by meghan brianna
photo by jake munsch
London-based singer/songwriter Jasmine Thompson has been around the music scene for quite some time. At just 13 years old, Thompson signed with Atlantic Records after posting covers on YouTube, and now at 19, she has over 630 million views on her YouTube channel, as well as 3.5 million subscribers. The talented songstress draws in listeners with her captivating voice. From starting out with covers of songs by Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Ellie Goulding, to name a few, to releasing work of her own, Jasmine Thompson has made quite the name for herself. We had the chance to sit and chat with Jasmine about what she’s been up to, what she’s been working on, as well as what is to come in the future.
For our readers who aren’t familiar with you and your music, could you introduce yourself and how you started your musical endeavor?
Jasmine: “Hi! My name is Jasmine. I love making music, I’ve been singing since I was about eight years old (I’m 19 now!). I used to post a lot of covers on YouTube, which I guess is how I got my foot in the music industry, but it was also a way for me to experiment with music. Over the past few years I've been releasing my own songs and touring around the world.”
You started your career at just 14 years old. What influenced you to start, and what kept you going?
J: “I remember listening to songs in the car on my way to school and just feeling so emotionally impacted by different artists, and I felt so strongly about wanting to be able to have that same impact and connection with other people. I just really loved the idea of being able to spend my days in the studio or touring, so I always had it in my head that I wanted to spend my life being an artist. My music taste has changed a lot since I first started, so I think that's what's kept me going, it's always exciting making something new and being creative.”
You recently released a brand new single, “Love For The Lonely.” Can you take us through the creative process as well as the meaning behind the song?
J: “I was in the studio with an incredible songwriter and artist called Nina Nesbitt, and we got talking about this dead end relationship that I had gotten myself into. She really understood how I felt, being so dependent on someone so you don't feel alone, but knowing that you're not being healthy by staying and using that person. She showed me an idea she had for a chorus, and it was perfect, really nailed it on the head. So we ran with it, and by the end of the day we had our song.”
How is “Love For The Lonely” different from your previous releases?
J: “Well, I like to think that each song I make has its own life and story behind it. For the past year, I've been working with an amazing producer called Ollie Green and he really helped me capture a different sound that hasn't been shown on my previous music. I like the idea of when I look back at the batches of songs I've put out, I'll be able to see where my head was at musically and point at the time of release because each project is with a different producer and with a different feel to it.”
Amidst the current state of the world, many areas are still on lockdown, and others are enforcing social distancing. What have you been doing to keep yourself occupied?
J: “It's been a lot of ups and downs trying to stay productive, but also allowing myself to enjoy this rare time of being allowed to be a bit lazy! I'm glad I can use social media to keep in touch with everyone and still share my music. I've been doing a lot of walking and dancing around at home. And I guess I've been a bit more DIY with home recording and filming, having to re-learn how to use my camera and become more self-sufficient! It's like riding a bike... I am also currently re-learning how to cycle.”
If you could make a small quarantine playlist with your current favorite songs, what would be on the playlist?
J: “1. Candy - Paolo Nutini
2. To Be So Lonely - Harry Styles
3. Boss Bitch - Doja Cat.”
Can you share any new projects that are in the works?
J: “I can't be tooooooo specific just yet, but I've been working on a lot of music over the past year for a new EP and I'm honestly buzzing to be putting something out soon.”
While creating something new, what comes to you first? A melody, a lyric, a chord? What is your creative process?
J: “I normally start with melody first, most of the time. I normally hum something while I'm on a walk, and then I get home and start to pair it with lyrics. But occasionally I'll have a phrase in my head that also gets me going.”
Where do you see your self musically five years from now?
J: “No clue [laughs], looking back over the past five years, I think I've changed a lot. It’s hard to imagine five years from now currently, but looking forward to being back out on the road playing live and touring the world!”
Do you have a message for your supporters? And do you have a message for people who have yet to discover you?
J: “I just hope that everyone is doing okay in such a weird time, it can feel quite overwhelming. Be kind to yourselves and make sure you stay in touch with friends and family. Thank you for all your support and kind messages! Stay safe and stay healthy!”