SOMA Magazine SOMA Film and Music Issue Aug 15 | Page 24

Hand Signals

Jess Glynne
text by kennetH Scrudato

Since the death of Amy Winehouse in 2011, the entertainment
press, especially in Britain, has been in a perpetual search to
crown her “successor.” Jess Glynne actually came up through
the UK dance scene, providing exuberant vocals for chart
topping hits by Clean Bandit and Route 94 in 2014. Her debut
solo album, I Cry When I Laugh, is scheduled for Stateside
release this September. While “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself ”
taps familiar dance culture influences, other tracks like “Take
Me Home” and “Gave Me Something” mark her out as a formidable neo-soul talent.
You’ve already had two # 1 hits in the UK (including
“Rather Be” with Clean Bandit) – did that put a lot of pressure on you when making your debut album?
When making the album I just wanted to be creative and enjoy
it. So I tried not to put too much pressure on myself.
The album is titled I Cry When I Laugh. Is that true?
It’s very true, I always cry when I laugh, no matter what!
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill were two of my most
significant influences when it came to writing and creating
melodies. They both inspired me to write about life.
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You had surgery on your vocal chords earlier this year. Can
you say what happened?
Yes, I had a polyp. And that was affecting my talking and
singing massively.
The US doesn’t always take to UK dance music. Do you
have any expectations for your 2015 American tour dates
later this year?
You know what…my album isn’t a dance album, it’s full on soul
and funk and good pop. And I am just so excited to jump on stage
and have fun over here! You guys are such great audiences and
I’m sure it’s going to be really exciting.
If you could describe Jess Glynne in three words, what
would they be?
Humorous, loving and controlling.
You were turned down for The X Factor when you were
15. Does your success feel like a bit of sweet vindication?
I don’t think it does, to be really honest. I walked away from The
X Factor producers, as it didn’t feel right, and it wasn’t the road
I wanted to take. I’m so glad I made that decision.