After Signing to a Major Label at 13, Jasmine Thompson, Now 19, is Starting the Next Chapter in Her Already Extensive Career. While Jasmine’s New Music is Undeniably About Heartbreak, It’s Not Sad or Depressing. Instead, Jasmine’s Songs Act as a Ray of Hope for Anyone Who Has Felt the Same Way.
On “funny,” an Upbeat, Hook-laden Collaboration With Zedd, Jasmine Considers the End of a Romance and How Hard It is to Have a Conclusive Breakup.
Tell us about your single ‘Love For The Lonely’, how was the work on it, who were the people who contributed to the single, and what is the story behind it?
I was in a session with Nina Nesbitt back in 2017, I think it was the second time we had worked with each other. We did what everyone does at the beginning of sessions, you catch up and chat.. eventually I told her about how I had realised I was in a relationship with someone because I was trying to avoid being alone. She told me how she really understood where I was coming from, and went to the piano and sung me a chorus idea that she had kept for a while, and it explained my situation perfectly. So we ran with it and came away at the end of the day with the whole song. It stayed hidden in a pile of songs till the beginning of 2019 when I started working with a producer called Ollie Green. Since then, we’ve been working on Love For The Lonely as well as other songs. It took us about a year to feel satisfied with the track. I recorded the vocals about 4 times and re-did the drums. I can’t explain how happy we were when it finally went into mix. And now it’s finally out.
After Your breakthrough into the music industry, do you remember the moment you realized you were a rising star in the field?
I don’t think it ever really hit me to be honest. It all happened in a lovely gradual way. I spent a good few years just singing and putting out covers on YouTube, and it really helped me feel supported on the internet. I then got signed when I was 13, and obviously that was a big moment for me, but having my version of Ain’t Nobody have such a huge reaction all over was crazy and it led to so much fun travelling around the world touring and making more music. It’s never felt like I was close to a star because it’s always been so much fun just making music and sharing it with other people in the first place, so the fact that I can do it alongside other wonderful artists is such a special feeling.
Who is the next artist you would like to collaborate with?
Ooh, maybe… Sam Fender! I love collaborating with other artists, everyone has that thing that makes them unique, so when you get two people bouncing off of each other and combining their art, it’s so much fun!
From all the songs you’ve worked on so far, which one still makes you excited every time?
I have a song called Loyal which was on my most recent EP, which came out just over a year ago. I’m really proud of the whole year I spent working on the EP, so I get so happy when I think about it. I felt like I really dug into the production, which I don’t normally do. I went to all 4 days that the songs were being mixed. I mean even with the visuals, It’s the first video that I opened up in and actually let myself move and dance.
Favorite moment from your career?
I don’t have a specific moment, but I have these images of different festivals I’ve played at. I can really remember how it feels to stand in front of a huge crowd and not thinking about anything else but being there with other people who love music. I loved touring with my band, and making friends in different cities.
Who were the people who influenced you the most and from whom you were inspired?
My favorite artists have always been Florence and the Machine and Paolo Nutini. I’ve been listening to them for years. I just love Paolo’s tone and Florence’s passion when she sings and the way she carries herself on stage.
What excites you most about being a Singer and performing around the world?
I love how you can be in a completely different place and still see how important music is. How someone growing up in Indonesia can relate to my music, and being able to see that in person while performing on stage is beautiful.
In light of the Coronavirus do you think the music industry that has suffered tremendous damage by eliminating festivals, closed clubs, and of course the loss of livelihood to musicians will change the face of the music industry we know?
Music will always have its place in the world, but like everything it’s not untouchable. The music industry is made up from so much more than just one singer, especially when it comes to touring. There are so many amazing people who collectively make a show possible, so hopefully we can all find a way to keep things like festivals and night life going once it’s safe to do so. We’re very lucky to be able to share over the internet, and I’ve even seen some artists start to do those drive in shows which I think is amazing. We all need to get a bit creative and see how we can overcome this. I also think this will inspire the next wave of art, going through such a hard time, it’s going to change the passion behind the way people are making music.
You are an inspiration for lots of people around the world, including Singers, music producers, and music fans from around the world. What message would you like to send them during this time?
I just hope everyone is holding up okay, it’s a really weird time and it feels tough sometimes. I’m glad people find music helpful in times like this. I’d like to say thank you to anyone who is supporting me and my music during this time – stay safe, stay healthy.
