Jadyn Lamb is no sheep — the pop singer-songwriter prefers to stand out from the crowd, as she’s demonstrated with her singles Liar, Friends and Bad Sign — all of which she’s shared in these pages. Today, Lamb ignores those signs and takes a spin through my pointless questions. Let’s see if we’re still friends by the end:
Introduce yourself: Name, age (feel free to lie), home base, other details you’d like to share (height, weight, identifying marks, astrology sign, your choice).
I’ve got lots of names, but my favourite is Jadyn Lamb. I’m 23 years old, I was born in Toronto, and I’m a Gemini. I have so much energy that, sometimes, my hands move on their own.
What is your musical origin story?
My obsession with music started when I was in diapers, watching The Spice Girls. Or maybe it began on a car ride, listening to Shakira, P!nk, or Gwen Stefani. It blurs together, but I know it happened when I was very young. Before I knew it, I was spellbound by these women, and I just couldn’t stop listening. I started writing music as soon as I knew how to spell the word “heart,”
What do we need to know about your latest project?
The lyrics for Liar fell out of me so easily. Some songs take months for me to finish, requiring hours of pushing and prodding, but not this one. It felt like I knew exactly what I wanted to say, and the words came effortlessly. I can be quite indecisive, but there was no doubt in my mind when I wrote this track.
What truly sets you apart from other artists?
I’m a one-woman show, and I can do it all. I direct and edit my music videos, I’m in charge of branding and business, I write all my lyrics, produce my own music, and perform it all live. I’m not afraid to be myself, make mistakes, and work my ass off for what I believe in. I also bring a stuffed toy lamb with me everywhere. Her name is Lamb Chop.
What will I learn or how will my life improve by listening to your music?
If you close your eyes, my music will take you to a world inside your head. The stranger, the better! A realm all to yourself! My songwriting inspires imagination and curiosity, and will leave you feeling like you’ve had a conversation with an old friend. Or you might just want to cry. Either works.
Tell us about the first song you wrote and / or the first gig you played and what you got paid.
The first paid gig I did was at a manufacturing facility for a friend’s work party. People in business attire and lab coats shuffled past and ignored me all night. It was kinda weird, and I was hungover, but I got paid $100.
What is the best / worst / strangest / most memorable performance you gave?
One year, I signed up for a talent show in my neighbourhood. I performed two songs, and completely screwed both of them up. It was OK the first time, but when the second song came around and I was still frozen, staring at the 10 people in the audience, the judges awkwardly asked me to get off the stage. The city newspaper wrote a very anticlimactic review of my performance and it followed me around for weeks.
What living or dead artists would you collaborate with if you could?
My life would be complete if I could collaborate with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). I would definitely faint if I ever met him, though. Everything that man makes is heart-wrenchingly good, and his lyrics are devastating in the best way. I have a lot of favourite artists, but the world he transports me to is the most intimate space I’ve ever experienced.
What artist or style of music do you love that would surprise people?
I really love genres like gothic metal, and hard rock. I’ve been listening to Rammstein and Korn since I was a kid. I think when people see me, they assume I only listen to pop or indie music, but I love loud guitar-shredding just as much.
What are your favourite songs / albums / artists right now?
I’ve been loving the wave of new electronic music from Lights & Myth, with Dead End being my favourite single. Another album I’ve been listening to is Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, by Roddy Rich. It’s a beautiful and brutally haunting album.
How about some other favourites: Authors, movies, painters, you name it.
My favourite movie director of all time is Tim Burton. He has such a unique style, and his movies satisfy the whimsical and gothic part of my heart that I try to keep secret. I have a soft spot for pale skin, tired eyes, and black buckled clothing. One of my first childhood crushes was Edward Scissorhands.
Who would you be starstruck to meet?
Marina Diamandis (Marina and the Diamonds). She’s my favourite female artist, and one of my biggest idols. Being the “weird kid” in high school meant I had a lot of time to myself during lunches. She got me through every day in that hell-hole. I owe her a lot.
What superpower do you want and how would you use it?
I wish I were immortal. Then, I would never run out of time to save the world. I could spend forever planning and reaching goals, without fear of “wasting time.” And if I could sparkle like a Twilight vampire, that would be a bonus.
What skills — useful or useless — do you have outside of music?
I can make anyone laugh. I’m also really good at video games, I can recite the script of Bee Movie, and I’m not too bad at dancing … if flailing arms and body jerking is your thing.
What do you collect?
Naruto memorabilia, train ride receipts, perfume bottles, and love letters.
If I had a potluck, what would you bring?
CURRY AND GULAB JAMUNS! And since I’m Scottish, maybe a hairy haggis as well. No need to thank me.
What current trend or popular thing do you not understand at all?
TikTok dances. Why does the world find them so interesting?! Do these people practise all week for a 30-second video? I’d rather watch Ariana Grande’s choreographers.
Tell us about your current and/or former pets.
Great timing! Mazy, my fluffy, beautiful, overweight cat, is sleeping on my bed at this very moment. She could be on the cover of cat Vogue, with her colourful coat, little pink nose, and raccoon eyes. She looks like a cute, furry burglar! The cat I had previously, Shado (pronounced Shadow), was a wee skinny black cat with only three legs. I really miss her hobbling around.
If you could have any other job besides music, what would it be and why?
I would be an actress, or a comedian, or I’d do voice-overs for cartoon characters. Any job that involves entertainment, creativity, and fun… count me in! “I live for the applause.” — Lady Gaga
What’s the best advice and/or worst advice you were ever given?
The best advice I’ve been given was something my mom once said to me. “Don’t ever stop being who you are. Don’t lose that spark, no matter how many times they tell you to dim down.” People have misunderstood me pretty much the whole time I’ve been around. Maybe it’s because I dressed up in Halloween costumes every day in elementary school, or maybe it’s because I never truly grew up. But my mom always reassured me that this was exactly who I was supposed to be. And I won’t let her down.
Watch her videos above, hear more from Jadyn Lamb below, and keep up with her via her website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
