We Had The Quietest Interview Ever With Jess Glynne
Jess Glynne is bringing pop music the boldness it deserves.
Many of the songs on the U.K. singer's I Laugh When I Cry, released in August, are in-your-face, infectious jams but earlier this summer, she had to physically hold back on her music after she was having vocal troubles. But despite canceling some shows, the singer-songwriter has come at us in full force.
After hitting us hard with her feature on Clean Bandit's "Rather Be" in 2013, she got to work on songs like "Hold My Hand" and "Don't Be So Hard On Yourself." (All three of those tunes are extremely positive -- exactly the type of music you need if you want to lift your spirits.)
During her quiet time, we asked about her success with "Rather Be," her new LP, and not letting sadness defeat you:
MTV: First off, what happened with your voice, and what's it like not being able to talk for weeks? I'm so sorry!
JG: I had a polyps on my vocal chord which was getting in the way of me singing. Was really scary! Not talking for three weeks was so hard.. It's one of the most frustrating things but I learnt a lot of other ways to communicate.
MTV: What do you do to stay zen amid promo craziness?
JG: I just take every day as it comes and don't look at my diary. Make sure I eat well and sleep well. With a massage every now and then, I'm good to go!
MTV: That said, what has been the craziest moment on your road-to-album journey?
JG: One of the craziest moments was when I had two full on shows in one day in two different parts of the country. It was so intense and I had such little time, it felt like I hadn't stood still for 24 hours.
MTV: What do you want listeners to take away from your music?
JG: I'm just excited for them to hear the album. This album is so special to me and is a journey I've been on. I want my fans to walk away feeling positive and hopeful even if they've been in the darkest place, 'cause we've all been there. I want them to put this album on and feel good!
MTV: I love "Don't Be So Hard On Yourself." What is the story behind the song?
JG: When I was meeting my publisher, managers and label and everything was happening for me, I was going through a really hard time. I had my heart broken and I was in a dark place. It was even harder because my dreams were coming true and I had to put a smile on my face every day and power through. This is the message of the song: To not let sadness defeat you.
MTV: You gained a lot of popularity with "Rather Be." Did you ever think it'd be that viral? Do you like to maintain that positive theme in your music?
JG: I never expected any of the success that "Rather Be" be had! It was so amazing to be a part of something so special! I do like to maintain a positive theme in my music as I do in my life.
MTV: What was it like working with Little Mix on their upcoming album Get Weird? Did you do more than one song, and what is the feel of the music?
JG: It was so much fun working with them! They are such lovely girls. I have done two songs on the album both of which I love! The feel is quite poppy although the songs I've done aren't really haha. But I think have a pop album with a slight edge.