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Jaime Wyatt is a striking figure that walks the earth with an old soul. Northwest-born and raised – and now residing in Los Angeles, California, Wyatt’s voice is a force, both rich and clear, which draws people in. Comparisons are frequently drawn to Neko Case, Stevie Nicks, and at times she has been anointed a female Tom Petty. However, Nancy Wilson of Heart professed loving Wyatt’s “Punk Rock attitude.” Wyatt is a dynamic performer, dually noted as a powerhouse singer and stellar guitar player, sailing between vintage 60s and 70s country/rock/soul anthems and heartfelt melodies.
Now, with her backing band, The Bang Bang’s (Ro Rowan on cello/bass and Kane McGee on drums with no cymbals, percussion, keyboards, and backing vocals), Wyatt and team are hitting the road, playing material from their new full-length, From Outer Space, and allowing Wyatt to return to her Northwest roots.
Upcoming northwest dates: June 24 at Conor Bryne(Seattle) – June 25 at Adrift Hotel & Spa(Long Beach) – June 27 (Seabrook) Savor Seabrook – Seafood, Wine and MusicFestival
From Outer Space tells the stories of heartbreak and redemption, delivered by a voice that is both rich and magnetic. Wyatt’s standout voice and classic songwriting intuition has earned her features in several movies and TV shows, most recently ABC’s Nashville. Also, as a band member of Ashley Hamilton’s band, Ash & the Lonely Hearts, Jaime Wyatt regularly appears in the E! reality TV show the Hamiltons & the Stewarts, which airs in July 2015.
Touring in support of From Outer Space, Jaime Wyatt & The Bang Bang‘s manage to make a lot of noise for three people, by way of multi-tasking on guitar, tasty loops, harmonica, acoustic guitar, banjo, electric guitar, and a slew of vocals. Their set is both reflective and uplifting; a true Americana and alternative country sound, while drifting into elements of 60 & 70s rock & soul.
Working with noted producer Mark Howard, who has worked with the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Lucinda Williams, and Daniel Lanois, the result is ‘From Outer Space’, which was a dream come true for Wyatt. Recorded at her home, something Howard is well-known for (Tom Waits‘ ‘Real Gone’ – among others), the album captures the magic and relaxed nature of her home surroundings.
“When I heard Lucinda Williams’ album World Without Tears, I knew there was a special environment and energy being curated. There are performances on the album, which are superior. There’s a tamed chaos that Mark was able to pull out of those players, an energy I have long-since desired on my recordings,” Wyatt says with excitement, discussing why she dreamed of working with Howard.
“My longtime writing partner Gregory Butler worked with Mark Howard in England, at Peter Gabriel’s studio and he always said we’d be great together. So he made the introduction and Mark and I stayed in touch until the time was right,” recalls Wyatt. “I sent iPhone recordings and played some songs for Mark and we started making a list. At that point in time, I had written a lot of stories I am proud to sing about. I’ve got songs, which empathize and empower. So if there was ever a right moment, this is it.”
Amongst the tracks taking flight are “Come Home for December,” written for her sister battling heroin addiction, revealing their story of growing up together, loving reggae, and being bad kids. Also, an anthem for all the black sheep outcasts in “I Wanna Be Your Girl,” a track expressing a need for second chances in “Even You,” and for the kids with limited means making something out of nothing with what they can, “Heavy Metal Love.”
Of the songs, Howard states, “The one thing that struck me about Jaime was that she comes from the same place where Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams comes from. She has that same soul in her voice and her writing is up to that same greatness. She will be one of the next great singer-songwriters to follow in their footsteps.”
Originally discovered by Skip Williamson of L.A. indie label Lakeshore Records while still living in her hometown of Tacoma, she signed her first recording contract at 17. Her Lakeshore Records self-titled EP was produced by Pete Droge, and delivered a windfall with each and every song receiving placement in a major motion picture or soundtrack, some of which included Wicker Park (“Lightswitch”), “Midnight Meat Train” (song title), and “Feast of Love” (song title). The track “Lightswitch” became a hit at college and indie radio in the U.S. alongside stations across the European continent. Tiffany, of 80’s pop radio fame, covered her composition “Mind Candy” on her album ‘Just Me’. This year, a song Wyatt penned with Pete Droge and Elaine Summers was featured on ABC’s hit TV show Nashville.
Wyatt is a prolific songwriter and musician who maintains a busy writing and touring schedule. She released two EPs with the group American Bloomers, and in 2013 released a full-length album as a member of the female Americana trio Calico. Now, she looks touring in support of ‘From Outer Space’ and sharing this collection of songs with audiences across the nation.
