Jamie T

When BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe picked up his track “Salvador” in 2006 as single of the week, Jamie T went from strength to strength with his loveable charm and incredible ability to hone into his craft and produce big catchy tunes. His first official release “Sheila” released later that year would become a classic track which helped to define Jamie T’s distinctive and unique style. The video featured notable British actor Bob Hoskins lip synching the lyrics whilst walking down the River Thames, making it ever more memorable and quirky. The single reached number 15 in the UK Singles charts.

The follow up single came in the form of the anthem “If You Got The Money” which peaked at number 13, and also saw him steadily climbing up the charts with continual success as the next single “Calm Down Dearest”, released in early 2007, earned Jamie his first top ten single, scoring the number nine position in the single charts.

With a string of catchy hits at the helm, Jamie T released his debut ska-punk influenced album “Panic Prevention” on 29 January 2007 under his new label Virgin, with whom had signed a five album deal. The album title is said to be taken in reference to his own experiences of social anxiety growing up and ties in nicely with the underlying themes of modern youth culture. Scoring number four and certifying gold, the album catapulted him into the limelight as he toured relentlessly nationwide, playing massive festivals such as Benicassim, V Festival, Reading & Leeds and Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Later that year he was awarded Best Solo Artist at the 2007 Shockwave NME Awards.

In 2009 Jamie T released his critically acclaimed second album “Kings and Queens” which went straight to number two in the album charts. Having acquired a more political stance and perspective fuelled by his frustration with the music industry, it became more of a driving force for themes explored throughout the album. As well as featuring the popular track “Sticks n Stones”, the album also churned out 3 EP’s from its track listing.

Despite the success of his second album, radio silence became increasingly more apparent as Jamie T went off the radar. In 2012 the Guardian newspaper wrote a feature about a Facebook group that had emerged called “Where’s Jamie T?”. Re-appearing in 2014 with a handful of small intimate shows, Jamie released his first material in five years with the single “Don’t You Find” from the album “Carry on the Grudge” released in September 2014. With a more mature sound and refined image, Jamie T came back to reclaim his throne as he continues to exceed expectations and create quintessential anthems that will last a lifetime.