INTERVIEW

Jay Smith - "Writing songs is like keeping a diary. It's a form of therapy for me..."

Jay Smith-Writing songs is like keeping a diary. Its a form of therapy for me...

You just released your next album called "King of Man". How does it feel?

I think I would say: Relief...

It's an interesting and varied CD. How long have you worked on its creation?

It was two year's in the making, and I think it reflects in the mood or state of mind I was in at the time.

Frst reviews are favorable for you. It seems that success is knocking at your door. Do you believe that the listeners will appreciate your effort?

I hope they do,but you can never know. can you? (smile).

How would you describe this album?

It’s a personal journey through….and towards playing a type of blues….

As a fully uncompromising artist you started your adventure with music from ... playing the violin. It seems that it wasn’t the love at first sight. You quit at age of twelve. Was it really that bad? It’s extremely romantic instrument!

I was to young I guess, to see the beauty and diversity of the violin. I wanted to play rock n' roll….

You've also played on the piano. It was a short and stormy affair. You almost chopped your little finger off while doing this. How did this happen? I never thought that it might be so dangerous.

It wasn't while playing the piano, it was drunken mistake (smile). It's just they now, I can't play the little I know. I didn't do my physical rehabilitation as I was instructed, so…Now I have a hook foe a little finger (smile).

As you admit, i guitar appeared in your life, you have found your passion. What is so special about it?

It was easier to express myself with the guitar, it spoke to me...

Was there anyone who showed you how to play on it or did you find out by yourself?

I am mostly self taut but I have hade some lessons. I am very average guitar player.

You’re also a songwriter. It probably requires a lot of sensitivity. Would you consider yourself a sensitive man?

To sensitive… (smile).

And do you often get angry?

Mostly I turn my anger inwards.

When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in the face?

I try not to think like that, it's bad karma (smile).

Going back to songwriting - what do you aim for when you write your lyrics?

Writing songs is like keeping a diary. It's a form of therapy for me.

How do you choose your subjects? Are they always related to your life experiences?

Most of the time it's personal experiences….

And what about criticism of your work – do you take it well?

I try to stay away from both the good and the bad. It's very distracting and it makes you second-guess yourself.

You won the Swedish Idol in 2010. Are you a fan of such programs? We have plenty of them on TV nowadays.

Not a big fan of TV-shows like that, but I saw it as my last chance and I took it.

Rumored you smoked marijuana before one of the episodes. True or false?

False...

Is marijuana dangerous?

It depends on how you use it….

How does your life after Idol looked like? You became popular?

My life is both the same and yet totally different. And fame is a fickle thing...

How personally satisfying is public recognition?

It wasn't what kept my striving forward, just to be able to make a living however modest by playing music.

Are you a better artist now? Do you feel like you’ve grown up?

I am a better artist after going trough that, but I'm just getting started with growing up (smile).

How much music do you actually listen to in your spare time?

Right now, I don't listen to music the way I used to.

Who are your favorite artists?

There are so many ranging from blues to metal, but for the last couple of years, it's been mostly Country like Blake Shelton, Josh Thompson.

Cassettes or CDs? Any sentiments towards the first ones?

I miss them, I miss making mix tapes (smile).

Now, do you feel that what you've recorded so far will last?

One can only hope...

Are you content with the life you lead?

I don’t think you ever stop striving for more...

So is there anything you've done that you would change, knowing what you know now?

I try not to think along those lines, the past is the past...

Thank you for your time. I wish you many further successes and happiness in life. Take care.

Thank you, likewise.

 

Journalist: Kamil Mroziński

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