Artist in Shoreditch: Jazz Mino

10917815_1464060860485486_5451734893049391735_nPictures by Alessandro Castellani

Tell us about your band?

My name is Jazz Mino and I’m an emerging pop artist based in Shoreditch, London. I’m originally from Manchester, but spent most of my childhood in Somerset, where I started song writing, performing solo and bought my first ukulele! Following this, I started to busk in Somerset, across to Bristol and finally on London’s South Bank – All of which helped me raise enough money to release my first single, “The Dorkiness In You”. Since moving to London, I have developed a full band, the line-up is: ukulele, violin, cello, piano, bass and drums, which you can hear on my debut single and on my new single “Blue Eyes”.

How long have I been performing with my band: I’ve been performing with a full backing band now for about 2 years.

What did inspire you to start?

I was inspired to start song-writing and performing as I remember watching my close friend perform her own songs at a school concert, and thinking “How amazing must it feel to be up there knowing that people are getting such great enjoyment through something that you have created!”.. And the day after I sat down at the piano and wrote my first ever song.

What was the inspiration behind your name?

My actual name is Jazz. “Mino” comes from an affectionate nickname that my mum used to (and admittedly still does) call me!

Tell us about your new video.

The video for my next single, “Blue Eyes” was filmed in various Shoreditch locations (Locations below) and is a contrast to the song, which is about lust, infatuation and obsession. I decided that I wanted a music video that really reflected my character; colourful, passionate (and, if I’m honest a little nerdy!), so I built on this idea and came up with a comic book style music video! The video is like a mini movie – It is set in an American diner, and follows the day of a comic book illustrator as she creates, edits and manipulates the life of her two comic book characters. The anticipation of both character’s meeting builds and builds, ending with a playful twist.

“Blue Eyes” Video Locations: The Old Shoreditch Station (Kingsland Rd), Jones and Payne Hairdressers (Curtain Road), Cinnamon Café (Hackney Road), The Love Shake (Kingsland Rd – If you haven’t been you need to try the “Oreeto” alcoholic milkshake!).

What was your most successful or most enjoyed gig so far?

The most exciting gig that I’ve played so far absolutely has to be playing Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Bar, which I played with my full band. The gig was packed out, the sound was incredible and the atmosphere was insane! Since I moved to London, I’d always dreamed about playing at Ronnie Scott’s and I still get so excited thinking back to the show! My next dream – Glastonbury Festival! I also really enjoyed performing an acoustic set with my cellist and violinist at the GIGS Big Busk Final 2014, and playing a private gig to The Mayor of London himself in January 2015!

10518839_1432043767020529_2327093376770233514_nHow would you describe your typical fan?

Hmm, that’s a difficult one. I don’t really like putting people into categories as everybody’s an individual, but I tend to attract a fan base that is quite varied in terms of sex and age. When busking, I think the vibrancy of my outfits attracts a younger audience, however many people approach me to tell me they love what I’m doing as it’s very unique and visually/musically so different to anything that they’ve seen/heard before. As an artist, it always puts a big smile on my face and makes my day!

How would you describe your creative processes?

I get really inspired to write songs by the artists that I’m currently listening to. Most recently is has been, Lianne La Havas’ album “Is Your Love Big Enough?”, Sia’s older album, “We Are Born”, and Rufus Wainwright.

I mainly write from my heart though, so if there’s something crazy happening in my life – It’s more than likely to get a song. Over summer 2014, I wrote a song called “City Life” which is an observation about how people (including myself) seem to change when they move to London. “City Life” hasn’t been recorded yet, so if you want to hear it, you’ll have to come see me perform live ;)

My most recent song that I wrote, “To The Moon” is about both self-doubt and self-belief, and I was inspired to write it when making the decision about whether to quit my full time job as a PA and become a full time musician. Very excited to say that with my next single, “Blue Eyes” on the way – It’s been a great adventure so far!

How would you describe the music scene in Shoreditch/East London?

I think it’s great! There is so much happening in Shoreditch in terms of music, so many great venues on Brick Lane (although it’s a shame that Vibe Bar shut down). There are lots of venues that are accessible to both emerging and more established artists which I think provides a great opportunity for all musicians. There are also many places, although not typically music venues that are very open to hosting live music. For example, I recently filmed one of my new songs “To The Moon!” in the 3D Makers Café, which is the coolest place ever, (if 3D printing is your thing). Personally, I play a weekly solo gig at a quirky fondue restaurant, Bistrot Walluc which is just so much fun – No night is ever the same. I love living in Shoreditch, and I always think of it as a ‘playground for the arts’. There’s just so much to look at, discover and listen to and so much opportunity to get your music out there, in different ways. A few of my favourite venues are; Bistrot Walluc, The Vintage Emporium, Floripa, The Hoxton Underbelly, and Paperdress Vintage. The only thing that I would change about the Shoreditch music scene… It needs license busking!!

 

Who are your favourite artists in the area?

I once played a gig at Floripa with a girl called Susanna Silva who just blew me away! I later found out that she was also a South Bank busker like myself.

Your social links:

Website: http://www.jazzmino.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jazz__Mino

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JazzMinoUK

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jazz_mino_uk/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jazzmino