I remember I was at work when I really wanted a new female fronted band to listen to. I go through phases and during this particular time all I was listening to was The Runaways and Joan Jett, Pat Benetar, Gretchen Wilson, Stevie Nicks….which we all know are amazing. But I had a thirst for something that was happening now. So I posted on Facebook and asked if anyone knew of someone. A while later Matt posted the link to Saint Jude’s MySpace page. I hadn’t heard any of their stuff before so I clicked on “Little Queen” and instantly I was in a trance. They were literally music to my ears. I loved the opening guitar riff, I was so excited. Then Lynne’s voice just belted out. “You wear it oh so well….” She blew me away.
At the time they had a monthly residency at the 100 club that I always seemed to be financially challenged just in time for. So never made it, I heard that Ronnie Wood even got up and played with the band which happened a few times, but this was definitely one of those kick yourself moments, because you knew you should have been there. I did manage to finally see them at the Bull and Gate in Kentish town with my friend Sky in 2010. I remember the night in general was running quite late so we had a good girly catch up and bumped into a fair few people we knew so it was a great atmosphere. Saint Jude came on and I couldn’t stop dancing. The musicianship was outstanding and they were so tight. Lynne has such a soulful and bluesy voice. Don’t think I stopped smiling the entire gig. Saint Jude this past year or two have exploded as a band and have been playing the festival circuit this summer. Their album Diary of a Soul fiend has received rave reviews. Saint Jude has received many accolades from Classic Rock Magazine, Total Rock Radio, Metal Hammer and Planet Rock. Saint Jude is also nominated for “Best New Band” on Classic Rock’s 7th Annual Roll of Honour. Jimmy Page and Ronnie Wood are also known fans. For a band that has been working since 2005 and with such amazing talent it is great to finally see they get the recognition that they deserve. Saint Jude are definitely going to be one of the greats and are already half way there. I can’t wait to see what the coming years will bring them. They are currently writing and getting ready for album number 2 which is going to be an eagerly awaited release with all eyes on them. When I asked Lynne if she would take part in the blog, she said yes and I was absolutely thrilled. It’s been a delight to write about Saint Jude and especially how I came across such a truly wonderful band. Here is Lynne’s rock blog 5. 1) When did you first know you wanted to be a musician? How old were you? I always loved music and used to listen to radio all the time and my parent’s record collection. I remember singing on the field at school with my mates just for a laugh and I remember them actually finding it entertaining......I started learning guitar when I was about 10yrs old, all I really wanted to do was sing. I remember singing when I was about 13, to my guitar teacher; he was impressed so I went out gigging with him doing shows 3nights a week in working men's clubs and other such places. It was invaluable experience and I'll never forget it, it's set me up for life. This is how I learnt to sing as I have never had a lesson. 2) Who are your major influences? Is there any one unusual that people that listen to your music wouldn't expect? It's no secret that I'm a massive Aretha Franklin fan, I love crooners and people who can really pull your heart strings when they sing, I grew up listening to, and still do, to Etta James, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, Sam and Dave, Queen, Frank Sinatra, The faces, Gladys Knight, The Rolling Stones. Way too many to mention. I have a very diverse taste in music, of course I love my Rock n roll and soul I tend to like music from any genre as long as it's quality. In the same hour I can happily listen to anything from ACDC to Frank Zappa to The Allman Brothers to Alan Bennett................ 3) What are the biggest personal struggles you have encountered as an artist? How did you overcome them? It's never easy pursuing and making true sacrifices for what you love, the reward has to be that you get to do what you love. Making each day special. When you choose to bring music to the business it takes on a whole new meaning, anyone will tell you that the music industry is not an easy one to fight your way through but despite all the hard work I live for those moments when I get up on stage or go the studio and record, it makes any shit time well worth it. I guess nothing good comes easy and it's funny how the harder I work the luckier I become ;o) 4) When you write a song is there a particular process you follow or is it different every time? The main rule I tend to write by is that it has to sound good acoustically first, that way you know you have a good tune and not relying upon production or trickery to make it sound good! Sometimes we set up in a room and start with a raw riff and then a song comes from there, kinda jamming. And others, me and the guitarists will sit down and write the melody and lyrics and then take it to the band to add their magic to it, there really is no set formula, just whatever works. 5) What is your top 5 bands that you would love to tour with & why? Well we'd love to tour with band that kick it live and give 100% ACDC, The Black Crowes, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones and Iron Maiden. All these bands, maybe some in their earlier days, give it all they've got and give their fans a great show, that's what it's all about! X As I said before Saint Jude are currently nominated for “Best New Band” on Classic Rock’s 7th annual Roll of Honour you can vote for them here http://awards2011.classicrockmagazine.com/vote.html If you want to see Saint Jude live in action then you can see them at Rhythm Festival in Bedfordshire on August 28th or at the Off the tracks festival in Derby on September 3rd. Keep an eye on http://www.saintjudemusic.com for news, and updates. If you are enjoying the blog why not go to my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Chelles-Rock-Blog/144676218949668 and like it so you don’t miss out on future pieces. And trust me when I tell you there are many exciting things to come. Until then, I hope you all had a great weekend. Keep Rockin’ Chelle Xxx \m/ xxX © 2011 by Michelle Nevill
1 Comment
8/21/2011 09:15:37 pm
You've given an accurate description of the experience of hearing their music for the first time. It happened to me this weekend at Swing Wespelaar. I was in the photopit, getting ready to shoot some shots, but from the moment they started playing, I was sucked into the groove. All I could think was... damn! :-)
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August 2013
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