Steven Jaymes

Steven Jaymes

There is a lot of the philosopher in Steven Jaymes, the archetypal artist, the seeker, the seer, the bringer of the news, a man seduced by the revelations that can come from a simple chord progression, the telling of what seems, on the surface, a simple tale.

Along the way, Steven has been quietly documenting his thoughts and observations with a sophistication that matches any of the top-ranking singer/songwriters you might care to name. More than the piano man, right now Jaymes is taking something of a country road, but in the end his music is about wonder, love, loss and connection.

Born in New Zealand, Jaymes could have been born anywhere, and he's certainly lived in enough places to be considered a citizen of the world. All that life experience has added to the insight that struck him when at 17, he was singing a Dylan song and suddenly a door opened and nothing was ever the same again.

Steven Jaymes tracks take you to a wonderful place where you sing along smiling and tapping your foot to the soulful, unique sound. Jaymes has the ability to make you want to "lay your head on (your friends) shoulder" and sing his lyrics.

Interview with Steven Jaymes

How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Steven Jaymes: Great, put a big smile on my face!


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Steven Jaymes: I thought there would be more champagne!


Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Steven Jaymes: Yes! Occasionally I co-write; life, travelling, people, experiences and wine.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Steven Jaymes: Currently Irwin Thomas, Aimee Mann, Sarah McLachlan Vincente Amigo, Jon Cleary, Rickie Lee Jones, Ray Charles, Bruce Hornsby and Meshell Ndegeocello.


What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Steven Jaymes: Two out of three- latest single is 'Things Get Better', the album and the next video are out with a tour to follow…


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Steven Jaymes: Never, music is my life.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Steven Jaymes: Love both, very different skills.


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Steven Jaymes: I had been writing and performing for years when I realised I was in the music industry or maybe it was the Go Go Dancers on the stage at my first gig, at 17.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Steven Jaymes: Self belief, trying to believe that the song had a purpose and a value.


What's a typical day like?

Steven Jaymes: Long, but we try to keep lots of moments to laugh along the way.


What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Steven Jaymes: Exactly that, becoming an artist and travelling the world.


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Steven Jaymes: The list is long, Bonnie Rait, Sting, David Gilmore and Jon Cleary.


Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?

Steven Jaymes: No. Honesty and Sincerity.


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Steven Jaymes: www.stevenjaymes.com


Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Steven Jaymes: Breath, Yoga, Laughter, Music, Wine and Good Friends.


What message would you like to say to your fans?

Steven Jaymes: Trust yourself, if it makes you smile, it is probably good for you!

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Steven Patrick Gerard K Jaymes.
Star Sign: Scorpio.
Music Talent: Hopefully songwriting.
Favorite Food: Fresh and cooked slowly at home with love.
Favorite Film: Too many, usually foreign.
Favorite Actor: Anyone who can make me forget that they are an actor.
Pet: Levon, a big black dog in waiting.
Best Feature: My creative bone.
Worst Feature: My creative bone.
Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, fencing, cooking, reading and travelling.
First Job: Driving tractors and building barns.
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: None of these, this is where I spend half my life, a good night is cooking at home with friends.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Everything, can leave it all behind, love the freedom, okay need the clothes on my back and shoes.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: I'm still alive! Then, I smile, then coffee.