We had the pleasure of chatting to the amazing Australian country rock singer Jayne Denham about her new single and album, working alongside the incredible Marti Frederiksen! Check out the full interview below!
It seems like a somewhat unlikely pairing, how did it come about?
I’ve always been known for country rock, but I’ve leaned more toward rock always have a few rock covers in my shows as it is who I am. When my management suggested Marti as a producer, it felt like the right way to move a little further in that direction while still keeping my country roots.
At first, Marti was only meant to do one song, but it went so well that he ended up doing more. Before long, we were making a full record together, and it felt like the start of something new and special.
What is the writing process like between the two of you?
Most of the album was written with Marti, Kylie Sackley, and me, starting with ‘Hillbilly Halo’, which clicked right away! Kylie’s Australian background helped her understand me, and together we found an easy creative chemistry.
I’ve always loved writing songs that lift other people up, but this was the first time I wrote so openly about my own story. The album draws from my life, including ‘Preachers Son’ about my first boyfriend and ‘Angel of Mercy’ about my marriage breaking down.
You have embraced your rockier side with this collaboration. Did that come from Marti’s previous experience with rock and metal bands?
It came from me owning even more of who I am and recognizing that Marti was the producer who could take it where I wanted to go, based on what he’s done in the past.
The collaboration has given birth to a full album, right? Does it all lean more towards the rock side of country? Is there a similar theme present throughout the release?
It’s country and rock, so let’s split it in the middle. And yes, after my first three singles, there is a theme and a story behind why I chose this concept.
What can we expect from not only ‘Angel of Mercy’, but any other singles from the release?
We all know one of Australia’s biggest musical exports is INXS. Andrew Farriss and his beautiful wife, Marlina, live not far from us now, so we’ve become good friends. When I asked Marti what Australian artists he had worked with, he mentioned INXS, and I said, “Oh, that’s so cool I know Andrew!”. Marti then suggested we all write together, so I drove out to their farm, and we all jumped on a Zoom call with Marti in Nashville. It went so well that not only did it make the record, but it’s also the next song we’re going to really push for promotion!
Do you have a busy rest of the year planned for live shows in the lead up to the release?
I have some big festivals here in Australia, but next year, once the album drops in February, we’ll hit the road even more, including a trip to the USA, hopefully!
If you could have written one song from history, what would it have been and why?
I’m a massive fan of Heart. Growing up on country and gospel music, I later discovered rock as a teenager, and Ann Wilson’s voice absolutely blew me away. I would sing her songs day in and day out, trying to figure out how to sound a little like her. So I’d have to say ‘Barracuda,’ because it taught me how to sing big, and I’m so grateful for it, because it helped me find my own voice that blends country and rock. When Marti found out I could sing a little like Ann, he pushed me to my vocal limits, and I was able to use everything I learned from her while adding my own signature, too!