Jake Bugg in Conversation: Reflecting on His Impressive

“I’ll always want to make the music I like to make!” – Jake Bugg

Jake Bugg stands as one of the most notable names to emerge from Nottingham’s music scene. Hailing from the streets of Clifton, he catapulted to fame over a decade ago with his 2012 self-titled debut album. Looking back on his journey, Jake shared, “I don’t really know where the time’s gone, to be honest. It feels like it’s flown by a little bit but, it’s been great. I’ve had some incredible experiences and opportunities in that time, so I’m forever grateful for the success of that first album. It’s allowed me to have a career up to this point, really.”

A career marked by standout achievements, including a number-one album in the UK, a Mercury Prize nomination and multiple televised hits, have defined Jake Bugg’s journey thus far. Playing the BBC Introducing Stage in 2011 at 17 years old remains a highlight of his early days. “I’ve been incredibly lucky. Headlining the Other Stage at Glastonbury, playing the Royal Albert Hall, and being able to work with some incredible people!” he shared.

The name Jake Bugg often sparks instant recognition, with many recalling his unmistakable lyrics: “Mornin’, it’s another pure grey mornin’.” This opening line from Lightning Bolt, the first track of his debut album, remains some of his most iconic lyrics. Reflecting on the impact of his early hits, Jake shared, “I think a hit always helps you reach a wider audience. It gives you more freedom creatively. For example, on my last record, which was quite pop, All I Need became the most successful song I’ve had since my first two albums and that gave me the chance to make my most recent record.”

Jake’s latest record, A Modern Day Distraction, released in October 2024, marks his sixth studio album and was previously reviewed here on Kaleidoscopic Melodics. Speaking about its creation, he said, “I made it with producers called Metrophonic, near London. We started in March last year, and it took about a year to complete. It’s closer to my natural musical DNA, I think.”

Since the album’s release, Jake has returned to doing what many fans know he excels at: performing live. His recent tour spanned the U.S., Europe, and the UK. “Tour was great!” Jake shares. “It had been a while since we’d been back to America and Europe, so it was brilliant to return and play there. The reaction to the new songs was pretty good! I’m always a bit apprehensive, especially in America, as the album had just come out. But the new tracks seemed to fit well with the older ones in the set, which was really helpful.”

Now that the tour has wrapped up, Jake is looking forward to enjoying some downtime and benefiting from some homemade food. He’s also keen to revisit his hobby of making pasta. “I haven’t made it (pasta) in a while because I’ve been on the road. You kind of miss home-cooked food, so I’m looking forward to having some. Now that I’m back, I’ll be doing a bit more cooking. I’d like to try to make some nice ricotta and spinach ravioli next.”

As for his Christmas plans, Jake admits he’s still in the early stages of preparation. “I’ve still got to start my shopping, so that’s the first thing. Then I’ll probably head back up to Nottingham to see the family.”

Whilst Jake may be enjoying a well-deserved break, he’s already looking ahead to what’s next. It seems the pull to create music is never far away. “I probably should chill out a little bit, but I just feel like cracking on with a new album already, to be honest. I’m happy with the latest album for what it is. It felt great to go back to my musical roots and the stuff I loved growing up, so hopefully I’ll build on that a little bit.”

A Modern Day Distraction – a record that blends Bugg’s electric guitar-driven edge with his twangy, country-folk sensibilities – is out now. Here’s to what’s next on Jake’s horizon.