A month after releasing his impressive debut LP, Couch Baby, we caught up with rising singer, songwriter, and producer Jamie Isaac to speak on the unveiling of the video for "Find The Words", which is an album highlight. The Josh Millns-directed visuals for the song—an aching, ponderous number that flirts with soul, jazz, and ambient electronics—is shot within community cornerstone, Father's Barbers, situated in south London's New Cross area. With Isaac born in south London and still a resident in the area, the significance of keeping the video's focus and ethos local can be felt throughout. Before watching it above, peep our quick chat with the burgeoning talent below.
What has the response to Couch Baby been like on a personal level?
It was a strange feeling finally completing something that took a lot of time in the making. I didn’t really know how I felt when I first held the record in my hands. Now, hearing the responses from people, hearing their personal experiences with the music or how they’ve interpreted some of the tracks, made me realise that I'd missed a feeling or true relaxation for a while and now. After releasing Couch Baby, I have a real sense of that and can now move on to the next installment of music with a clear head and a new state of mind. When I listen back to the record, even the last tracks I wrote have a feeling of tension in the writing or production; not saying that's anything bad, but it'll be interesting for me on a personal level to see how the music progresses from here.
As your style and skillset leans towards being experimental, do you think you've found your style and sound completely or do you predict a future shift?
I’m not sure what my style is, to be honest. I've never actually thought of it as experimental. For me, my music always has to rely on the soundscapes that surround it, whether that be subtle reverbs in the background or more audible, ambient percussion hits. Other than that, I don't consciously try to hold down any style, and I won't try in the future. I can imagine myself making slightly faster tempo stuff, almost dance music, but it could also go the complete opposite way. There isn't a plan yet, but there will be soon.
What was it like working with Josh on the video?
Josh was a real talent to work with. He had a clear vision of what he wanted the video to be and he put it across to me perfectly. He got the vibe of the song spot-on and there was no question he was the perfect guy to elevate the track. He has a cinematic eye and it was clear on set he knew exactly how to achieve what he wanted but had no problem experimenting, which was exciting for me to see, especially when the video was for a track I have a deep feeling for.
As a south London resident, what's your opinion of that particular side of London?
It's a very creative area. I was born in south London, and it has an important effect on my music and on a lot of other people's art also. Not far from the nasty, sterilised streets of Central London, but far enough sometimes to feel you're not in the city at all. There's a strong sense of community I haven't felt when I travel elsewhere, and it will always be my home.
What was the significance behind choosing Father's Barbers for the video?
I'm local to the area and I've walked passed that place at least 200 times and it's always full, got a football game on in the shop and, at night, it's like a party in there. It was interesting because I liked the idea of doing something their because it was like a space being misused, and not used solely for its purpose, which was cutting hair. Farther himself is a king. I had heard his name before and was excited to meet him. There were times when he would talk to everybody on the street while we were filming, and at one moment an ambulance stopped because he knew the driver. I was very blessed to be in his company and I hope he felt the same way too.
