Jesse Clegg to open Armatrading concert
With a new single to be released in the next few days, an album in the pipeline and a nationwide gig performing with British singer Joan Armatrading, Jesse Clegg is having a good year. Here he speaks to the Daily Dispatch
SOUTH AFRICAN rocker Jesse Clegg is in East London later this week for two shows as the opening act for British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading. According to an in-depth interview Daily Dispatch did with Armatrading last month (DD, June 20), the artist has made it a point to allow young artists such as Clegg to open for her as she tours around the world.
How does it feel to be opening for Joan Armatrading on her last world tour?
It’s an honour to be playing alongside such a legend of the industry. Joan Armatrading is one of the best songwriters of her generation, and I am excited to tour with her and watch her perform in such an intimate setting.
How have sales been for this tour, particularly the East London shows?
As far as I know, all the shows are almost sold out and so they are opening extra dates.
What inspires the songs you write?
I write about the world around me and the complex relationships people form with one another. I find inspiration in my own experiences and memories, stories I hear of other people and books and films I may be reading.
What advice would you give to musicians hoping to make it big in South Africa?
Focus on songwriting first and foremost. Great songs will always find their audience. And develop a thick skin, it helps you endure the ups and downs you might face. Stamina is really the key to success in music, I think.
What do you enjoy about performing in East London?
I have always been pleasantly surprised by the response and support for live music in East London. Whenever I play there we get a sold-out venue and it really is fantastic to be coming back. I have some fond memories of our shows there last year.
How has having Johnny Clegg as your father helped you develop into the star you are today?
My father and I have a very close relationship and he inspired me to want to become a musician in the first place. He is my mentor and the advice he has given me on how to carry myself in this industry has been invaluable. Of course, there’s also a negative side in that people sometimes have preconceptions of my music, but I am writing in a different genre to him so it’s hard to compare our sound.
Do you have any albums, singles or music videos in the works? Can you elaborate?
Yes, I am about to release a brand new single and music video in the next few days. The song is called Use Me.
How would you describe your music style?
Pop/rock.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I am excited about the new single release and there are more songs to come. I’m hoping to bring out the full studio album by the end of the year. I also have an intense touring schedule lined up for the rest of the year.
You have performed with many international stars. How have these experiences helped you to better yourself as a musician?
It’s always useful to watch how different musicians operate on stage and off-stage. It can be a learning curve for what works and what doesn’t work. I really enjoy watching other bands sound-check because you get a sense of how their set-up operates and how much work goes into getting their sound right.
What can fans expect from your East London performance?
I will be doing an intimate acoustic performance of the songs that have paved the way for me. I will also be playing the new single. — Bradley Prior