Jade Helliwell is firmly establishing herself in the UK country music scene. Born in Yorkshire, Jade crafted that Nashville sound, and added her own take drawing influences from Carly Pearce, Tenille Arts and Maren Morris. 

Having already made it onto some great festival circuits, and been supported by a bunch of top country radio shows and playlists she’s now ready to take her sound to the next level. 

Her latest song Woman I Am is taken from an EP due out later this year. With new music just released, we decided to catch up with Jade to ask some further questions about her as an artist. 

Your latest single Woman I Am has just been released. How has the reception and feedback been so far?

The Reception has been incredible. I've been lucky enough to have great UK country radio support and the fans have taken to the song as I hoped they would. I'm being tagged in lots of videos celebrating womanhood and it is blowing my mind!

Your music has made it onto several well-known Spotify country playlists, introducing you to wider US audiences - this must be exciting! Have you had many offers to work or play in Nashville, or the states yet?

I have been lucky enough to play a couple writers rounds and showcases. I had some more lined up in 2020 but covid put a stop to that. There have been talks of shows in the future so fingers crossed I'll be playing my music to audiences in the States soon.

Who are your main influences as an artist?

I'm influenced by many different artists and for different things, some more the writing, some the performance, some the production. My major influences are Carly Pearce, Maren Morris, Tenille Arts, Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton.

Who is your favourite UK country artist?

Ohh tough one! I love so many but some faves are Kezia Gill, Laura Oakes, Jess Thristan, Demi Marriner, Morganway, Katy Hurt, Gary Quinn and Emilia Quinn.

If you could choose one person (dead or alive) to collaborate with, who would this be?

I would love to sing a duet with Patsy Cline. Her voice is one of my favourites. I would love to write with Carly Pearce.

It's widely reported that the popularity of country music is growing in the UK. Do you have any ideas why you think this is happening?

I think because of how accessible music is now people are discovering more and more music online. More artists are appearing here in the UK and with that more festivals and events. It's amazing to see the scene growing so much.

What is your main songwriting process?

I want to make people feel and be relatable. I want them to feel all the emotions whether it's sad/happy/excited etc.

Do you have a standout gig that you have played?

I have a few. I always reference the writers round I played at Buckle and Boots 2017. I had just left my job as a teaching assistant the day before and it was a gig that solidified that I had made the right decision. Another stand out is supporting Tenille Arts recently on tour. It was a huge honour to be a UK Country artist and have a Nashville artist who I admire so much take a chance on me and have me open the shows for her. Finally, this years Buckle & Boots. I headlined Friday night and It was a real full circle moment for me after first playing the festival in 2016, a sunday afternoon, by myself in the Acoustic Tent. To go from that to being on stage with a five piece band and watching people in my merch singing my songs was the most amazing feeling.

Is there a particular place or festival you would love to gig at?

Sooo many! I would of course love to play The Opry. Festivals, I would love to cross over and play Festivals like Leeds Fest, Kendal Calling & Barn on the Farm. I'd love to play the KeyWest Songwriters Festival in Florida some day.

Is there anyone new that's hot on your radar that you're currently listening to?

I've been listening to a lot of Priscilla Block and Lauren Weintraub lately. UK wise, Matt Hodges is new and killing it. I can't wait to see what's next for him.

Do you have a message for your followers and fans?

Thanks so much for your support of my music and shows. Keep streaming Woman I Am and don't forget you can catch me on tour in October, Tickets on sale now at www.jadehelliwell.com

Thanks Jade - all the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.