‘don’t leave’ is jamie henry’s first release in over four years, and while the wait has certainly been extensive, the Manchester-based singer/songwriter more than makes up for it with the tune. A warm and gentle acoustic guitar, the emotive and hauntingly beautiful vocals of henry, and a weeping guitar all combine to produce a fragile, deeply personal piece of music. Lyrically, the musician tells the tale of staying in a hopeless relationship, for fear of the lonely alternative. “You flow like a lake, into my veins, leaving your stain”. Sings henry. “Please don’t go away”.
Drawing on inspiration from a wide range of artists – Bon Iver, Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, and Phoebe Bridgers to name just a few – jamie henry is beginning to turn heads and hearts with his thoughtful and honest storytelling. And, if you’re lucky enough to be in Manchester tomorrow night, you can see him performing at The Castle Hotel!
‘don’t leave’ is lush, warm, fragile, and beautiful. We at Indie Top 39 are loving jamie henry right now!
INDIE TOP 39
What does the song mean to you?
’don’t leave’ explores the feeling of being in a relationship doomed to fail, while being so terrified of loneliness that you beg your partner to stay, even though you don’t fit. It’s from the view of a deeply flawed and incredibly lonely person, trying to see the beauty in something that just doesn’t work, but holding on anyway because they feel like being sad together is better than being alone.
What inspired you to share the song with the world?
This was my first release in about 4 years. I find it so easy sometimes to get a bit bogged under with worrying about the way that my music will perform and watching videos about marketing that it makes releasing very intimidating. In November 2021, I recorded a collection of 9 songs, and I want everyone to hear them. Releasing ‘don’t leave’ is kind of the beginning of my journey of releasing music not solely to market it, but to express myself and share the thing I love doing the most with the world. Whether 1 person listens to it or 1000 people do, the fact that anyone has given it their time means the world to me.
What do you want to achieve in the next 12 months with your music?
I’ll definitely be releasing another single in autumn/winter with a view to releasing an album made up of the 9 songs, that I mentioned before, in early 2023. Hopefully with a few gigs peppered throughout as well! But in the immediate future, the plan is another single and to get everything ready for the album.
Please finish the sentence – Music to me is…
So much. It’s everything really. It’s a passion I’ve had since I was 6 years old. It’s been an important way for me to connect with so many beautiful souls and express myself when it’s been most difficult for me to. Wherever I go I’m listening to a playlist. My life, much like so many other people’s, basically has a soundtrack that matches my mood. I absolutely cannot imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t found this deep love for music and I’m so glad that I’ll never have to find out.
Make sure to connect with jamie henry on Instagram
Now you can listen to all the 39 songs in one place, right here on Spotify!
