British singer/songwriter Jamie N Commons ended 2018 on a high note with the release of his latest single, “Paper Dreams” and now, 2019 is already shaping up to be one of his busiest years yet. Not only does Commons have plans to release his debut full-length album this year, but he’s also taking things one step further, releasing not one but three different versions of each song – the single version, an acoustic version and a remix. The ambitious release is a long time in the making for Commons, who first broke into the scene with his EP, The Baron in 2011, followed by his KIDinadKORNER/Interscope debut Rumble And Sway EP in 2013.
With more new music coming soon and a month-long run of tour dates alongside Jacob Banks kicking off this month, Jamie N Commons is starting 2019 off on the right foot, and the rest of the year only promises to follow suit. Listen to “Paper Dreams” and read more about Commons’ plans for the new year below!
Interview by Dom Vigil
While 2018 was winding down and coming to an end, you were already preparing for an incredibly busy new year filled with new music and the release of your upcoming album – what are you most excited about in the months to come?
Honestly just getting the new music out! We’re doing 3 versions of each song “Single”, “Acoustic Live” and “Remix”, so hopefully there is a version for everyone. Also going on tour with Jacob Banks for a month. It’s going to be really fun.
At the beginning of November, you dropped your new single, “Paper Dreams.” What are some of your favorite things about the song?
I like the minimalism of it, and the tempo reminds me of Saturday Night Fever.. you can get a real strut going
“Paper Dreams” is a pretty personal and emotional one as well – what inspired it?
It’s about being in a doomed relationship, where you know you’ve built the house on the sand.. but you keep building it anyway..
Sonically, was there anything you knew you wanted to accomplish with “Paper Dreams”?
Yeah a minimalism and groove. It’s the first showcase into the new “Fever Dream” project also so we chose this song first because the vocal is quite blues centric, Which links in with my previous sound.
You’re going on nearly six years since the release of your Rumble And Sway EP back in 2013 – what can fans expect from your new music in the coming months? How do you feel you’ve evolved as a musician since then?
Well I’ll always still do the blues stuff for various other projects, but I really wanted to try another sound using synths and drum machines etc.. plus also the “Acoustic” versions of each song tie into the older sound for fans of that.
You’ve talked a little bit before about creating a more joyful, light sound with your new music. What inspired you to take this route with your current work?
I’ve just always loved 80s pop music from Paul Simon Graceland, Hall and Oates, Steve Winwood, Bruce Hornsby, Peter Gabriel and for some reason those sounds are coming back into vogue so thought it was a good time to jump in and make those sounds!
What do you hope fans take away from the new music?
Just a good time really, it was a lot of fun to make so hopefully that comes through
With “Paper Dreams” out now and new music planned for the not so distant future, what can fans expect next? Possibly some shows or tour dates as well?
Yes! Heading out on tour this Sunday with the wonderful Jacob Banks! Been a fan of his for a while so really excited I get to watch the show every night.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Today I learned when pimps get arrested, their cash can legally be confiscated but not their jewelry. This is why pimps wear lots of jewelry so that they can “re-pawn” it for bail money.
STAY CONNECTED WITH JAMIE N COMMONS: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Below is a complete list of tour dates for Jamie N Commons supporting Jacob Banks:
Jan 15 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
Jan 16 Seattle, WA The Showbox (Market)
Jan 18 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
Jan 19 Vancouver, BC Venue
Jan 22 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Jan 25 San Luis Obispo, CA Fremont Theatre
Jan 29 Los Angeles, CA Fonda Theatre
Feb 1 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up
Feb 2 Phoenix, AZ The Crescent Ballroom
Feb 5 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
Feb 6 Austin, TX The Mohawk
Feb 8 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall
Feb 9 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Feb 10 Birmingham, AL Saturn
Feb 13 Orlando, FL The Social
Feb 14 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
Feb 15 Nashville, TN Exit/In