a song.
You’re a big part of the rise of UK Country, how excited are you about the current boom of British country?
It’s extremely exciting to witness the rise of country in all forms in the UK. Both the traditional sound and the modern sound seem to be making waves and I’m incredibly honoured to be a part of that movement. I can only hope that it continues to grow, and that I continue to be a part of it.
How do you feel your music fits into the current UK country scene?
I think there is definitely a space for my music. It’s pretty relatable, I think, and is easy to enjoy across all ages. I take a lot of influence from modern artists such as Maddie and Tae and Kelsea Ballerini, and I think that there’s a gap for a UK take on that sound. Hopefully my music fits that bill!
What can fans expect from your new EP ‘Infatuation’?
Fans can expect a high energy, fun EP. There’s a heartbreak song on there to break things up, but no country release is complete without a good song about heartache! I think fans can expect to feel excited when they hear the new EP.
Can we expect a full length album from you soon?
Although I don’t currently have any plans to record a new album yet, I would very much love to. I think I will see how ‘Infatuation’ is received by the fans before making any decisions on a full album.
Do you have any touring plans lined up?
I have some exciting gigs in the pipeline and I am discussing the possibility of touring, but nothing set in stone yet. Just watch this space and see if that changes!
Make sure you follow Jade Helliwell on Twitter @jadehelliwell22 to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
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