A SCOUSE singer and songwriter who rose to fame through singing covers in local pubs in Liverpool has reshuffled his mini-tour to play the King Tut’s.
Jamie Webster has set his priorities straight and the people of Glasgow appear to be at the very top of his list.
The indie-folk artist is “elated” to perform at the St Vincent Street venue next Saturday, which he says will give him a rite of passage.
Later this week, the 28-year-old will release his second album, Moments, and his keen to grow his fanbase north of the border.
He said: “We did SWG3 which was my first gig in Glasgow and it was ridiculous. I think I’m looking forward to playing King Tuts mostly on the smaller tour.
“At SWG3 we had 1300 people but King Tut’s is more like a right of passage. Originally, Glasgow wasn’t actually on the tour because it’s sort of like an album promo tour so my team was looking at places closer to home.
“I actually said I wanted to play King Tuts because I missed out on it previously because of Covid. So I’m just really elated about coming up. Glasgow is my second city and I’m not just saying it from opinion. In terms of interaction, engagement and streams Glasgow really is my second home.
“The only difference between Liverpool and Glasgow is the accent and that people are drinking Buckfast instead of lager.”
On asking for his thoughts on Buckfast, a smile beamed from the artist’s face quickly followed by an exclamation of disgust.
“I’m not a big fan”, the Scouser admitted.
“I see The Snuts – who I think are absolutely class – drinking it and I think, ah nah. I like Irn-Bru and square sausages but that Buckfast is not for me.
“It must be like olives – once you try a few you get a taste for them. Maybe I haven’t given it a chance but the first impression put hairs on my chest.”
The former electrician built his platform in the British music scene through playing at Liverpool Football Club fan events.
Surreal moments for the young musician include a performance in front of 60,000 fans in Madrid and being joined on-stage by football pundit Jamie Carragher.
Jamie’s lyrics capture the essence of working-class life with nods to close-knit neighbourhoods and digs over the Tory rule.
He said: “The way I see it, is that I can only write from the way that I feel. I can’t write a song about being in the back of a limousine with three girls on the back of my shoulder… my girlfriend would kill me.
“Even still, it’s just not true and I would feel like a fraud. It would be numbing the minds of people to make them think that’s what real life is when it’s not.
“No matter where I go in the world as long as I have my family, friends, girlfriend and the team that I’ve got around me, my head will always be to the ground and my eyes will always be on the streets. That will always reflect in my music.”
The storyteller’s lyrical style is conspicuous in his singles, North End Kid and Davey Kane.
On North End Kid - which featured in his debut album - Jamie said: “I’ve only got to look at my mates and the people around me. You’ll go to a pub on a Friday night and there’ll be that one fella or woman who’s just holding court and they’re so animated with people hanging off every word that comes out their mouths with the stories and jokes that they tell.
“They tell the stories in such a way where you think, you should be on a stage. The only reason that they’re not is because they were never given the opportunity to get out of the mould because it was stone-cold law that you left school and either went to university or get a job.
“That’s what we are led to believe what is in for us and that’s what we are told to settle for. If you can see you’re in for something else or something better go and do it – don’t listen to people who are going to put you down, even if that is your parents.
“Don’t be like the North End Kid, don’t be confined to the North End of your area. But, that said, use it because it gives you strength coming from those places. Use that hardship and experience to define yourself and break the mould. Don’t let it stop you from getting to where you want to be.”
Prior to his gig next Saturday and TRNSMT performance later this summer, Jamie confessed that the Glasgow crowd is “the most barbaric” he has ever seen.
“It’s the maddest and the most barbaric crowd I have ever played to. They weren’t even looking at me half of them – they were looking the other way with their taps aff, as they say.
“I was blown away from my welcome at SWG3. It was my first time playing my own music with my band in Scotland, the walk from the dressing room to the stage was the most daunting walk ever.
“It was the first gig of the tour so I was a bit worked up – the best way to let off my nerves was just by screaming at the crowd and started beating my chest like Braveheart. I just got the response right back.”
Ten-track album Moments will be released tomorrow and is promised to resonate with those who have followed a working-class path.
“The new album is another slice of real-life”, Jamie said.
“If you’ve walked the working-class path then it will resonate with you. If you’re frustrated with the government, it will resonate with you and if you’re sick and tired of how this pandemic has been handled with lies and ups and downs then this album is for you.”
For information on booking links and tickets, visit www.jamiewebstermusic.com
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