By: Michael Bragg
Born and raised in the backwoods hills of Kentucky Jamie Suttle’s family didn’t have much to offer her in the ways of entertainment other than a back drop of music. Growing up with very little she embraced the soundtrack of her youth. Legendary artists like the late Keith Whitley and George Jones to Patty Loveless and Reba McEntire provided a country influence that was equally matched by rock artists like Aerosmith and Fleetwood Mac. After moving to Dayton, Ohio she would also pick up on artists like The Drifters and Sam Cooke as her grandmother would sing to herself while working in the garden. Like many artists, Jamie was brought up in church, where she first started crafting her talent. Presenting her youth pastor with a song she had written he helped her put words to music where she went on to win “Best Original Song” in a Christian Teen singing completion. With the music bug taking its hold on her Jamie has continued on with her songwriting releasing albums “This Is My Story” in 2014 and “Country Music Revival” in 2017. Giving songs of truth filled with life experiences Suttle’s sings with a sense of conviction providing a soulful yet powerful voice. Her songs ranging in style from soft and subtle on “My Story” and “Wasting Time On You” to the bluesy rock vibes of “Cash, Jack & Jesus.”
Jamie is currently out supporting her newest single “Chasing Smoke” released on May 17th, 2019. Behind The Pic was able to speak with Jamie about the new song, some of her influences and her upcoming show on August 31st, 2019 at “Operation Music Fest” in Anderson, SC at Denver Downs Farm.
BTP: For those who may not have heard of you tell us a little about yourself…
JS: Like I say in one of my songs, I’m a little bit of Johnny Cash, Jesus, and Jack Daniels. In their own way, each one can heal and hurt but at the end of the day will give you the truth, even when it isn’t pretty.
BTP:…and what should someone expect to see at a live show?
JS: Our live show is pretty rockin for the most part. We like to keep it high energy and genuine.
BTP: You have a new single out, “Chasing Smoke,”…What’s it about and how does it compare to what you’ve already released?
JS: Chasing Smoke is about desire. That thing that keeps coming back to you, no matter how many times you put it down. Whether it’s a dream, a relationship, a career…something that sometimes rages and sometimes dwindles down to ember but never goes out. And every time you walk away, as soon as there is a spark, we take off running toward it. It does not matter how many times we get burned. We will always be Chasing some kind of Smoke. This song hurt so good to write. I feel like it was a stepping stone into a new era for my sound. I love rock n roll and I’m so proud of my other releases. However, this is definitely an evolution to where I feel I am at currently as an artist. I have two more singles with the same team coming out soon and I can’t wait.
BTP: A lot of artists draw influence from one genre but you draw from country to rock, even some R&B…how do you feel that helps set you apart from other artists?
JS: For a long time, I felt like I was still discovering my sound. I will never take the Kentucky out of my voice, yet I grew up loving gospel, R&B, and rock just as much as country. I think what sets me apart is that I will always do what is best for the song, instead of forcing it to fit in a certain genre…for better or worse.
BTP: What do you see as your biggest achievement so far in music?
JS: After I played a festival a couple years back, the parents of a little girl sent over a picture of her hanging my show poster on her bedroom wall. Growing up, I always had posters of my favorite artists on my wall and that moment just meant the world to me. When people know my lyrics and share stories of how different songs have impacted their lives…that means more to me than anything. It’s why I became a songwriter.
BTP: You’ve worked with people like Jimmy Herman (Carrie Underwood’s Band) and Scott Wilson (Saving Abel/Operation Music Fest 8/30/19)…who has been your favorite person to work with creating music?
JS: I have had the privilege of working with so many incredible artists. I think that’s why my style can be all over the place at times. When you meet someone of extraordinary talent and you trust them to help you mold your own project, you also must trust their vision and play to their strengths. I love and respect so many styles of music and I’m so grateful for the people who have helped me create mine.
BTP: If there’s one person you haven’t worked with already and could collaborate with for a song who would it be and why?
JS: One of my favorite songwriters of all time is Mac Powell. He was the singer for a Christian rock band, Third Day, and I have so much respect and adoration for his writing and his voice. The way he paints a picture in his lyrics and his performance is something I have watched and learned from since the 90s. I always knew I wanted to sing, but he and Loretta Lynnmade me want to be a writer.
BTP: You’re currently playing shows supporting the new single “Chasing Smoke” and will be in Anderson, SC on 8/31/19 for Operation Music Fest. This event is actually taking place on a working farm. Having a country background how do you think this show will stand out compared to others?
JS: To be honest, I am KY born and bred in the sense that I was raised by two very strong, southern women. However, I grew up for the most part in Dayton, OH but for a city girl I don’t mind getting dirt on my hands and I can bake a mean pecan pie.
My friends like to joke that I’m the Elvira of country music. At the end of the day, I feel home when I’m with people who love music as much as I do.
BTP: With several great acts like Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Ronnie McDowell and more on the bill is there anyone particular you’re looking forward to seeing yourself?
JS: I can’t wait to see Ashley McBryde. I respect the hell out of her and I am constantly blown away by her writing. You can tell she pours so much of herself into her songs and I am excited to experience that in person.
I can’t wait to see everyone!
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