Jess Glynne interview: "I'm just a normal girl who's being honest"

The last 18 months have rarely seen Jess Glynne stray from the Top 40. 

In such time she's had five chart-topping singles - two as a headliner and three as a guest feature - and this week hit the top spot on the Official Albums Chart with her debut LP I Cry When I Laugh.

We caught up with Jess to find out how she's dealing with her sudden rise to fame and what's she got up her sleeve for later this year. 

Hello Jess! Congrats on I Cry When I Laugh entering at Number 1. 2015 has been quite a good year for so far, hasn't it?

I can’t believe it. It’s just… wow! It genuinely hasn’t sunk in yet – it really hasn’t. It’s the most insane feeling to have your whole album accepted by the British public. To see how well it’s been received is possibly one of the most overwhelming feelings I’ve ever had. I’m so proud and excited about this album – I love every song on it. The fact that people are buying it and loving it as well is like some insane dream!

When you first starting writing and recording the album, did you think it would turn out the way it has?

I guess we had a bit of a plan, but when you’re writing songs you can’t help but go off on random tangents. That said, we couldn’t have ended up in a better place with it. It’s exactly the album I wanted and one I’d always dreamt of releasing. I’m so, so proud of it.

People have really taken to you and your music over the last few months; what do you think it is about your songs in particular?  

Personally, the reason I react so well to certain artists and albums is because they write about things I can relate to. They write about their journeys and things that really touch me. When I make music that’s exactly what I do; I write about my life experiences and I’m so honest in everything I write.

I’m just normal girl, and I think it’s really humbling when you can listen to a song and completely understand what they’ve been through – it’s quite inspiring. I think that’s it really – it’s about being honest and real.

A big theme of the album is about overcoming something sad...

This is an album full of hope. I was going through a pretty hard time when I started writing the album. I was going through a break-up and feeling like shit, and now I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Reflecting on that journey and putting into music… it makes me so happy.

You’ve already put out a lot of songs from the album, but have you decided on the next single yet?

I have decided on the next single. I’m going to have to stop there before I say something I shouldn’t!

Don’t tease us Jess! What’s your favourite song on the album?

I honestly couldn’t tell you, I’d feel too bad against the other songs – they’re all like my brothers! I love Why Me though, honestly. It’s got good, late-night vibes.

We’re loving your collaboration with Emeli Sande Saddest Vanilla. What’s it about and how did it come together?

We just wrote! She sat at the piano and we came up with the melody and lyrics together. Hopefully it will be a single at some point – I’d really love to do make a music video for that song.

Can we have some assurance it will be shot in an ice cream parlour? 

Yes I think we might have to do just that!

Now the album’s out, what happens now?

What does happen now?! I need to keep getting myself out there and spreading the word. I’ve got lots of promo and touring lined up. The album is out there now and I have to give myself to all my fans and everyone that wants a piece of it. I’m excited!