INTERVIEW: Jules Rendell — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Jules Rendell

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THERE is something about Jules Rendell…

that strikes a chord in me. I am hooked by her current single, Old Friend, and the emotion that goes into it. Rendell talks about the song and its creation; moving from Birmingham to London – and the differences between the two cities (her experiences of Manchester and being among its people, too). Rendell’s forthcoming album, Imagine, is one possessed of great heart and innovation – she tells me about it and the spark behind some of the songs.

I ask her about the artists and albums that drive her; a couple of new acts we should all seek out; the highlights of 2017 (so far) – and how she will be spending her Christmas.

PHOTOS CREDIT: CK Goldiing

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Hi, Jules. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! I’m really well.

Release-days are like birthdays: so many people getting in touch to congratulate you all at once - so, my spirits have been quite high since the release last Friday!

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

Sure. I’m Jules Rendell; a soulful Pop singer-songwriter. My music is always honest, connected to real life; melodic and catchy. You’ll get an insight into my life when you listen to my lyrics and, hopefully, something about my music will provoke some kind of reaction in you - rather than just pass you by!

Old Friend is your current single. Is there a tale attached to the song?

Yeah. The first half of this year (2017) I found really hard and I struggled for the first time in ages with my mental-health. I felt under a lot of pressure to achieve stuff, be good enough; write amazing songs; earn loads of money. I was working really hard but I felt I was achieving nothing: so, I would work harder, not see my friends; not do fun things; not rest.

Anyway, I went up to my friend’s house in Manchester to get away from the rush of London and quiet myself to write. It was such a relief to be around chilled people and not face my usual pressures: friends can make you see things differently. I came back so much more relaxed and, actually, my year got a lot better from that point...

Were you going through a period of assessment and self-reflection when writing the song? It seems like the track was a sort of catharsis and release, in a way…

Yeah…

I feel like I am always assessing and reflecting - so that’s not unusual. I’m not sure I find a release in a song until I finish it (and it actually took another month or so to finish it)…certainly; when I wrote the bridge, it felt complete - and that’s the bit where you relax in the song; that is definitely a release.

The video is thought-provoking and emotional. How did the concept come together? What emotions stir in you when you hear it back?

The video is quite simple, really - it’s my story - except with two guys instead!

Why do we end up alone when we are struggling? It’s always better to be with people. You see the main actor consistently alone - except when he is reminiscing about better times - and then, of course, at the end...

I love that the video-set in the grit and grind of London - and it’s just so normal. It’s an everyday story that anyone could have.

Imagine is the album it is taken from. Can you tell us about the record and what we can expect in terms of themes and songs?

All the songs were written this year as I was struggling strong emotions; mainly feeling not ‘good enough’. It’s such an abstract feeling really - who sets the standards?! We set our own standards in essence and, if you have perfectionist tendencies; that can be really hard.

So, a lot of the songs on the album face these emotions and try to put some truth into them. My next single, Let Go, is about letting go of perfection - it’s really upbeat, vibrant and sounds free. The Return is about freeing yourself from fear and worry. Of course, there’s an obligatory love song in there, too (*smiles*).

All of the songs reflect the sounds of my city and life here.

Birmingham is the city you were born in. What compelled the decision to move to London? Did you feel the capital offered more chances?

I actually grew up in a small town just south of Birmingham - and then I moved to Manchester for a few years. I’ve been in London for a decade now. I love city life (even though it has its pressures!) and, when I moved to Manchester, it was obvious I’d be more comfortable in a bigger place.

Yes, I guess I did feel London offered me more (and it has) - but I also moved because I needed to re-assert myself in a new place, too.

I have definitely changed for the better living here. It’s also a lot warmer! Ha!

I know you felt pressured in London and went to visit a friend in Manchester. Is that city somewhere you feel more settled in?

I think that, feeling settled, is something you have to learn how to do whatever you’re surrounded by - and wherever you are. Peace comes from the inside. But, it is a slower pace of life up there - and people are friendlier.

I don’t know if I’d feel better living in Manchester or not (I’d be colder. L.o.L.) but I do know that, whenever I visit, I return in a nicer frame of mind!

Are there any particular musicians who have inspired your career and made you want to get into music?

Ha! Of course.

My influences have changed over the years - there’s so much inspiring music out there - but I remember the album that made me want to write and perform my own music: it was Jill Scott’s live album. That changed me. Recently, I have a lot of love for Jack Garrett’s album (and for ThirdStory).

They’ve both inspired me a lot and given me a lot of love back for music.

Looking back at your year; what have been your personal highlights?

A definite highlight has been making the album and making the first video.

Hearing my songs come to life has been amazing. My producers (OL Music) did an incredible job - more than I imagined. Another highlight was performing at a night called The Write House (back in August) alongside Tank and the Bangas - who are INCREDIBLE.

IN THIS PHOTO: Jordan Rakei

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Tank and the Bangas! If you get to see them live; you won’t regret it.

I have recently got into Jordan Rakei and Tom Misch, too - they’ve been around for a while but I bet there are people reading this for whom they are new....

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

That’s a hard question - as you have different albums for different seasons of your life.

I’ve already mentioned Jill Scott’s live album: that convinced me to start on this original music journey.

I really appreciate good lyrics so, for that, I would choose John Mayer - Continuum or Michelle Willis - See Us Through… love that album!

For vocal dexterity; I’d have to go for Lalah Hathaway’s live album (Lalah Hathaway Live)

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Work at your art. Keep working at it. Write and re-write (and re-write) - and get feedback and re-write again. Do gigs. Get good at performing. Be nice to people.

People will want to help you if you are nice!

Where can we see you play this year? Any new dates coming up?

I’m about to go into a really busy season with my vocal group, Get Gospel - so I’ll be gigging properly with my new album when I have more time in the New Year! I do log all my live dates on my website - so check that out.