Unsigned Staffordshire Alex Jayne on her new single

She’s had three of her songs playlisted in 650 Caffè Nero stores across the UK and has even supported James Blunt at the Barclaycard Arena. She’s performances at Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club, Birmingham’s Jamhouse and other high-profile venues across the country.

Alex recently reached the final of Unsigned Singer Songwriter UK from more than 1,000 applicants, with judges including Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford and Grammy nominee Michael Garvin.

Festival season has seen her play Cornbury Festival, Shropshire’s Farmer Phils, Shrewsbury Fields, Ellesmere Rocks and Rock and Bowl Festival.

Alex has had her songs played on BBC Radio 2 while four of her tracks have made BBC Radio Shropshire’s Song of the Month, including her most recent single No Goodbye.

The latest single shows that she’s developed into an accomplished songwriter with an impressive artistic vision.

On September 9, Alex will be opening the Proms & Prosecco in the Park event in Chetwynd Arms, Newport. She’ll then perform with a full band at The Jamhouse in Birmingham on October 25.

The Ticket managed to have a quick chat with Alex:

Where are you from and how old are you?

I’m from Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire. But recently moved down to London. I grew up in Ketley, Telford. I’m 24.

Did you grow up in a musical household, and if so what sort of things were you listening to?

We listened to all sorts growing up – my mum’s CD collection was . . . er . . . eclectic! We’re talking Enya to Les Miserables to Michael Jackson. My dad’s always loved the classic artists – The Carpenters, Moody Blues, Elton John. Saying that, I could often be found in the front lounge, singing Spice Girls into the remote control as if it were a microphone.

Do these play into your song writing style and influences?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what you’re influenced by. It’s mainly a case of what I’m listening to at the moment that somehow slips into my subconscious.

How has the local area influenced your ability to record and play shows?

I’ve been gigging for a good few years now and owe a lot to my home town gigs and wonderful support I’ve received on a local level. BBC Radio Shropshire are awesome too – recently making my new single No Goodbye song of the month. You meet so many talented musicians out and about – I play with a full band where I can and they’re all musicians from the West Midlands. We’ve got a band show at the Jamhouse October 25.

What’s your favourite venue that you’ve performed in?

The NIA was a pretty big gig! It was also fantastic to put on my own event at The Lighthouse, Wolverhampton, last year with a the band – that building is stunning. The Claptrap in Stourbridge has just reopened, that’s a really quirky live music venue. We had a great gig there recently.

Where do you hope your music can take you?

I hope I get to a point where I’m touring, releasing music, represented by a good label. Basically just making a living doing what I love. That’s the ultimate for everyone, right?

What artists would you recommend that readers check out?

Zach Said is killing it right now, he’s originally from Shrewsbury and just released a great new single that made it on to New Music Friday on Spotify. Shout out to Lost the Plot & Ed Conway & The Unlawful Men – both Newport based, great musicians and entertainers.

You can find Alex’s new single No Goodbye on Spotify and iTunes and can follow her at the following: www.alexandrajaynemusic.com; Facebook: Alexandra Jayne Music; Twitter: @Alex_Jayne_; Instagram: @alexjaynemusic

Daniel Earl