Reid Jamieson is a Canadian singer-songwriter, formerly of Toronto, but now firmly based in Vancouver. You may have heard him on CBC’s Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean.
I asked Jamieson to describe himself – the man and the musician: “[I’m] just a shy guy who found a way to communicate with folks that hopefully brings both parties pleasure. I am a late bloomer, a little obsessive, love to cook, frolic in nature, hold hands … and a ginormous Beatles fan.”
Jamieson’s song “Rail” has recently won one of two grand prizes in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The contest is open to amateurs and professionals, internationally, with awards in 12 categories from gospel to children’s, including instrumentals. Songs are judged not on the recording or the production, but on the songs themselves.
I spoke with Reid Jamieson about the win and his writing.
Q: How did this happen?
A: It’s the most legitimate songwriting contest we know of.... My wife/manager/co-writer Carolyn Victoria Mill entered for us and I didn’t even know about it until we got the email telling us that we had won [for “Rail”]. We were over the moon…. You enter a lot of things as an indie musician … you kind of live for those moments when something actually comes of all the efforts you make.
Q: How did you write “Rail”? Do you usually think of the lyric or the music first? Or the story?
A: I usually come up with the music and melody first, certain lines will attach themselves. Carolyn is all about lyrics and story. We stockpile and then sit down to see what fits with what. That said, sometimes a perfect ditty writes itself, just falls in your lap. Love when that happens.
Listen To "Rail"
Q: Is that what happened with “Rail”?
A: No. Definitely a co-write, a very special one that has solidified my wife and me as a songwriting team. I remember being challenged by the last couple of lines, they were really intense and I just couldn’t sing them ... but she insisted that I could – they don’t call her the colonel for nothing! – and I could, and they really make the song. We just knew it was going to be a strong song with a future.
Q: What’s next?
A: The second round of the JLSC is online fan voting between the two winners in each category. And then the third round is for song of the year, pulled from all 12 categories, and judged by industry pros. This kind of feedback from [fans and] the industry makes you feel like you might just have a shot. To make a living from writing, recording and performing songs is all I have ever wanted on the professional front. We are so inspired to keep writing and strengthening our craft that it’s all we think about doing these days.
Q: What about "Rail" do you think appeals to folks?
A: People love trains! Also, it’s a driving song about not giving up on yourself, despite repeated failed attempts at a resolution. Like a train on its tracks, when we set our minds to something, really commit, we can’t be turned around. So it’s really about believing in your potential and not giving up on your dreams. That’s something that most everyone can identify with. And the chorus repeats, much like a train whistle, allowing folks to climb on board and sing along.
Q: When it gets down to it, are you a singer or songwriter first?
A: It’s safe to say that singing is the thing I do most naturally, with ease and confidence. But to be honest, songwriting is the most important to me. It asks the most of me, and gives the most satisfaction. I guess that’s why they [join] the word. They really do go together.
Q: Is there a video for “Rail”?
A: Just the home version for now – very much hoping to make a video for this song soon. Know anyone? And “Rail” is featured in Syfy's series Being Human.
• Reid Jamieson's latest album is Staring Contest.
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