London-born Jade Bird has officially touched down in the states – wowing new audiences with her dynamic energy and powerhouse vocal range. “I’m only 5’3” – but I have lungs.”

We caught up with Jade after her sold-out show at the famous Pappy & Harriett’s Saloon in Pioneertown, CA for a chat about life on the road in the states and why her Taylor 612e Acoustic is the perfect road companion.

What drew you to country music?

Songs focused on great songwriting have always attracted me. I’d say country music just happens to fit that mold. I love Dolly [Parton] and Loretta Lynn - they’re incredibly strong females. I think it’s so important we celebrate their stories. They’re powerhouses, and I’m inspired by that.

What is it about your Custom Taylor 600 Series 612e that makes it your ideal guitar?

I have lungs, but I’m only 5’3” - so a ridiculously massive guitar just isn’t viable for me to carry around. I don’t have very big hands, but I like to play bar chords. The action on this is great – it’s perfect.

 

Why is acoustic guitar your choice instrument when playing live?

Acoustic guitar is a vessel for my performance. I can really get in people’s faces with a guitar - I can move quite a bit. Whereas with piano, I feel immobilized. I won’t have my leg up on the piano – I won’t go Gaga [Laughs].

How do you get through when something goes wrong on stage during a live show, technical or otherwise?
Powering through mistakes is something you learn super quickly. You’ve got to do your rounds. I grew up playing blues bars in London. I always mention it, because it’s something that’s really important to me. I don’t like being underestimated - being 5’3” and blonde, people are already like, “Eh, what’s she doing?” You’ve got to just go with it. You’ve got to learn to just carry on and, well, laugh it off. That’s what I do with everything.

What’s been something surprising or exciting about touring here in the United States?

I mean, bloody everything is exciting - and I say that with no exaggeration. I love the way you can cross state lines, and the environment changes. Driving through the desert into this gig now, it was insane to see the mountains. It’s really humbling, and it reminds you of how small you are. It’s been amazing – the people. I really love people. That’s why I do what I do, ultimately – to reach and move people. You’ve always got to be ready to put on your best show. I really like audiences to come on a journey with me. It’s the crowd that makes the difference - not the stage. If you get a good crowd, that’s what really gets you going.


Catch Jade Bird on the rest of her tour: http://www.jade-bird.com/live/

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