Introducing Jasmine Jethwa. This South-London singer-songwriter is known for her ethereal and truly addictive modern folk. Doused in a poetic narrative, Jethwa’s music recalls her past experiences through a truly mesmerising lens. Establishing herself as a true forced to be reckoned with; Jethwa has sold out multiple London headline dates in addition to a sell-out European and UK tour and support tour with Rachel Chinouriri. Now, Jethwa joins us in Manchester at Neighbourhood Festival 2024. We had a catchup with Jasmine Jethwa ahead of her performance … read below.
Hi Jasmine! Thanks for chatting with us today. Your EP ‘Love Worth Believing’ was released in August of this year. Which themes would you say are at the core of this work; and does it resonate with where you’re at in life currently?
This EP for me was a lot about trying to be bolder in my lyrics, more honest and less bounded to only one genre. I’ve always listened to a lot of different types and I feel with this EP, with ‘Dream Of Running’ and then ‘Love Worth Believing’ they are both pretty different, but both kinda of just say it how it is. I’d say i’m stepping into that more, in a good way.
How did your upbringing influence your music?
I think growing up in South London plays a part in it, there’s a sense of community and a salt of the earth feel that I get whenever I’m home. I think growing up with the Gujrati influence also played a part in inspiring me with movement and dance, and the poetic sadness that resonates with me in all the music I love.
What artists did you listen to when you were younger – did they inspire your writing style now?
I listened a lot to Tracy Chapman, Simon and Garfunkel and Peter, Paul and Mary. I loved the beautiful guitars and the way the strong melodies swept over them. They definitely inspire my writing now, I find it really important for the guitar melody to be as strong as the vocal one.
How would you describe the atmosphere at a Jasmine Jethwa gig?
Ah so lovely, I love this question ! The atmosphere at my ICA shows was so beautiful. I felt so moved by the warmth and love there was in the room that night, I felt held up in way I hadn’t been before, I also think my confidence singing live has also gotten better ! Thank god !
What song of yours is your favourite to perform live?
I love performing ‘Pylons’ live a lot. I sing it with my two angels in my band, Charlie and Chloe. It’s just us and Chloe playing guitar – it gets small but really intimate – I love it.
We can’t wait to catch you at Neighbourhood Festival. Is there anything else exciting you’ve got coming up for the rest of 2024?
I’m so excited for Neighbourhood Festival ! I’m performing in a bright pink room, I can’t wait! I’m working on a lot of new music, which I’m finishing up at the moment – that’s probably going to be the rest of my 2024 but I’m excited for when it’s done ! And there also might even be a last minute Diwali show…!