Q&A with Jamie Lynn Spears! Talks First Album, Labels & Britney Advice!
Fresh from her social correspondent duty at the 2014 ACM Awards in Las Vegas over the weekend, we caught up with Jamie Lynn Spears for a quick Q&A session!
She may have a famous big sister but Jamie-Lynn knows that that won't open the doors to immediate success. The former Nickelodeon star made an unexpected appearance on the music scene last Fall when she released a song called "How Could I Want More". The sweet country ballad is confirmed to be Jamie Lynn Spears' first single from her debut solo album, which will be releasing later this year via her Sweet Jamie Music, Inc. label.
If you thought Jamie Lynn would take the 'pop' route for her music career, you were wrong. For you must remember she is Kentwood, Louisiana girl after all. Country has always been a part of her life, and omitting her Zoey 101 days which might have confused things, country is what Jamie Lynn really wants to do! And she's working very hard to build up a name in the competitive country scene!
Q&A
1. You recently released a new single called “How Could I Want More”. Video has racked up over 3 million views on YouTube, and radios are still supporting the song. How satisfied are you with the performance of your first single?
JL: I am very happy with the response!
I have been working on this music for the last 6 years almost, so it’s all very personal and I'm very attached to my work. Just knowing that something so important to you is being appreciated by even one person makes it all worth it!
2. Why did you feel “How Could I Want More” was the perfect first single? Does the song have a special meaning for you?
It does... It's about my husband, but I wrote the song a few years ago when we were in a completely different place. This song has always been one of my favorites because I wrote it with Rivers Rutherford and he really helped bring what I was feeling to life. So when it came time to choose a single, I wanted it to be something that represented where I am now, and also musically give a good example of what kind of artist I want to be. It couldn't have been more perfect, because now I'm in a great place personally and professionally. So I really feel like I couldn't want more right now.
3. You’re from Kentwood, Louisiana, and surely country music has always been part of your life. Were you sure from the very beginning that recording a full country album was what you wanted? Did recording a pop album ever cross your mind?
A lot of people were scratching their heads as to why I would be doing country music. It is only because I worked in LA as a kid that they assume I lived there. I was raised in the south, and country music was apart of my upbringing! When I started writing all my stories, they just led themselves to the country format. It's who I am .. Not something I concocted. It was a natural fit!
4. Tells us a bit about your upcoming album. When can Jamie Lynn fans expect to have it in their hands? And who has helped you in the songwriting-producing process?
Like I said, I have been working on my music for the past six years with the ultimate goal being to make a full album. So yes... I do feel like I am close, but I have to make sure it's perfect. I only get one first shot! Liz Rose , Lisa Carver, and my producer Corey Crowder have been a big part in helping me shape my sound and create the songs that's best represent me as an artist.
5. You’re releasing your new music independently, under Sweet Jamie Music, Inc. Did a major label approach you, or did you look for one before releasing your first single? Is being part of a major label something that concerns you?
I met with a few labels over the years, and I felt like it wasn't ready, so signing wouldn't have been good for me or any label if I was still developing as an artist. At times it can feel intimidating to not have a big label behind you like all the other artists, but I believe in what I'm doing and this is what works for me right now. I have a great support system and team around me that has gotten me this far.
6. We recently heard "Chillin' With You”, a collaboration between you and your big sister Britney from her latest album. Has Britney given you any career advice? Did you give her an easy 'yes' when she asked you to record a duet for "Britney Jean"?
Of course my sister's advice is very helpful! She has been in this business for ever even if we are from different genres. We never really had a discussion as to recording a song together, but as sisters we just got in the studio and had a good time!
7. Is the follow-up to “How Could I Want More" decided? What song would you like to be your second single?
It's definitely in the talks of what should be next but I haven't settled on a song just yet... I just released “How Could I Want More” this March so I'm still out there promoting it to radio!
8. Thanks for your time Jamie Lynn. Any last thing you would like to share with our readers at Direct Lyrics?
Just that I hope they feel like they know me a little better as a person and an artist! I can't wait to share more of my story and music with all your readers.
Connect with Jamie-Lynn Spears: Facebook / Instagram / VEVO
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