Issy's AS Media Blog: January 2011

From three hundred yards away I can tell by the porkpie hat, guitar case and roll up in hand it could only be Jessica Hyde, living up to her reputation of being late. We had planned to meet at Chiswick House close to where she grew up and it has been forty five minutes since her manager said she wouldn't be longer than ten minutes. As she flings her bag and guitar case on the floor she gives me a kiss on both checks despite the fact we have never met before and apologises several times for being late, ' I'm so sorry darling, over slept again. ' I had done my research and ordered her English breakfast tea and a bacon sandwich, “Ah you’re a fucking genius, exactly what I need.” There isn't a trace of make up on her face and the cold December weather acts as a blusher. She has got several layers of thrown-together clothes and Harry Potter specs. When I ask her if the specs are just for show she laughs, “ No man, I've got shit eyesight considering I am only 17 years old.” She reminds me of her age and I'm shocked remembering all the gossip that has already been created about her rock and roll life. I firstly ask if all the drug stories are true, “lets just say, I'm a normal seventeen year old “ She does her famously loud, catchy laugh and winks at me. I take this as a clear indication at least some of them are true.

In the last six months Jessica has been constantly in newspapers and magazines, compared to artist such as Amy Winehouse and Adele and spotted hanging out with bands such as Muse and The Liberties backstage at gigs. You can see why people want to be around Jessica; young sprit, chatty, confident and not to mention extremely talented. Fame all happened very quickly for her she explained, “One minute I was working in Starbucks and the next I was having meetings and showing people my songs. It is proper mad. Amazing, but just mad.” She then rattles off a list of the 25 gigs she plans on doing in the next 3 weeks which basically covers the whole of the UK, “My body is going to be a fucking mess after, but really this is just a warm up for next year.” December 2011 is when Jessica will take the role of being The Killers supporting act for their five month tour, travelling to America, Australia and even Japan. “I get goosebumps talking about it. I am a massive fan of The Killers and the only time I have been out of the UK is on a shit school trip to Paris and it started to fucking rain.” So where does this leave her education? Shouldn't she be doing A-levels this year? I ask sounding like a concerned parent, “I started sixth form and did that for a few months but when I found out I could be singing and performing for a living, me and my parents knew what I was going to choose. You don't get many chances like so when I came and I had to just take it.” A seventeen year old girl, hanging out with rock and roll bands and touring for weeks on end doesn't sound ideal to a parent. Do her parents support her choice of career? “My parents are pretty cool. My dad taught me how to play guitar and has always come to my gigs, however small they are. And my mum, she has already proven to stick by me through some really bad shit, so I know she has my back completely.”

So where did it all start with this rebellious teenager? Who made her want to write songs and sing? “My dad introduced me to all the classic British bands of the 60s and loved Delta and Chicago blues so I take a lot of inspiration from that. But to be honest I love what's going on at the moment with british artist, I feel we have really stepped it up another level. It’s a fucking blast.” As Jessica being a new and fresh upcoming artist I ask if it gets irritating when being compared to artists like Amy Winehouse all the time, “ I can't be annoyed at that. I've got her on my own ipod. It is a massive compliment which is lovely to hear but, our music is different in quite a few ways. I think I have got a new kinda twist. I don't like labels to be honest, they piss me off but whatever, people got their own opinions init.” Our conversation has lasted a bacon sandwich, a pot of tea and five roll ups. From her reputation I had my doubts about her because of all the press she has been getting recently but she is fun company and she knows what she's doing. “I'm not going to make the same mistakes that many of my icons have done in the past. The first time I met Amy Winehouse she told me to concentrate on the music and what I do best and to not let any other shit get in the way.” Lighting her last cigarette and picking up her guitar case and placing her porkpie hat on, Jessica Hyde disappeared just as she arrived. I have a strong feeling this isn't going to be the last interview with her. Watch this space.

Depending on my layout for my DPS i might have to cut or add more to my article.