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 has having Johnny Clegg as your father helped you develop into the star you are today?
A: 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?
A: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?
A:Pop/rock.
What are your ambitions for the future?
A: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?
A: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?
A: 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
Jesse Clegg to open Armatrading concert
How has having Johnny Clegg as your father helped you develop into the star you are today?
A: 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?
A: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?
A:Pop/rock.
What are your ambitions for the future?
A: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?
A: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?
A: 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
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