With his debut album, Jamie Miller proves yet again that journal entries make for great bops.
Related: Jamie Miller Is Living His Best Life In His First Trip To The Philippines
In a time when everything is so fast-paced and things can go by in a snap, never let anyone tell you there’s no point in keeping a journal. With all the technological advancements we have, nothing beats a trusted journal that can serve as your safe space for whatever you feel like putting down. Not only does it make for a personal and more approachable way to process life, but it also, at least in the case of artists, can make for a great source of musical inspiration. History has been filled with artists taking notes, literally, from their journal entries for their music, and often to great results. And Jamie Miller continues that noted trend.
LONG WAY FROM HOME
Years after his stint on UK reality competition TV and his first big hit with Here’s Your Perfect, the Gen Z artist achieved his latest milestone with the release of his debut album, Long Way Home. The LP features 14 tracks written by the young musician, including a collab with Tori Kelly on the song Every Lifetime.
So, what does a Gen Z singer-songwriter whose music has taken him from his small hometown in the UK to all four corners of the world do on their first album? Keep it real, and it makes for a body of work that goes through Jamie’s stages of life so far, including all the ups and the downs. It’s a story that many youth can relate to, albeit from the lens of someone whose music has hundreds of millions of streams.
From hitting rock bottom to finding happiness, falling in love to getting his heart broken, losing friends to finding those special people in life, Jamie opens up, but not without a purpose. “To me, it’s an album of hope,” he tells NYLON Manila. “While there are some sad songs, by the end, you can really see how much inner work I’ve done and how I’ve healed from the trauma I’ve faced.”
Long Way Home is a sonically impressive story of a young man diving into his journals as he dug himself out of a bad place and into a healing journey. This manifests in his expected emotional ballads and soul-stirring melodies, now blended with fresh, upbeat rhythms. “The amazing reception from fans, family, and friends has been overwhelming, and I have zero regrets about sharing it now,” reflects the artist on having his debut album finally out for the world to enjoy.
Get to know more about Jamie’s process in making the LP, working with his idols, his message for his Filipino fans, and more in our interview with the artist below.
If you could describe your 2024 so far in three words, what would those be?
Transformative, grateful, and thriving
With everything you’ve experienced in your life and career so far, does it still surprise you to see how far you’ve come from your reality competition show days?
It does, I don’t think this will ever feel normal! Life moves so fast that it’s easy to overlook how much has happened, but I’ve been reflecting on it a lot lately!
You’ve recently released your debut album, Long Way Home. Why did you feel now was the right time to release the LP?
I always wanted to wait for another big global hit before dropping my debut album. But after touring the world solo this year, I saw just how many amazing people care about my music. It all clicked—this album feels like something they deserve, and honestly, it’s what I deserve too. I’ve waited my whole life for this moment! The amazing reception from fans, family, and friends has been overwhelming, and I have zero regrets about sharing it now. This is just the beginning.
Could you share what it’s like to work with Tori Kelly on the album?
Working with Tori Kelly was truly a dream come true! I still can’t believe it happened. It feels like the stars aligned perfectly at just the right moment, and honestly, I’m not questioning it at all! Haha!
You’ve described this album as your life so far. Would it be accurate then to say that Long Way Home is like your diary of sorts?
100%! A lot of it started in my journal, and for the first time, I sat down with my writers and made sure nothing was left unsaid.
Albums usually tell a story. So what was the process like when it came to Long Way Home’s track order and the message you wanted listeners to get from it?
I wanted to make sure I didn’t leave anything out. The album kicks off with “Silver Linings,” setting an honest tone, and then explores the fact that there’s no guidebook to healing. To me, it’s an album of hope. While there are some sad songs, by the end, you can really see how much inner work I’ve done and how I’ve healed from the trauma I’ve faced.
You’re embarking on a world tour soon. How would you describe the experience of attending a Jamie Miller show?
Haha, that’s so crazy to hear you say! I would say you’ll leave feeling better. My shows are a safe space for everyone, and they show that dreams can come true for anyone, because this wasn’t In The Cards for me. Pardon the pun! Haha!
What part of traveling the world are you most excited to experience?
I’m most excited to meet all the fans and experience the beauty of new places! 🙂
Among all the artists you’ve worked with and have listened to your music, is there a certain artist that lives rent-free in your mind with how epic the moment was?
Tori Kelly… that’s it.
What message do you have for your Filipino fans who are excited for the album and hopefully want to see you return to the Philippines soon?
To all my Filipino fans, I love you, and I can’t wait to see you again VERY SOON! I hope you connect with the album, and I’m so excited to share it and sing it with you!
Photos by Josh Aikin
Continue Reading: From The Voice UK To TikTok, Hear How Jamie Miller Is Taking Over The World One Song At A Time
