Jamie Woon

Biography

Jamie Woon is a British singer, songwriter, and producer known for his innovative blend of electronic, R&B, soul, and folk influences. Born on March 29, 1983, in New Malden, Greater London, he grew up in a musically rich environment—his mother, Mae McKenna, is a Celtic folk singer and backing vocalist, and his uncles played in the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Woon attended the BRIT School, graduating the year before Amy Winehouse, and began performing at acoustic nights and festivals, honing his craft in London's vibrant music scene.

Woon first gained attention with his 2007 release 'Wayfaring Stranger,' which featured a notable remix by Burial. His breakthrough came in 2010 with the single 'Night Air,' praised for its atmospheric production and Woon's supple vocals. His debut album 'Mirrorwriting' (2011) showcased his meticulous approach to songwriting and production, blending electronic textures with soulful melodies. After a period of international touring and artistic exploration—including a residency in Xi’an, China—he returned with his second album, 'Making Time' (2015), emphasizing live instrumentation and collaboration. Woon's music has been credited with paving the way for a new wave of UK soul and electronic artists.

Fun Facts

• Jamie Woon's mother, Mae McKenna, sang backing vocals for Kylie Minogue and allowed Jamie to experiment in her home studio as a child.
• He was nominated for a MOBO award and placed fourth in the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll, highlighting his early critical acclaim.
• Woon spent time as a musician-in-residence in Xi’an, China, where he explored local music scenes and collaborated with Chinese artists.
• Before his breakthrough, Woon co-founded an acoustic night called OneTaste, performing hundreds of gigs at their events and festivals.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mae McKenna - Mother and early musical influence; folk singer and backing vocalist who exposed Woon to studio recording and vocal layering techniques. (Childhood studio sessions, vocal experimentation) [1980s–1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Burial - Producer and remixer; contributed additional production to 'Night Air' and remixed 'Wayfaring Stranger.' ('Night Air', 'Wayfaring Stranger (Burial Mix)') [2007–2011]
• Lexxx - Producer and co-creator on the album 'Making Time.' ('Making Time' (2015)) [2014–2015]
• Dan See - Drummer and band member for live performances and recording. ('Making Time' (2015), live shows) [2014–2016]
• Dan Gulino - Bassist and band member for live performances and recording. ('Making Time' (2015), live shows) [2014–2016]

Artists Influenced

• The Weeknd - Woon's atmospheric, genre-blending style is cited as paving the way for artists like The Weeknd in the global R&B/electronic scene. (General stylistic influence) [2010s]
• Sampha - Part of the same UK electronic-soul movement, with Woon's early work influencing the scene's sound. (General stylistic influence) [2010s]
• James Blake - Woon's fusion of electronic and soul elements contributed to the emergence of artists like James Blake. (General stylistic influence) [2010s]
• Jessie Ware - Woon's success and sound helped shape the UK electronic soul landscape that Ware also inhabits. (General stylistic influence) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sharpness (Making Time)
2. Night Air (Mirrorwriting)
3. Shoulda (Mirrorwriting)
4. January (Settle (Special Edition))
5. Heavy Going...
6. Celebration (Making Time)
7. January (Settle (Deluxe))
8. Lady Luck (Mirrorwriting)
9. January - Kaytranada Edition (Settle (Special Edition))
10. A Velvet Rope

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #contemporary-r&b, #dubstep, #future-garage