If you believe what you read, the size of Jake Bugg’s talent is matched only by his mouth.
In his short career, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter has quickly built a reputation as an outspoken critic of some of the British music industry’s biggest names.
It was only last month that he finally ended a public spat with One Direction; Bugg had called the group “terrible”, questioning their legitimacy as a “band”. He’s also been vocal in his disapproval of Taylor Swift, anyone on X Factor, and Mumford & Sons – or as he called them, “posh farmers with banjos”.
While the Nottingham teen and self-identified working class lad clearly pulls no punches, he says the majority of these stories are just a “beat up”.
“I’m not out there looking for publicity,” explains Bugg, whose quiet speaking voice seems at odds with the big, booming quotes to which he’s often attributed. “If someone asks a question I’ll answer it, that’s what I do. Then it just gets blown out of proportion. That’s not my fault.”
“I’ll listen to anything – hip-hop, heavy metal – as long as it’s a good tune.”Cynics might suggest that Bugg’s regular appearances in the tabloids have worked in his favour. As a result his songs have been pushed further towards the grasp of casual music fans. Given Bugg makes music that’s mostly at odds with everything else in the charts, that’s important to note.
With this last point in mind, you could be forgiven for thinking that Bugg is leading the charge for “real music” – that is, music made with guitars by working-class lads – just like the Brothers Gallagher did nearly two decades ago. Although his influences – Dylan, Donovan, Oasis – might suggest an affinity with retro authenticity, Bugg is more open-minded musically than you might expect.
Well, almost.
“I’ll listen to anything – hip-hop, heavy metal – as long as it’s a good tune,” he enthuses. “There are some pop and electro songs that are decent if you strip back the production. Then there are others which are just generic pop.”
Last year, Bugg’s self-titled debut quickly found favour with the public, earning him a UK number 1 and a BRIT award nomination. His honest, melodic songwriting was the perfect antidote to generic pop and his witty lyricism drew deserved comparisons to Alex Turner.
Noel Gallagher, one of Bugg’s biggest heroes, was suitably impressed. The former Oasis man subsequently invited him on tour in 2012, an experience Bugg describes as “brilliant”.
“He’s always been an influence,” explains Bugg. “He takes an interest in what you’re doing, which is great. His audiences are way bigger than mine, so just playing in front of them was a real confidence boost. I learned a lot just by observing him.”
Not that he’s one to ape his heroes, not even Gallagher. “I’ve never aspired to be anyone but myself,” he says boldly.
While admitting that he’s still “got a lot to learn”, the 19 year-old feels lucky that his music has connected with audiences.
“It’s a very competitive market. I’m glad people are giving me a chance, giving me the time of day,” he says graciously. Then adds, “At the same time, I don’t care if they like me or not – I’m still going to write songs, for me.
“I’ve never aspired to be anyone but myself.”“[But] I don’t listen to my own music,” he continues, explaining himself. “Only when I’m writing it or when I’m in the studio. After that, it doesn’t belong to me anymore.”
As it turns out, Bugg has been in studio recently – he’s halfway through his second album with super-producer Rick Rubin.
If Bugg’s debut was at all lacking, it was in the production department. The songs were undeniably brilliant, but contributions from five different producers made achieving a sense of cohesion a tough proposition.
Unsurprisingly, the key to this new record – which also features a guest appearance from Red Hot Chili Pepper Chad Smith – is that “the whole thing is produced by the same guy”.
Bugg explains: “I’m halfway through it and it’s a step up, a real progression. It’s not more polished or anything but there’s an overall sound. It’s still like me – from what I hear. But you can hear what I’ve been listening to recently as well – I’ve incorporated those influences.”
For the record, Bugg has been getting into British folk icon John Martyn – in particular his LP Stormbringer!, which was recorded with his wife Beverley in 1970.
And unlike the first record, which was written with co-writers, Bugg has penned this one entirely on his own.
“It will be out early next year, or maybe this year,” he says. Before adding cheekily, “It might be awful”.
Given the strength of Jake Bugg, that prediction seems more than a little unlikely.
Jake Bugg Splendour 2013 Sideshows
Presented by Channel [V], Tone Deaf, The Brag, Beat and Deezer
www.jakebugg.com
Thursday 25 July – NEW VENUE – The Metro, Sydney
Tickets: ticketek.com
Sunday 28 July – The Corner, Melbourne
Tickets: cornerhotel.com
