Jesse Clegg

08 May 2011 | NATALIE BOSMAN

The title of his latest album might be inspired by outer space, but Jesse Clegg’s feet rest firmly on planet earth.

He has a solid grasp of the music industry and has chosen his latest album, Life On Mars, to mark the start of his commitment towards forging a career out of doing what he loves most.

“The music industry is a tough industry, but I cannot see myself doing a 9 to 5 job,” Clegg admits, with a laugh, before elaborating on why his first album was a somewhat tentative offering and how Life On Mars is a better reflection of the calibre of the music he wants to make.

“I knew that if I wanted to make music, I had to do it on my own terms and be my own artist, so When I Wake Up was really just seeing whether I had the courage and capability to step into the limelight myself. This new album is me taking the reins; I’m trying to find my own style now and put my own imprint on the music.”

Even though he has now made music his priority, the 22-year-old musician is just one subject away from finishing his LLB degree and confides that the intellectual pursuits that studying brings with it often feeds directly into his music.

Clegg is determined to keep exposing himself to inspiring things and to keep challenging himself in order to ensure that his music always emanates from a real place.

“I have something to say. The moment I don’t, I hope I never write another song, but while I do I’m going to keep going.

“I want to make honest music that is meaningful. When you become fairly skilled at songwriting, you can kind of fool yourself and trick yourself and think you’re writing honest songs,” Clegg says.

“The trick has been constantly pushing myself in terms of my creativity; finding what the song needs as opposed to what you as an artist with an ego needs.”
Part of making honest music means that Clegg doesn’t limit himself to any one genre or style, hence the dramatic diversity of tracks on Life On Mars.

“If I have a musical idea, I want to pursue it – I don’t care how people will perceive it or what genre it fits in to,” he explains.

“I try not to limit myself in terms of my inspiration or how I write.

“That gives rise to really varied albums, but I prefer that. I really dislike bands where all the songs sound the same, because it means the amount of melodic ideas they have is very limited,” Clegg says.

“It shows that they haven’t listened to a lot of music or they just haven’t pushed themselves.”

If anyone knows what life as a full time musician entails, it’s the son of the music legend Johnny Clegg.

Jesse is happy with his decision, however, and for now says that he is happy to go wherever the music leads him. - The Citizen

08 May 2011 | NATALIE BOSMAN

The title of his latest album might be inspired by outer space, but Jesse Clegg’s feet rest firmly on planet earth.

He has a solid grasp of the music industry and has chosen his latest album, Life On Mars, to mark the start of his commitment towards forging a career out of doing what he loves most.

“The music industry is a tough industry, but I cannot see myself doing a 9 to 5 job,” Clegg admits, with a laugh, before elaborating on why his first album was a somewhat tentative offering and how Life On Mars is a better reflection of the calibre of the music he wants to make.

“I knew that if I wanted to make music, I had to do it on my own terms and be my own artist, so When I Wake Up was really just seeing whether I had the courage and capability to step into the limelight myself. This new album is me taking the reins; I’m trying to find my own style now and put my own imprint on the music.”

Even though he has now made music his priority, the 22-year-old musician is just one subject away from finishing his LLB degree and confides that the intellectual pursuits that studying brings with it often feeds directly into his music.

Clegg is determined to keep exposing himself to inspiring things and to keep challenging himself in order to ensure that his music always emanates from a real place.

“I have something to say. The moment I don’t, I hope I never write another song, but while I do I’m going to keep going.

“I want to make honest music that is meaningful. When you become fairly skilled at songwriting, you can kind of fool yourself and trick yourself and think you’re writing honest songs,” Clegg says.

“The trick has been constantly pushing myself in terms of my creativity; finding what the song needs as opposed to what you as an artist with an ego needs.”
Part of making honest music means that Clegg doesn’t limit himself to any one genre or style, hence the dramatic diversity of tracks on Life On Mars.

“If I have a musical idea, I want to pursue it – I don’t care how people will perceive it or what genre it fits in to,” he explains.

“I try not to limit myself in terms of my inspiration or how I write.

“That gives rise to really varied albums, but I prefer that. I really dislike bands where all the songs sound the same, because it means the amount of melodic ideas they have is very limited,” Clegg says.

“It shows that they haven’t listened to a lot of music or they just haven’t pushed themselves.”

If anyone knows what life as a full time musician entails, it’s the son of the music legend Johnny Clegg.

Jesse is happy with his decision, however, and for now says that he is happy to go wherever the music leads him. - The Citizen

Published on: Saturday, September 18th, 2010
By Novell Zwange – Last week while attending the My Camp Rock 2 Roadshow organised by Walt Disney Channel South Africa in Pretoria, I had an opportunity to get an exclusive one-on-one interview with Jesse Clegg, South Africa’s rising singer-songwriter, and the son of the musician Johnny Clegg. He is one of the celebrity artists that performed at the Roadshow. earlier on before his performance, fellow compatriot, rap and hip hop favourite HHP confessed his liking of Jesse’s music. “I have heard that Jesse Clegg is here. I am a big fan of jesses Clegg!” HHP screamed on the microphone.Jesse Clegg was born in 1988 in Johannesburg, South Africa He’s the son of the famous South African musician Johnny Clegg. When he was only 6 months old he went on tour with his father. Between 1988 and 1994 he spent at least 5 months out of a year on the road. The cover of Johnny Clegg’s 1989 album Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World Music features a young Jesse Clegg sitting on his father’s shoulders. The title track of this album is also addressed to him. Jesse Clegg has ventured into the Rock genre . His music is completely different than his father’s world music genre. He experimented, playing instruments like the saxophone, piano and clarinet before he finally settled on the guitar as his preferred instrument. By the time Jesse Clegg was 17 years old he was focused on song-writing. He fine tuned his skills to put together the songs for a debut album. In 2007 he went on tour with his father. His debut album (entitled When I Wake Up was released in 2008. Today was a single of the album. The song made its debut at number 1 on the Highveld Stereo Homebrew chart in 2008. Jesse Clegg has been announced as one of the2010 MK Award Nominees for this song in the category for Best Solo Artist. Josie Field is also nominated in this category. Below is a the Q&A interview;
Novell Zwange: Can we start by saying that your father has had a major influence on your music career?

Jesse Clegg: That’s true I grew up listening to a lot of music. I kind of learnt about the power and beauty of music from my dad. I traveled extensively with my dad to several music festivals festivals and met many prominent people in the showbiz. So getting into music was a well-informed decision. my dad has always been very supportive.

NZ : Have you had the opportunity to watch Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam?

JC: I haven’t seen it as yet but the young kids love it.

NZ: Tell us about Rock music appreciation in South Africa, is it growing or it is on the decline?

JC: Rock is still a very new genre in Africa, but its growing and its quite nice to see new bands like Black Jack. they are doing very well.

NZ: Do you think talent contests like the My Camp Rock Roadshow Competition should be done quite regularly?

JC: Talent contests are good but I think music is much more than talent contests.You need to have the passion and commitment to it. But I have seen the kids, there is a lot of talent here and it must be nurtured at such a tender age.

NZ: The issue of airplay, are local musicians receiving any fair deal from the local radio stations?

JC: Airplay? I think its improving. we have had good airplay on local radio stations. the more we play the more people listen to our music, and the more it gets played on radio.

NZ: Rock music and rock stars have to some extent been associated with drug abuse. What is your take on that?

JC: Its a failed formula. if you get into that kind of lifestyle you are shortening your own life. Personally I don’t take drugs, I try to stay away from that.

NZ: What role do you think music can play in influencing social transformation? Do you personally support any charity or humanitarian cause?

JC: music can do a lot to people’s lives. My dad was a political activist using music to bring about messages of solidarity against a wide range of injustices. You can connect with some group of people or causes through art. I am an ambassador for the nelson Mandela Foundation’s 46664 campaign and the Smile Foundation an organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of children with facial anomalies, in South Africa.

NZ: Have you been following the debate on 380 Degrees music publishing deals, and do you think artists are getting a raw deal?

JC: Oh you are well-researched man, I have heard about them. I don’t think they are so bad. recording companies have turned to such contracts because of the changing nature of music. For me I see it as progress as music enterprises are investing more and more on live gigs other than relying on record sales. Me personally, I am not signed to any 380 degree contract, but I think its the way forward for recording companies as so many things are changing in the industry. for example Internet is also changing the way business is done in music.

NZ: Any new or upcoming projects, collaborations or tours?

JC: - Shout-Africa

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:07 AM

Jesse Clegg has gone from strength to strength since the release of his debut album 'When I Wake Up'.

This album features the breathtaking tracks 'Today' and 'Heartbreak Street'.

Jesse showcased his album for the first time recently with three massive sold out shows at the Joburg Civic Theatre.

Now Jesse Clegg will be taking his outstanding live act to international audiences at Mandela Day which is being held at Madison Square Garden, New York on the 18th of July 2009, which is also Nelson Mandela's 91st birthday.

Jesse Clegg will be performing alongside top international acts such as Stevie Wonder, Will.I.Am, Alicia Keys, T-Pain, Gloria Gaynor and many others that have stamped their mark on the international forefront of the music industry.

The star studded event will also feature Whoopi Goldberg as a special guest with big local names such as Chris Chameleon, Freshlyground, Loyiso, The Soweto Gospel Choir and many more also performing.

46664 supporters such as Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Forest Whitaker, Susan Sarandon and others will also be in attendance. The roster of stars is overwhelming for the support of the event and Jesse Clegg will be up there with the best the world has to offer.

Jesse's exhilarating performance and unforgettable stage presence has already swept South Africans off their feet and now he will catch the eye of the international audience.

Nothing has slowed down locally for Jesse Clegg. He will be performing at the Grand Arena at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town on the 2nd Of September 2009, extending his national performance run for the album 'When I Wake Up'. - iafrica.com

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:07 AM

Jesse Clegg has gone from strength to strength since the release of his debut album 'When I Wake Up'.

This album features the breathtaking tracks 'Today' and 'Heartbreak Street'.

Jesse showcased his album for the first time recently with three massive sold out shows at the Joburg Civic Theatre.

Now Jesse Clegg will be taking his outstanding live act to international audiences at Mandela Day which is being held at Madison Square Garden, New York on the 18th of July 2009, which is also Nelson Mandela's 91st birthday.

Jesse Clegg will be performing alongside top international acts such as Stevie Wonder, Will.I.Am, Alicia Keys, T-Pain, Gloria Gaynor and many others that have stamped their mark on the international forefront of the music industry.

The star studded event will also feature Whoopi Goldberg as a special guest with big local names such as Chris Chameleon, Freshlyground, Loyiso, The Soweto Gospel Choir and many more also performing.

46664 supporters such as Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Forest Whitaker, Susan Sarandon and others will also be in attendance. The roster of stars is overwhelming for the support of the event and Jesse Clegg will be up there with the best the world has to offer.

Jesse's exhilarating performance and unforgettable stage presence has already swept South Africans off their feet and now he will catch the eye of the international audience.

Nothing has slowed down locally for Jesse Clegg. He will be performing at the Grand Arena at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town on the 2nd Of September 2009, extending his national performance run for the album 'When I Wake Up'. - iafrica.com

SATURDAY 25 June 2011 – River Deck
Jozi was dishing out the frostiest weekend of the year, and I thought dancing to some seriously cool, live tunes would warm me up. I picked up my friend Mari, and we braved the night kitted with 7 layers of clothes each. (Mari made me promise that I would not go into too much apparel detail)
The Graeme Watkins Project (GWP)
I had heard a song or two on the radio by GWP, and I think their “Music Affair” video, is the seriously hawt – It looks a little like Panic at the Disco, but sounds a little like Franz Ferdinand. They’re definitely doing something haven’t tried locally, and I love it. Graeme, runner-up of SA Idols Season 5 in 2009, had a supremely cool stage presence. It takes a special kind of strange to warm up a cold room like that. He was rocking it. The band consists of 3 phenomenal musicians: Ryno Zeelie – Lead Guitar (Turns out we went to school together), Rudo Pieterse – Bass and Matthew Marinus – drums.
Jesse Clegg turned out to be way more rocky than I expected. I’ve never seen anyone have that much fun on a stage. I was surprised by two things. The first being a cover of “Sinnerman” by Nina Simone. It was really cool. The second, he is only 23. He is young, talented, and looking so comfortable with all of it. *respect
Both these bands are heating up venues all over Johannesburg this coming month. Layer up, and go see them! - Fesignerd

Every South African girl's favourite rocker has not only leaped into the top of radio charts all over the country, but he's secured a spot for himself into the hearts of music fans all over. After releasing 'Life on Mars' in April 2011 to Rave Reviews, and a sold out national tour, Jesse Clegg is back on stage and is brining his show, The Great Escape to Johannesburg - and from what we hear, it's going to be an unforgettable night.

Titled ‘Life On Mars’, the album sees Clegg make a pretty astonishing leap from his 2008 debut, “When I Wake Up” – which, in spite of the substantial sales, radioplay and nominations it earned, was now clearly only a first step into an exciting music career for the 22-year-old. The success of ‘When I Wake Up’ is also no small achievement for a singer and songwriter who only revealed his work to close friends and family when the album was virtually done. “I was very tentative in those early days,” the Johannesburg born-and-raised artist now reveals. It was no surprise when Jesse earned two prestigious South African Music Award nominations in 2009 – for Record Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year, both for his supercharged debut single, “Today”. The new material is everything you would expect from someone whose debut made a mark right out of the gate – confident, and increasingly sure-footed. Still, for fans of this genuine talent, there are plenty of surprises awaiting when Jesse Clegg again steps into the public spotlight.
The support act for this show is a four piece progressive, alternative pop rock band Isochronous. Having recently performed abroad as the support act for German musical icon Marius Müller-Westernhagen; this Pretoria based band confirmed its status as one of the best live acts in South Africa. While participating in a 10 show stadium tour which reported over 140 000 spectators, the group performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Germany, including the O2 Arena in Berlin, the O2 World in Hamburg and the Festhalle in Frankfurt.

Rave Review was thrilled to attend the album launch a few months back. All we can say is that Jesse Clegg on stage is nothing short of magical. So - fasten those seat belts ladies, this is going to be one wild ride. - Rave Review

Every South African girl's favourite rocker has not only leaped into the top of radio charts all over the country, but he's secured a spot for himself into the hearts of music fans all over. After releasing 'Life on Mars' in April 2011 to Rave Reviews, and a sold out national tour, Jesse Clegg is back on stage and is brining his show, The Great Escape to Johannesburg - and from what we hear, it's going to be an unforgettable night.

Titled ‘Life On Mars’, the album sees Clegg make a pretty astonishing leap from his 2008 debut, “When I Wake Up” – which, in spite of the substantial sales, radioplay and nominations it earned, was now clearly only a first step into an exciting music career for the 22-year-old. The success of ‘When I Wake Up’ is also no small achievement for a singer and songwriter who only revealed his work to close friends and family when the album was virtually done. “I was very tentative in those early days,” the Johannesburg born-and-raised artist now reveals. It was no surprise when Jesse earned two prestigious South African Music Award nominations in 2009 – for Record Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year, both for his supercharged debut single, “Today”. The new material is everything you would expect from someone whose debut made a mark right out of the gate – confident, and increasingly sure-footed. Still, for fans of this genuine talent, there are plenty of surprises awaiting when Jesse Clegg again steps into the public spotlight.
The support act for this show is a four piece progressive, alternative pop rock band Isochronous. Having recently performed abroad as the support act for German musical icon Marius Müller-Westernhagen; this Pretoria based band confirmed its status as one of the best live acts in South Africa. While participating in a 10 show stadium tour which reported over 140 000 spectators, the group performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Germany, including the O2 Arena in Berlin, the O2 World in Hamburg and the Festhalle in Frankfurt.

Rave Review was thrilled to attend the album launch a few months back. All we can say is that Jesse Clegg on stage is nothing short of magical. So - fasten those seat belts ladies, this is going to be one wild ride. - Rave Review

I wasn’t a huge fan of Clegg Jnr’s 2008 debut, When I Wake Up. Although, considering it generated five singles, clearly I’m in the minority. His debut couldn’t decide if it was a pop or a rock album, the lyrics underwhelmed, and the tentativeness was palpable. Life on Mars is sonically, thematically and lyrically in a different universe to its predecessor. It’s undoubtedly a rock album, there’s a newfound maturity to the lyrics, and while it wears its influences on its sleeve Clegg’s confidence in his own abilities as a songwriter and lyricist elevates this release above much of the generic cock rock that may have influenced it. The album was produced by David Bottrill (Muse, Placebo, Silverchair, Staind, Tool) and mastered by Bob Ludwig (Bowie, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Nirvana) which no doubt goes someway to explaining the album’s hard rock sound, and the fact that’s it’s being called one of the most expensive local albums ever. Clegg also deserves kudos for the innovative packaging – there’s a unique card for each track that can be displayed as the cover. Flash aside, this time Clegg has proved he’s an artist to watch.
Rating: 4/5 – Rocking
Reviewed By: Craig Wilson - Muse Magazine

I wasn’t a huge fan of Clegg Jnr’s 2008 debut, When I Wake Up. Although, considering it generated five singles, clearly I’m in the minority. His debut couldn’t decide if it was a pop or a rock album, the lyrics underwhelmed, and the tentativeness was palpable. Life on Mars is sonically, thematically and lyrically in a different universe to its predecessor. It’s undoubtedly a rock album, there’s a newfound maturity to the lyrics, and while it wears its influences on its sleeve Clegg’s confidence in his own abilities as a songwriter and lyricist elevates this release above much of the generic cock rock that may have influenced it. The album was produced by David Bottrill (Muse, Placebo, Silverchair, Staind, Tool) and mastered by Bob Ludwig (Bowie, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Nirvana) which no doubt goes someway to explaining the album’s hard rock sound, and the fact that’s it’s being called one of the most expensive local albums ever. Clegg also deserves kudos for the innovative packaging – there’s a unique card for each track that can be displayed as the cover. Flash aside, this time Clegg has proved he’s an artist to watch.
Rating: 4/5 – Rocking
Reviewed By: Craig Wilson - Muse Magazine

REVIEWER RATING
5 Guitars

The elaborate event catered for some 800 guests including some of South Africa’s finest celebrities.

Guest mingled and made use of the open bar while Jesse and his supporting band got set up. Before he took to the stage, David Gresham himself stood up to toast the young musician and introduce his latest music video for Clegg’s first single ‘Clarity’.

Once Jesse took to the stage he was met with screams from adoring female fans and kept the crowded audience entertained for a good 40 minutes.

Jesse describes this album as being about rediscovery and “learning to cope with new pressures and adjusting to a new life.” He makes no bones about the fact that his famous surname has helped him get to where he is today although musically he has ensured that he and his father sound nothing alike.

Upon listening to his latest offerings off Life On Mars, it is clear that Clegg has made a distinct effort to move away from the acoustic, indie sound synonymous with his debut album When I Wake Up, to a harder more rock inspired sound, which he pulls off quite well.

Last night’s event just proved to fans and critics alike that Jesse Clegg is here to make his mark on the South African music industry and that it won’t be long until he is filling stadiums aboard just as his father did. - Encore

REVIEWER RATING
5 Guitars

The elaborate event catered for some 800 guests including some of South Africa’s finest celebrities.

Guest mingled and made use of the open bar while Jesse and his supporting band got set up. Before he took to the stage, David Gresham himself stood up to toast the young musician and introduce his latest music video for Clegg’s first single ‘Clarity’.

Once Jesse took to the stage he was met with screams from adoring female fans and kept the crowded audience entertained for a good 40 minutes.

Jesse describes this album as being about rediscovery and “learning to cope with new pressures and adjusting to a new life.” He makes no bones about the fact that his famous surname has helped him get to where he is today although musically he has ensured that he and his father sound nothing alike.

Upon listening to his latest offerings off Life On Mars, it is clear that Clegg has made a distinct effort to move away from the acoustic, indie sound synonymous with his debut album When I Wake Up, to a harder more rock inspired sound, which he pulls off quite well.

Last night’s event just proved to fans and critics alike that Jesse Clegg is here to make his mark on the South African music industry and that it won’t be long until he is filling stadiums aboard just as his father did. - Encore

The apple, in this case, has clearly not fallen far from the tree. Jesse Clegg is a musician in his own right.

Admittedly I was not previously a fan of Jesse Clegg. I had heard his 2008 debut, When I Wake Up and thought ‘hmmm’.

So on entering the Gatta Patat theatre at the Cape Diamond Hotel I was not expecting much. Clegg’s first words were that they had just driven for 12 hours all the way from Bloemfontein to start their SA national tour so they were pretty knackered. But this didn’t show at all.

Soft rock and acoustic sets were just what my soul needed that week. Never did I feel as thought the music stopped.

This was not an ideal venue either acoustically or spatially, or maybe I just sat at a crappy table. Yet Jesse Clegg tailored their interpretation to the occasion, giving us a big performance for a small space, timeless – as befitted the late-night atmosphere – and well-considered, with playing that was rarely loud or exaggerated. Instead, the band drew us in with unassuming melodies, shaped with restraint and crucially never dull or dreary as so often happens with acoustic/soft rock.

The evening was about sublime minimalism, and the crowd loved it. It was a fairly weird crowd but hey, everyone was there to enjoy the music. I caught myself tapping my foot every so often, and surprised myself with the thought “Jesse Clegg – I dig your music”. This soft rock, three man band can get up on any stage and warm millions of hearts.

Sid Sidwaba
@Woict_outdoor

Catch Jesse Clegg on his Great Escapes national tour on 27 July in East London, 29 July in Durban and 30 July in Johannesburg. - What's on in Cape Town

The apple, in this case, has clearly not fallen far from the tree. Jesse Clegg is a musician in his own right.

Admittedly I was not previously a fan of Jesse Clegg. I had heard his 2008 debut, When I Wake Up and thought ‘hmmm’.

So on entering the Gatta Patat theatre at the Cape Diamond Hotel I was not expecting much. Clegg’s first words were that they had just driven for 12 hours all the way from Bloemfontein to start their SA national tour so they were pretty knackered. But this didn’t show at all.

Soft rock and acoustic sets were just what my soul needed that week. Never did I feel as thought the music stopped.

This was not an ideal venue either acoustically or spatially, or maybe I just sat at a crappy table. Yet Jesse Clegg tailored their interpretation to the occasion, giving us a big performance for a small space, timeless – as befitted the late-night atmosphere – and well-considered, with playing that was rarely loud or exaggerated. Instead, the band drew us in with unassuming melodies, shaped with restraint and crucially never dull or dreary as so often happens with acoustic/soft rock.

The evening was about sublime minimalism, and the crowd loved it. It was a fairly weird crowd but hey, everyone was there to enjoy the music. I caught myself tapping my foot every so often, and surprised myself with the thought “Jesse Clegg – I dig your music”. This soft rock, three man band can get up on any stage and warm millions of hearts.

Sid Sidwaba
@Woict_outdoor

Catch Jesse Clegg on his Great Escapes national tour on 27 July in East London, 29 July in Durban and 30 July in Johannesburg. - What's on in Cape Town

He may not have the fan base of either the Messiah, or John Cleese, but Jesse Clegg is quickly making those letters his own within the local music industry. He’s just released his second album, ‘Life on Mars’. It’s undeniably a rock album, devoid of the pop streak that ran through his debut. We meet up with him at his management company’s office in Parktown to talk about the challenges of launching an international career, being true to ones roots, and choosing to keep a famous surname.
South Africa’s in this weird suspended reality because we still have an incredibly strong album-buying culture, which isn’t the case worldwide. Financially, it still makes sense to release a physical album here,” Clegg tells me when I ask him why his second album isn’t yet available digitally. “A physical album is still a very important commodity here. That’s why I really wanted to put a lot of thought into the album packaging; people are only going to buy it if it’s like a little art piece in itself. Instead of doing a booklet we did individual cards with the lyrics – and related imagery – for every song. There’s a window on the front so you can decide which image should be the cover.”
He continues, “It’ll be on iTunes and so on eventually, but I’m in no massive rush. I’m looking at doing an international release, and overseas record companies often want control of the digital side, so I’m still shopping it around and don’t want to jeopardise that option. Also, I want to give it a solid release here, and tour it here, before taking it to the US or Canada or Europe. South Africa has been good to me and I want to be good to it.”
The album’s production value is incredibly high, and it’s certainly got an international flavour. I ask Clegg what the greatest benefits were of having the likes of Canadian producer Dave Bottrill (Tool, Muse, Silverchair, Placebo) and mastering engineer Bob Ludwig (Bowie, Hendrix, Nirvana, U2, Radiohead) work on the album, and how they came to be involved?
“Dave Bottrill has opened a lot of doors for me. He’s plugged me into so many important contacts. I’d been listening to the last Placebo album when the label asked me if I had any ideas about who I’d like to produce the album. I said ‘Someone like that’, never expecting that we’d actually get Bottrill himself. The label sent his management the demos, and he fell in love with them. We could never have afforded him, but based on the strength of the songs he wanted to be a part of it and made it viable.”
“It was a huge confidence booster,” Clegg adds with a smile, “having someone such as Bottrill like my music. So many of the albums he’s produced were ones I listened to growing up… he really shaped my musical understanding in a sense. Bob [Ludwig] got on board because Dave called in a favour. I was really lucky there too.” There’s no doubt Life on Mars is a much rockier album than Clegg’s debut – an album that suggests he could go either the pop or rock route with equal ease.
“My first album was made with a huge amount of hesitancy, a fair amount of insecurity, and just a general tentativeness. I never recorded the songs with the intention of releasing them. It was definitely flawed, but it was so honest. It was an album of someone trying to figure something out and it was naïve and innocent. It’s nice that that time was documented. It’s thanks to Roddy Quin [his manager] and my dad that those songs ever got released. They encouraged me and made me feel confident enough to release them.”
“This album is about me taking the reins and deciding on the direction I want to go. I’m much more surefooted this time around. The darkness and the heaviness is a combination of working with Bottrill, and being true to my roots and influences. Musically I’m a child of the 90s. To me it was obvious that this record was going to be more rock than pop – in fact, I want to get heavier, and more alternative, and more experimental. I don’t want to have a ‘sound’. I think artists have to keep themselves guessing and progress – even if that progress is misunderstood.”
“Overseas you’re playing to an historically-informed audience. They’ve got high standards and I’m trying to hone my live performance in preparation. Rock ‘n roll is a genre of live performance. I battled with playing live at first. I was a bedroom artist who was thrust into the limelight quickly. When my first single exploded I didn’t even have a band.”
I’ve heard rumours that this album cost seven-figures to make? “I invested everything I made on the last album into this one. I think it might be the biggest budget for a local album ever. But I think of it as an investment with bold ambitions. I have to take it overseas to recoup, but it’s also an investment in myself as an artist and in my professional career. Relatively speaking, in international terms the budget was chump change,” Clegg adds with a laugh.
“Originally, I was going to go with a band name instead of my own.” Clegg tells me when I ask - Muse Magazine

He may not have the fan base of either the Messiah, or John Cleese, but Jesse Clegg is quickly making those letters his own within the local music industry. He’s just released his second album, ‘Life on Mars’. It’s undeniably a rock album, devoid of the pop streak that ran through his debut. We meet up with him at his management company’s office in Parktown to talk about the challenges of launching an international career, being true to ones roots, and choosing to keep a famous surname.
South Africa’s in this weird suspended reality because we still have an incredibly strong album-buying culture, which isn’t the case worldwide. Financially, it still makes sense to release a physical album here,” Clegg tells me when I ask him why his second album isn’t yet available digitally. “A physical album is still a very important commodity here. That’s why I really wanted to put a lot of thought into the album packaging; people are only going to buy it if it’s like a little art piece in itself. Instead of doing a booklet we did individual cards with the lyrics – and related imagery – for every song. There’s a window on the front so you can decide which image should be the cover.”
He continues, “It’ll be on iTunes and so on eventually, but I’m in no massive rush. I’m looking at doing an international release, and overseas record companies often want control of the digital side, so I’m still shopping it around and don’t want to jeopardise that option. Also, I want to give it a solid release here, and tour it here, before taking it to the US or Canada or Europe. South Africa has been good to me and I want to be good to it.”
The album’s production value is incredibly high, and it’s certainly got an international flavour. I ask Clegg what the greatest benefits were of having the likes of Canadian producer Dave Bottrill (Tool, Muse, Silverchair, Placebo) and mastering engineer Bob Ludwig (Bowie, Hendrix, Nirvana, U2, Radiohead) work on the album, and how they came to be involved?
“Dave Bottrill has opened a lot of doors for me. He’s plugged me into so many important contacts. I’d been listening to the last Placebo album when the label asked me if I had any ideas about who I’d like to produce the album. I said ‘Someone like that’, never expecting that we’d actually get Bottrill himself. The label sent his management the demos, and he fell in love with them. We could never have afforded him, but based on the strength of the songs he wanted to be a part of it and made it viable.”
“It was a huge confidence booster,” Clegg adds with a smile, “having someone such as Bottrill like my music. So many of the albums he’s produced were ones I listened to growing up… he really shaped my musical understanding in a sense. Bob [Ludwig] got on board because Dave called in a favour. I was really lucky there too.” There’s no doubt Life on Mars is a much rockier album than Clegg’s debut – an album that suggests he could go either the pop or rock route with equal ease.
“My first album was made with a huge amount of hesitancy, a fair amount of insecurity, and just a general tentativeness. I never recorded the songs with the intention of releasing them. It was definitely flawed, but it was so honest. It was an album of someone trying to figure something out and it was naïve and innocent. It’s nice that that time was documented. It’s thanks to Roddy Quin [his manager] and my dad that those songs ever got released. They encouraged me and made me feel confident enough to release them.”
“This album is about me taking the reins and deciding on the direction I want to go. I’m much more surefooted this time around. The darkness and the heaviness is a combination of working with Bottrill, and being true to my roots and influences. Musically I’m a child of the 90s. To me it was obvious that this record was going to be more rock than pop – in fact, I want to get heavier, and more alternative, and more experimental. I don’t want to have a ‘sound’. I think artists have to keep themselves guessing and progress – even if that progress is misunderstood.”
“Overseas you’re playing to an historically-informed audience. They’ve got high standards and I’m trying to hone my live performance in preparation. Rock ‘n roll is a genre of live performance. I battled with playing live at first. I was a bedroom artist who was thrust into the limelight quickly. When my first single exploded I didn’t even have a band.”
I’ve heard rumours that this album cost seven-figures to make? “I invested everything I made on the last album into this one. I think it might be the biggest budget for a local album ever. But I think of it as an investment with bold ambitions. I have to take it overseas to recoup, but it’s also an investment in myself as an artist and in my professional career. Relatively speaking, in international terms the budget was chump change,” Clegg adds with a laugh.
“Originally, I was going to go with a band name instead of my own.” Clegg tells me when I ask - Muse Magazine

Jesse Clegg. The singer who combined the style of One Republic, Muse and, even Gym Class Heroes. Is it not a dream sound?

Alternative South African rock artist Jesse Clegg, whose 2008 debut album When I Wake Up, and his 2011 follow-up Life on Mars have made him a platinum-selling success in his home country. However, Jesse’s music is that good that he caught the attention of three-time Grammy-winning producer David Bottril, who worked with Muse, Tool, and Placebo; hence, the beginning of his international career.

But to the reason you are here; to read a review of the song called ‘Souvenir.’

The music is very different throughout ‘Souvenir’. Unpredictable. It began with a lighter version of the chorus, then a drop; plus the song started completely differently. If I had to draw a sketch of the song it would probably be a line chart.

The music has movement as if you are on a roller-coaster. Slow, then a dark tunnel and you head down, suddenly, when you didn’t expect it – the turn and bright light like you are on a journey.

Sounds like a relationship, right?

The strongest lyrics for me are “gave you my life/ you just replaced it” – solid statement and in a way, words that may make the girl feel guilty responsibility for the relationship that did not work. Too much pressure. The feeling when you know your partner is not your half but, “all of these words, all of the places, all of these times you cannot erase it.”

I loved it. I listened to the chorus and thought, “that sounds like One Republic”; and then, Jesse’s voice. It reminded me of Matt Bellamy (Muse), it sounded as if it were going up a hill, with tension and then unexpectedly falls with the feeling of freedom and power, similar to Bellamy in ‘Supermassive Black Hole’).

For those who are familiar with Clegg’s previous songs, you can undoubtedly not just hear but feel the difference in his development as a musician. He sounds more confident and comfortable than in his older songs. It’s made a great change to his music, in this reviewer’s opinion, and a positive change as well.

‘Souvenir’ was released in 2015, to own it and see more of Jesse’s work check out his iTunes, SoundCloud and official website. - The Other Side Reviews

Founder Patrick Craig created Studio 7 out of impromptu jam sessions with friends that grew ever more popular. “Three years later and we’re basically just an upmarket shebeen,” he says with a wry smile. Having hosted the likes of Arno Carstens, Ard Matthews, Freshlyground and Dan Patlansky, Studio 7 is a little more than that. It’s a unique way to experience the best of South African music.

The perfect place then, to enjoy an original acoustic set with Jesse Clegg and his new guitarist Richard Onraet of folk band Black Handed Kites, a young man who we last saw playing alongside local guitar icon Tony Cox and the internationally renowned guitarist Andrea Valeri.

Jesse Clegg needs no introduction to South African music lovers. His 2008 debut album, When I Wake Up, and the 2011 follow up, Life On Mars, have both made the 25-year-old a platinum-selling success in his home country. He has been nominated for three South African Music Awards over the course of his career.

In 2013, Jesse spent the first half of the year recording in Toronto and playing several well-received shows in New York. Now, on the back of a brand new single release, Jesse will be returning to New York to play at the influential CMJ Music Festival where he will be debuting his new track, ‘Sinking’.

However, we heard it here first.

I’ve chatted to many musicians who have played to capacity crowds at big venues, and they often confess to feeling really nervous before their Studio 7 session. Something about being in such close proximity to their audience, the challenge of stripped down sound and no theatrics is daunting. Not for Jesse Clegg however. “I love this vibe,” he says, explaining that they write all their songs in acoustic. So, the beauty of playing here is that they strip back to the bare bones, and play the songs the way they wrote them. They also get to play songs they wouldn’t normally perform live because they work so well in this special setting.

“I like to explain my thought processes,” Clegg says. “The act of writing music is an inward gazing act. It’s introverted. There is a focus on the craft. But a musician must be extrovert and entertaining when performing on a stage – a strange paradigm shift. From my bedroom crying and emotionally wrought, to on a stage performing.”

Love is a recurring theme in Clegg’s lyrics from the classic ballad ‘Black and White’ about the fear of not knowing where one stands in a relationship, via the dark and cynical look at love in ‘Disappearing Act’, to the supercharged, rock and roll ‘Clarity’. Jesse’s talent as a songwriter and his ability to move between ballads and rock are the sure marks of a great artist.

Although it was only the third time that they had played together, Onraet and Clegg sounded amazing. Their vibe, their skillful guitar playing and their soulful voices blended seamlessly. Both humble, down to earth musicians, their sincere love of music shines through. In a word, their sixty-minute set was ‘honest’. No gimmicks, no attitudes, simply heartfelt music. And that’s pretty rare and well worth paying for – even in an upmarket shebeen. - Whats On In Cape Town

Following the release of his latest single Breathing, Jesse Clegg promises to blow fans with the release of his new album Things Unseen which came to light on the 1st of June! Well we definitely did not see that one coming…

Breathing featuring Shekhinah recently debuted across all radio stations and the response thus far is astounding. With his single already charting on KFM’s #CokeTop40SA, it is understandable why Jesse really can’t contain his excitement for Things Unseen. “I’ve always been musically curious in my writing and this album explores a diverse range of song styles and genres.” explains Jesse. He experimented with different sounds both local and international.

It’s bound to be a fantastic mix of electro rhythms and technology infused beats creating the ultimate sound that Jesse Clegg aims to convey. The album is full of song with hidden messages covering topics of love, loss and friendship. The album also portrays how multitalented Clegg is with applying various elements of music to create the perfect song. This album promises to be something for the senses – Best you visit your nearest CD-store or Itunes downloader today! - Die Reviewer

Every South African girl's favourite rocker has not only leaped into the top of radio charts all over the country, but he's secured a spot for himself into the hearts of music fans all over. After releasing 'Life on Mars' in April 2011 to Rave Reviews, and a sold out national tour, Jesse Clegg is back on stage and is brining his show, The Great Escape to Johannesburg - and from what we hear, it's going to be an unforgettable night.



Titled ‘Life On Mars’, the album sees Clegg make a pretty astonishing leap from his 2008 debut, “When I Wake Up” – which, in spite of the substantial sales, radioplay and nominations it earned, was now clearly only a first step into an exciting music career for the 22-year-old. The success of ‘When I Wake Up’ is also no small achievement for a singer and songwriter who only revealed his work to close friends and family when the album was virtually done. “I was very tentative in those early days,” the Johannesburg born-and-raised artist now reveals. It was no surprise when Jesse earned two prestigious South African Music Award nominations in 2009 – for Record Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year, both for his supercharged debut single, “Today”. The new material is everything you would expect from someone whose debut made a mark right out of the gate – confident, and increasingly sure-footed. Still, for fans of this genuine talent, there are plenty of surprises awaiting when Jesse Clegg again steps into the public spotlight.

The support act for this show is a four piece progressive, alternative pop rock band Isochronous. Having recently performed abroad as the support act for German musical icon Marius Müller-Westernhagen; this Pretoria based band confirmed its status as one of the best live acts in South Africa. While participating in a 10 show stadium tour which reported over 140 000 spectators, the group performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Germany, including the O2 Arena in Berlin, the O2 World in Hamburg and the Festhalle in Frankfurt.

Rave Review was thrilled to attend the album launch a few months back. All we can say is that Jesse Clegg on stage is nothing short of magical. So - fasten those seat belts ladies, this is going to be one wild ride. - Rave Review