Jamie McDermott
Jamie McDermott
23-04-13
Rex The Dog is back this Friday for his bi-monthly night Breed and this time he's bringing along the vocalist from his brand new single, Do You Feel What I Feel, the super-amazing Jamie McDermott! As lead singer and composer for multi-member orchestra ensemble The Irrepresibles, Jamie is well known in his own right and will be performing live alongside Rex The Dog on the night. Meanwhile upstairs, star and music video director Scottee will be screening the video and DJing alongside Theo Adams, Princess Julia and video co-stars Figs In Wigs.
Ahead of Friday's party we caught up with Jamie to find out more about the track, his day job with The Irrepressibles and his creative influences...
How did you come to work with Rex The Dog on his latest single?
We met up backstage at a Fever Ray gig and got talking about music. He'd heard my first record, liked my voice and asked me to come into the studio. I love his style.
There have been some obvious comparisons to Jimmy Somerville with the vocals for Do You Feel What I Feel- was this intentional?
Not intentional, I'm just singing high ha ha! But I love Jimmy Somerville, when I was 20 I used to work as a chef in this gay cafe in London and he used to pop in and chat to us. He's not only an icon, he's a nice bloke. It's pretty amazing to be compared to him - Bronski Beat made powerful emotional music.
What were your fave songs to sing along to when you were growing up?
I was into grunge. Nirvana and The Pixies. I was always in bands; mainly playing guitar, throwing myself about and screaming. But then there was Bowie and Aphex Twin...
If you could go back in time to any dancefloor that ever existed where and when would we be dialling back the time machine to?
I spent my 20's in illegal raves in the forest. But it would have to be going back to the gay clubs of the '70s and '80s for me - though I do imagine it all like a Kenneth Anger film.
You're well known for your orchestral outfit The Irrepressibles... what attracted you to singing over synths for once?
I've always been into electronic music, starting with being obsessed with Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, Gary Numan, Donna Summer, and Jean Michel Jarre at an early age. In my teens I composed instrumental music with synths before I discovered my voice. With my first record Mirror Mirror I worked with orchestral instruments and I do compose a bit for film with the orchestra. But it's just all about singing and being involved in making music for me. Plus I've always wanted to make people dance!
What was the last piece of art or media that you came across that inspired you?
Querelle by Fassbinder.
What album or record is soundtracking your life right now?
At the moment it's iamamiwhomami. They recently remixed one of my tracks called New World.
Any hints for the next record from The Irrepressibles?
Can't say a thing, but we're already in the studio.
What can we expect from your live performance in the Dalston Superstore laser basement at Breed?
I'm going to sing this track LIVE!
Finally, could you tell us about the video for Two Men In Love...
We asked homosexual couples to send in videos of their lives together from which to create a homage to gay love. You can see it here...
Join Jamie at Rex The Dog's single launch Breed #11 on Friday 26th April from 9pm - 3am at Dalston Superstore.
Jamie McDermott