Jake Bugg returned to his hometown to celebrate the ten year anniversary of his self titled, debut album. The album made him the youngest British solo male artist to have a debut album hit number one on the album charts and kickstarted an exciting career as a young talent.
Jake Bugg returned to his hometown to have a talk with BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Nottingham’s Dean Jackson with music fans having the chance to ask the local singer questions about his career at an intimate event at Metronome on November, 3.
Dean Jackson first came across Jake’s music in a clip when the singer was just 15 years old and over the years the two have bonded as they have crossed paths.
Jake told the story of his love for the guitar and how the first song he learned to play was Mad World by Tears For Fears with four chords. In the past he was heavily influenced by a lot of folk and blues music.
Jake recalled in his younger years being declined a place on the lineup for Glastonbudget, then ironically getting a call to perform at Glastonbury’s Introducing Stage the very next day. The fast-paced success of the singer was emphasised as he stated he had gone from performing the Introducing Stage in 2012 to the Pyramid Stage in 2013 and then the Main Stage in 2014, that year it was recorded he pulled a bigger crowd than Metallica.
In the interview with Dean Jackson, Jake was discussing the musical process of creating an album and the need to have a selection of fast tempo and slow songs as it helps the contrasting styles shine through. Jake said:
“my philosophy when it comes to setlist’s is to play the songs people want to hear”.
Jokingly, the singer said ” I’m the only person who doesn’t have to buy it” when discussing releasing new music.
The first album released he recalled commentated on his Clifton days and his upbringing, stating he now misses Meadow Lane. His second album, Shangri La, was harder to create as his life had changed at this point and the relatable nature of his lyrics from the first album were not captured in the second. The struggle to create albums as good as the last is one a lot of artists face after immense success from their debut. Dean Jackson advised Jake to remember for every step back there is two steps forward which is advice Jake has carried to this day.
His most recent work has been creating The Happiest Man in the World, Ronaldinho’s soundtrack which was released this April which he agreed to do with no hesitation as a big football fan himself.
Jake is performing in Nottingham for his anticipated 10th Anniversary Motorpoint Arena show which is taking place on November, 26. He spoke about the pressure performing in his hometown but about the vast support he has from family and friends. Touring can mean missing loved ones for long periods of time. He discussed the importance of having a family away from home as well. This can be observed by the way Jake has kept the same band members over the years apart from the addition of a new keys player.
His debut album has been remastered with 15 unreleased tracks to celebrate a decade since its release.
The next twelve months consist of Jake working on a new album, hopefully before festival season so he can return to the road.
Image Credits: Louise Walt