Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jayne Denham

2019 has been a massive year for Jayne Denham. The singer-songwriter from Down Under is taking over the U.S. market with her signature country sound. Her brand new single, “Black Coffee and White Lines”, is heating up the airwaves with its fun, upbeat melodies. Pop Culturalist caught up with Jayne to chat about her exciting career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jayne: I grew up in a family of entertainers. It was part of our everyday lives to put on concerts wherever we landed.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jayne: Seeing live bands in Aussie pubs as a kid was hands down what made me decide that all I ever wanted to be was a front woman in a band. The band thing never quite worked out, so I ended up going solo—but, it kind of worked out! I still get to travel with my band and am still the front woman.

PC: What has the transition been like breaking into the U.S. market?
Jayne: It was hard for me to come over on my own because I am such a band chick and I love having my gang around me, but to be invited to perform in the U.S. was such a huge thing. It was a scary to step out of my comfort zone, but I did it! I’ve met some incredible musicians who get me and get how important it is to me to be Jayne over here, so it’s been fun and I’m having a ball.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Black Coffee and White Lines”. What inspired the track?
Jayne: I have such a huge respect and love for the trucking industry. I spent time growing up around trucks, so on each album I have always recorded a few truckin’ songs. This song was written with Jerry Sally to shine a light on what it is like to be a driver and the love that they have being on the road and the lifestyle it brings.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that sticks out to you?
Jayne: It’s hard to take it all in sometimes and I’m not the best at celebrating the wins, as I am always looking forward to my next crazy idea or project that I have in my head. But, I think it would have to be being invited to perform at some of our biggest festivals in Australia and seeing so many people singing my songs. Those are the moments I never forget—knowing someone liked my songs.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Jayne: I had no idea when I started twelve years ago the music industry would take a dive, sales would drop, people would not pay for music, etc. It was tough. If I had started twelve years before that, the success I have had would have looked a lot different, but like in a lot of industries, there are down times. I had happened to join when it turned.

I have learned so much, and we all just had to get creative and ride out the wave. As they say, you only fail when you give up and I’m so glad I kept going because just around the corner came the invitation to perform in the U.S. Now we see the music industry is turning around for the better and things are different, but looking good for music.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead to the end of 2019 into 2020?
Jayne: It has been the biggest year for me, with lots of touring in the U.S. and Australia and many more shows ahead. I am most excited to be coming over during the beginning of November to Alaska to film my new video clip for “Black Coffee and White Lines” with some of the stars from the Ice Road Truckers. That’s going to be so much fun and I cannot wait to have the video clip out soon!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jayne: ABBA

PC: First album you bought?
Jayne: AC/DC—Back in Black

PC: First concert you attended?
Jayne: My Mum’s

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jayne: Gretchen Wilson’s Here for the Party! She added country music to tough rock chick. It gave me the green light to be who I am as an artist and combine my love of both country and rock!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jayne: Grand Ole Opry

PC: A must-have on the road?
Jayne: A pillow

To keep up with Jayne, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Black Coffee and White Lines” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.