Singer Jaime Wyatt Interview
Oct 20, 2012
With her band on hiatus to work on other projects, Jaime Wyatt is recording a solo album and the lead single "Believe" is getting a lot of buzz.
Californiality interviewed Wyatt with her American Bloomers band mates in the studio a couple of years ago, so we agreed to meet for another interview in the mountains between Los Angeles and Malibu during a killer California sunset.
Jaime Wyatt Interview
So, why did you drag me way up here for our interview? I mean, it's beautiful, but we're in the middle of nowhere, Jaime.
"Well, you know how much I love being in the studio, but I'm really a nature girl at heart. Way up here, with the fresh air, the silence and this view, I can really think clearly and get into what reality's all about. This, right here, is totally real."
Yeah, I know how it is being in hectic L.A. every day. This place seems like it's a million miles away from it all, but it really didn't take long to get here.
"One of the many cool things about Southern California."
"I've been writing songs since I was a kid, and I can write just about anywhere, but this scene here is great for writing really deep, soul-searching material, totally."
I watched the video for your latest song, "Believe," and I like it. I'm gonna feature the video at the end of our interview for my readers. I think they'll like it. I'm assuming that you wrote it, right?
"Yes. I wrote it with a good friend of mine who's a really talented songwriter, Gregory Butler. I really wanted to do 'Believe' the justice it deserves. It's a deep song. It's really personal, you know. Did you check out the lyrics?"
Yeah. It seems like it's all about getting another crack at something, like a second chance in life, am I right?
"Absolutely. Yes. You know, I have met so many people here in California that came here from, like, everywhere and they have all this ambition and a big dream, but it's not as easy as they thought it all would be. A lot of them fall flat on their faces. Many of them, though, get back up and give it another shot."
Oh, yeah. We've all been there.
"Also, there are other people who gave up on something good only to try and go back to it later, you know, like a relationship. And others have totally screwed their lives up, go through hell, then beg for a second chance in life. 'Believe' is about all of these circumstances. It's about that big second chance."
There are a lot of folks who can really identify with that. So, are you saying that your life isn't as perfect as it appears? Have you been through hell?
"Look, who can be in this business, especially in L.A., and not have their ups and downs? Don't get me wrong. I love my life today, and I love the person I've grown to be today, but my life has definitely had its moments. I just kept getting back up, and each time it was a little easier to keep going."
How old are you now? I mean, you look so young but you sound way more mature than when I interviewed you a couple of years back."Oh, no problem. I'm 27."
Woah. 27. That's the cursed 'death age' in the rock biz. It's cool that your still with us!
(Laughing) "Well... to be honest, I've had quite a few roller coaster episodes in my life, so I'm kind of glad that I made it to 27 too. Let's just say that life today is definitely better than it used to be. My perspective has really changed a lot."
Obviously, and I think it's so cool that you're open enough to express that perspective in your new song. I think it will be really cathartic for a lot of folks out there who hear it. It truly is a deep and totally personal song lyrically. Musically, it's catchy, and the chorus sounds like gold.
"Wow, thanks! I really enjoyed writing it, recording it in the studio, and making the video was such a cool experience. I worked with some really talented people who made me sound and look great."
When is the album gonna be out? Sometime after the first of the year?
"Yeah. 2013 is the magic year. I really want the album to be perfect, you know, to communicate my thoughts and emotions as accurately as possible. So far so good. Things are moving along as they should. It's gonna rock."
So what's up with your band, American Bloomers? You guys didn't break up or anything, right? You guys sound so phenomenal.
"Each one of us has side projects that we want to try, so we're all taking a breather to try them before we become committed to the band's next big thing. You know, a hiatus. American Bloomers are still blooming."Okay. Here's something that I really have to ask. I'm hearing some L.A. rumors that a couple of indie divas are doing a project with you. Is it just fake buzz, or what?
"Do you mean Manda Mosher and Kirsten Proffit? Well, I might as well tell you. Yes. It's true. The three of us are in the studio right now. I'm not sure how much the girls want me to blab right now, but yes. Really, I'm still pinching myself. It just blows me away. Manda and Kirsten are, like, mega songwriters and truly great performers. And I'm in the studio with them? Wow!"
Honestly, when I heard the rumor, I almost couldn't believe it. The three of you together makes a SUPERGROUP. And three such strong women. Do you all get along? Well, of course you're gonna say YES.
(Laughing) "It's true, though. The three of us are good friends and we're all in this business together. It's not just a chick thing, it's a musician thing. We're each bringing our own songs and voices to the table. What we've done so far is mind-blowing. I am totally intimidated by what I'm hearing so far. It's bigger than the three of us, really."
In between this new trio project, your solo project, and American Bloomers, when do you sleep?
"Yeah. I guess I'm super busy but, you know, I'm really happy. I really am."
(Wyatt began to tear up with emotion, with the last remnant of a picturesque California sunset reflecting in her eyes. Suddenly, I was conscious of the time, the darkening skies, and the sundowner winds picking up.)
It's getting cold and kinda dark. Let's get outta here. You ready to jam?
"That's what I do."
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Watch the following Jamie Wyatt music video for "Believe."
Jaime Wyatt | Believe
