CATCH UP: Jenny Sturgeon

Jenny winning at SAMA 2020 in our virtual SAMA ceremony, during lockdown.

In this new online series Ella Inkeröinen goes behind the scenes to talk to some previous SAMA winners about what they’ve been upto in the last 12 months. This week features Highland’s singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon, winner of Best Acoustic in 2020 SAMA.

Can you tell us what your creative process is like?
I like having enough time to get into whatever I'm writing about. I need peace and quiet and to have cleared my 'to do' list before I feel like I have brain space to write. I love working to a deadline and find this helps focus my creativity. I surround myself with notebooks and instruments and go from there!

What has your typical day/week looked like at the moment?
At the moment there is not typical day/week. It varies between writing, teaching, gigging and admin. That's the thing I love about this job, no two days are the same.

What new music are you into?
I really enjoyed listening to the recent SAY award longlist albums, 2 records in particular, by Matt Carmichael and The Snuts.

If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be with and why?
Oooft I don't know, that is a tough one! I think it'd have to be Tori Amos. I admire her songwriting and get the impression she'd be a fun person to collaborate with.

What have you learned about yourself since becoming a musician?
That I quite enjoy admin and that having baths - not at the same time!

What's the best advice you've been given?
Enjoy the journey.

Is there anything that you'd like to plug?

I'm away on tour with my most recent album The Living Mountain from 18th to 28th November. It's been stalled for a few years because of Covid and I can't wait to share this music, and accompanying visuals, with audiences across the UK!