Throughout New Zealand Music Month we’ll be hearing stories from young musicians about the local songs they love the most. Today, Jamie McDell tells us about her favourite songs from Crowded House, Elemeno P, Anika Moa, Jesse Sheehan and Greg Johnson.
Jamie McDell. Photo: Nicky Birch
It’s not hard to see why Jamie McDell is popular. Take a look through any of her social media pages and you’ll see how open she is with her fans, seemingly responding to every comment that gets posted and just generally being as approachable as possible.
That accessibility is reflected and emphasised in the title for her new album, Ask Me Anything. Musically, the record seems less about moving in a new direction and instead it comes across as more of a refinement of the straight-ahead pop songs that first charmed her fans.
Jamie’s currently near the end of a tour around the country in support of the Ask Me Anything, which takes her through until the end of next week, with a show at Auckland’s Crystal Palace to close things out.
Of course, she’s still a fan herself and while switching roles for a moment, she told us about the local songs she’ll never get tired of.
These are her top five local favourites:
Crowded House – ‘Better Be Home Soon’
A lot of these songs I've chosen bring about a fond memory or have had some significant part to play in my life. I can imagine ‘Better Be Home Soon’ to be a popular choice, as it’s a beautiful song with great harmonies. To me and my family it’s a song that helps us remember someone we have unfortunately lost. I love covering this song and dedicating it to my family.
Elemeno P – ‘Verona’
My first real taste of music was a school rock band I was in that we named 'Backfire' (appropriate). We would cover songs from Green Day to Bon Jovi, but a favourite was the famous ‘Verona’. I was really lucky to be able to record my first album with Scotty Pearson, the iconic drummer from Elemeno P. Scotty stills drums with me in my band today and he made me put his song on this list. Just kidding! It's a genuine all-time favourite.
Anika Moa – ‘Youthful’
This is a song I've actually been listening to now more than ever. Obviously with Anika's many hits this one seems to be a bit of a blast from the past, but there's no doubt this track is haunting in a beautiful way. I can only make guesses as to what the subject matter of this song is, but I find it extremely relatable and of course have always looked up to Anika as a female NZ artist who more than happy to stand up for what she believes in.
Jesse Sheehan – ‘By My Side’
I saw Jesse play awhile before I got involved in the industry and I always swore if I ever took music seriously I'd get in touch with him and have a jam session. I think anyone who has seen him play will agree he has talent and ability far beyond his years, but it's always been his voice that's captured me. It's genuine, strong, and delicate all at the same time. He played this song that very first gig I saw and it's never left my brain.
Greg Johnson – ‘Isabelle’
My mums name is Isabelle so you can already get an idea of how I came to be hearing Greg Johnson. I love the harmonies here but most of all it reminds me of my wonderful mother so how could it not be a top five favourite!
