Feature: Block Decodes ‘The Last Single Guy [Deluxe Edition]’
How did everything come together?
For the new record I’m working on currently? Barely! Last year I “cracked open” emotionally at the end of a long relationship—I did the only thing I’ve ever done when that happens, write about it. Externalizing the emotional distress, in this case in the form of song, really saved my ass.
I decided this time, as I wrote the songs, I would put them on my iPhone voice memo and share them with other singer-songwriter pals. I’ve never done that before. It would’ve been too scary. It had to be perfect before I would share it with anyone, but the feedback and encouragement I got while the songs were half done was invaluable. I’ll be forever grateful to my friends for that.
Can you talk about any specific themes or motifs that run throughout 'The Last Single Guy [Deluxe Edition]?'
I wrote the songs and recorded these quite a while ago. At the time I was living kind of a double life. A somewhat happily-married father of two by day, and a somewhat drunken fool by night. It was like being on the Titanic, but I could actually see the iceberg ahead and I didn’t even try to steer the boat out of the way. I was one of the lucky ones who got plucked out from the frigid seas. I was lucky to have survived it all. This album is a sort of “real time” document of that entire process.
Can you talk about any standout tracks on the album and what makes them special to you?
It’s a blast to hear the uncovered, unreleased tracks. “Hands Up,” in particular! I’m not sure how or why we didn’t release it in the first place. But I’m so glad it finally got a chance to come out now! There are two cover songs on the album as well. Rather odd interpretations that I am quite proud of: “Molly Malone” and “Show Business.” And “The Ring Slipped Off” could stand as my SLA qualification if I ever go to that fellowship!
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
I’m not particularly comfortable with that label: artist. I like to think of myself as someone who “makes things.” That takes the pressure off a little bit! Right now, I think I’m getting an elbow in my side from my record label, “don’t be so self-effacing." Own who you are Jamie! But I guess, the truth is, I find the term “artist” somehow pretentious.
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
That’s easy. I just move forward and keep trying to have fun. I’m curious about a lot of things that have nothing to do with music. The second something stops being fun, it’s time to change course. Sometimes that means putting the guitar down for a little while and doing something else.
