INTERVIEW: Jen Dixon

INTERVIEW:

Jen Dixon

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WHEN it comes to interviews…

I do not get to speak with many artists from the North of England. Teeside’’s Jen Dixon is a terrific artist whose previous singles like Save Me (2022) and Pretty Face (2021) are extraordinary and got me invested into her music. With a new E.P., Less Than a Feeling, out in June, it is an exciting time for the extraordinary songwriter. She is getting a lot of love right now, and rightly so too! I have been speaking with Dixon about that forthcoming E.P., why the Teesside music scene is growing and what defines it, and what is coming next from her. With a new single, Over You, out on 7th April, people really do need to tune into the music of Jen Dixon. Go and pre-order her magnificent E.P. and get to experience a bright and original artist who has…

A very bright future ahead.

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Hi Jen. How are you? How had your week been?

Hey! Good, thanks. Busy doing lots of promo. Doing the day job, and of course spending time with the dogs and chickens.

Over You is your upcoming new single. What can you tell us about the song and its inspiration?

The song was actually one of the first I wrote back in the first lockdown. It’s about a journey and new beginnings; coming out of difficult times to discover that life can suddenly change for the better. I’m hoping it’s catchy and people get it stuck in their heads! There’s also a little rap (if you can call it that!) in this one similar to my previous single, Which Way Is Down?.

You must be excited that your debut E.P. is out soon. What has the writing process been like, and what can you reveal about the themes explored throughout?

It’s been a LONG process. I wanted it to be right. So it’s a collection of songs written since 2020. In the early days, some of the songs just didn’t fit with what I was doing, But as I progressed as a writer and a person, I felt it was now the right time to get them out there! They were all written and recorded by me in my bedroom studio, then mixed by Lisa Murphy and mastered by Pete Maher. I think there’s a few themes, all personal to me and my journey - who I’ve met, what I’ve experienced. That’s all I’m saying!

“Loving the obvious bands like Foo Fighters, Paramore and RHCP (Red Hot Chili Peppers), but also engaging with artists like Phil Collins and The Police”

What kind of sounds are explored on the E.P.? Is it you solo for the most part, or are there are a lot of other musicians in the mix?

It’s basically all me. I record all the different instruments myself but did have a couple of guitarists feature on a couple of songs because they’re much better than me! My first instrument is drums, so I normally record that then add in bass, synths, guitars, piano, vocals, harmonies… the list goes on! I love layers.

How did you get interested in music? Were there particular artists and albums that struck you at a young age?

I started playing drums at age 11, played drums at college and did sound engineering at uni. But I didn’t actually start singing and writing until the COVID lockdown. I guess growing up I was a bit sheltered with music - mostly my dad playing Elvis -, but I do remember a Stray Cats vinyl being on repeat! When I went to college, I explored much more. Loving the obvious bands like Foo Fighters, Paramore and RHCP (Red Hot Chili Peppers), but also engaging with artists like Phil Collins and The Police.

I think some of the best and most interesting talent comes from the north of the U.K. There is so much attention still on London. What do you think it is about areas like Teesside, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester that produces such original artists?

That’s a big question! I’m not so sure about Yorkshire and Manchester, but I know Teesside’s music scene is buzzing and has been for a long time. Maybe it’s an economy thing? People need an outlet when things look bleak? I know on Teesside the steel industry etc. closing was a big blow. There’s a lack of funding in schools for music; high unemployment rate. But maybe it’s something that just grown, so having venues/festivals to promote the original artists is so important. It’s really worrying that so many of our grassroots venues have closed recently.

Your music has been getting love and attention from the press and radio station. As an unsigned artist, how important is it to get this backing and exposure?

It’s really important! I remember Tom Robinson saying that radio isn’t an end goal, it’s part of the journey - and he wasn’t wrong. In the early days, it doesn’t really make much different to streaming figures etc., but getting your name heard and getting a team behind you of supporters is such a good feeling. Without management or a label, I’m doing everything alone. So I appreciate every person that supports, listens, and shares. It’s amazing.

“It’s hard to get onto the local festivals because there’s so much talent, so the fact that I’ve been chosen for the line-up is the dream”

I think a lot of people would love to see you live. Are there dates coming later in the year in promotion of your debut E.P.?

First up is Stockton Calling! Awesome local festival. There’s also another to announce later in the year. I’m working on doing something nearer the E.P. launch, but I definitely want to do an end-of-the-year gig and get as many people as possible down!

I know you are announced for Stockton Calling in April. How are you feeling about that?

Great! It’s hard to get onto the local festivals because there’s so much talent, so the fact that I’ve been chosen for the line-up is the dream. I just hope people actually come and see me and the band play on the day!

You are one of the most exciting and promising young artists coming through, but are there any other emerging artists you would recommend we check out?

Soooooo many. Ladies first: SILVI is an awesome Scottish talent. I can’t wait to see her at Stockton Calling! Also, if you want something a bit different then Amelia Coburn is a Folk-y singer songwriter that is making waves. Fellas: I saw the Citylightz lads last year and they’re a bundle of energy! Sugar Roulette are a good local band that should be checked out too.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song (from another artist) and I will play it here.

I’m going to go for the new single by Docksuns - Real Thing.