2. VOICE IN AN INTERVIEW
Rules about Interviews
•
•
Through looking at various music magazine interviews, it quickly
becomes clear that most of them follow a similar structure. This
involves: giving background to the artist, describing the set up of the
interview (where it takes place, initial meeting with artist and other
details that readers of the article might find interesting). They then
often follow a question and answer format almost as if interviewer
and interviewee are having a conversation. I wish to replicate this
structure in my interview.
I want to create a sense of the artist‟s voice by replicating the way
they speak in the interview as far as possible. This would mean
including the vocabulary they use during the interview and the
accompanying actions.
Prior to the Interview
•
•
The interviewer would have been expected to have obtained
biographical material on the artist so this could included in my
interview.
Following the interview format, the interviewer would welcome their
guest, or explain to the audience that they are excited to have the
chance to talk to the interviewee. The interviewer would likely try to
loosen the subject up by starting with the least controversial
questions.
3. Hi Jamerson. Firstly, I‟d like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy
schedule to do this interview with us.
No, thank you for having me. It‟s a real pleasure and an honour.
I‟ve listened to your new album “Solid Spirit "and I absolutely loved it. It‟s quite
a departure from your usual sound. Can you explain the reasons for this?
I wanted to surprise people. I‟ve always liked playing around with different
sounds and incorporating different genres into my music. I decided to record
everything live and that‟s the final version used on the album. I think this really
gave the album a raw quality to it, that I‟m really happy with. The messages
throughout my songs are 100% positive and that‟s what I like so much about
it.
Tell me a little bit about the concept of your album.
My album gives you an insight to what really went on in my life, demonstrating
my struggles. “Solid” represents my life, meaning that even though I‟ve been
through a lot, my soul and spirit still remain solid and not damaged. This
album was the hardest to make because it was the most emotional.
What is your favourite song on the album?
Definitely „Survivor‟. That song has a good rich tone to it. Everything about the
song is good. I especially love the message behind it.
MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
Jamerson James has been described as a „truly inspirational artist‟ and a
„modern musical icon‟. There‟s been a buzz surrounding him when he
first burst onto the scene in early 201 2. I had the pleasure of meeting
and interviewing him in a jazz club in Central London where he is
rehearsing for his per formance tonight. He arrives to the inter view one
hour late apologising profusely blaming the terrible London traf fic. Even
dressed in a plain black shirt, a navy blue sweater vest and black
trainers, he has undeniable presence about him. He chats easily to the
t e a m a r o u n d h i m a n d i t s o b v i o u s t h a t e v e r y o n e i n t h e r o o m i s w o n o v e r.
4. MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
What was the message behind it?
To keep persevering even when you can‟t and try to look at your situations from a different
perspective in order survive.
How would you say your life was when you were growing up??
I used to think I was a rebel back in the day. It‟s crazy thinking about it now.(Laughs) I
remember I‟d always say “Real rebels don‟t follow instructions.” (Laughs) I got a felony for
stealing a used car, erm... I got kicked out of my primary school for stabbing someone in
the chest. I was a complete mess. But when I was 16, I was involved in a car crash with
my best friend Andrew. He- he- (sniffles) basically, I survived and he didn‟t. It was hard to
deal with because I was so close with him. I found it so difficult to move on but I did get
better eventually. Not only did that experience make me realize how precious my life is, it
also made me understand that you shouldn‟t take life for granted. I ended up changed my
behaviour and became positive.
It must‟ve been very hard for you.
It was but I‟ve learnt so much from it...
Well, you seem like a relaxed, humble guy. What allows you remain so humble in an
industry full of egoes?
I would say it‟s because of the people I involve myself with and the constant support from
my family, friends and fans. Because as you can see industry is very competitive, you
never know who‟s your friend and who‟s not. So sometimes I keep myself reserved and
out of the way from certain artists.
You say that you are inspired by famous artists like Michael Jackson and James Brown.
What makes you inspired by them?
Their undeniable talent. (Smiles). They have never given up, they stay and stand strong
and their music proves that. They don‟t just sing and dance on stage, they perform own
the stage. They each have authentic personalities as well.
Ok, one last question, I know we‟re all dying to find out when you‟re releasing your new
album?
th February 2014 so stay tuned for it. I would also like to
My album comes out on the 4
thank my fans for their continuous support. I will continue to inspire and make you all
proud. Thank you for believing in me.