Having cemented himself as one of the most promising up-and-coming songwriters of the year so far, it would seem fair to Jersey Budd has also found himself in some peculiar situations in the past twelve months. With debut record, Wonderlands, waiting in the wings after receiving financial backing from the 33 squad members of his native Leicester football team and local music titans Kasabian, whilst also having seen off Oasis on an audience vote to claim a place on the Absolute Radio daytime playlist and a performance at the illustrious Royal Albert Hall to boot, it has been one whirlwind year for the 24-year-old gent.
Bandstocks caught up with Jersey to see how he had perceived the run up to his debut record, due May 11.
Your music usually entangles a real sense of optimism. Do you think of yourself as a positive thinker?
Yeah, I'd say I was a positive thinker, definitely. I think you have to be really to be successful.
What's been the best moment of the last year as a musician?
It has to be walking out at the Albert Hall and playing in one of the best venues in the world. I loved every minute of it and didn't want to get off the stage.
And the worst?
Missing my Glastonbury slot in 2007! It was a day when nearly everything went wrong but I soon got over it as I knew I would be back one day.
Whereabouts did you grow up? How did it influence your sound?
I grew up in a village called Countesthorpe in Leicester. It's a great little village. I wouldn't say it influenced my sound but gave me lots of inspiration in terms of subjects to write about.
How surreal was having both your childhood football side Leicester invest in the record? Are you to congratulate for their successes this year?
It was unbelievable when I heard they were investing in me as I'd supported them ever since I can remember! To see them win the league in style is incredible after a disaster of last season. I've seen them a few times this season and believe we'll do okay in the championship next season.
Jersey Budd Absolute Radio Performance
What are your first memories of engaging with music? What were the songs you loved growing up?
I remember listening to The Beatles, The Stones, Dylan and Springsteen when I was very young whilst doing some training with my dad (for his tug-of-war championships). My favourite album at the time was Bob Dylan's As Good As I've Been To You. There was always music on in my house so there were a lot of songs that I loved but the first time I heard 'Hey Jude' it was The Beatles for me.
You seem a confident leader of sorts. Have you always aspired to be out on stage?
Yeah, I think I've always wanted to be on stage. It's the show off in me. You have to be confident to do it but I think that all performers have their own insecurities at the same time - its what drives them on.
Do you have a mental image of the classic Jersey Budd fan? If so, what is it?
I imagine the classic fan as being a dead ringer for John Candy, with a Jersey Budd baseball cap and scarf, with one of those football rattles chanting 'Budd Army!' at the top his voice.
Outside of music what're your main sources of inspiration?
My family and friends really. In particular my two nephews and little niece.
How would you go about describing your music?
It's very raw Rock and Roll with some big arrangements. It's got a big American influence but very British at the same time. Like John Wayne meets James Bond!
What was the most appealing aspect to releasing your records via Bandstocks?
That I get full control over my music, from what songs are on the album to the artwork. I think that is so important cause some artists don't get that and are left powerless over music they have created.
Where next for Jersey Budd?
I can't wait for the album to come out now and get touring solidly until maybe later this year when I'll go back to the studio and crack on with album number two!
You can catch Budd at some of the following May dates, on his tour with Little Feat and his headline Wonderlands jaunt:
May
8 London Indigo (supporting Little Feat)
9 Liverpool Academy (supporting Little Feat)
10 Oxford Academy (supporting Little Feat)
Wonderlands Tour
11 Leicester University
12 Aberdeen Tunnels
13 Inverness Mad Hatter
14 Accrington Library
16 Southampton Hamptons
18 Guildford Boiler Rooms
19 London Hoxton Bar & Grill
20 Bath Moles
21 Cardiff Barfly
Tickets are available to book from here.
You are also still able to pre-order Wonderlands from here.
