Jake Quickenden Talks Relighting His Passion For Music And Hidden Talents

Christie Hutchinson | 6th April 2016

1Jake Quickenden first appeared on our TV screens on the X Factor before fighting with critters during ITV’s hit show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in 2014. Now, he is back with a vengeance and relighting his passion for music, with a brand new EP ‘New Chapter’. VIVA caught up with the TV personality to discuss what we can expect to see from him this year.

VIVA: How are you?

I’m good thank you.

VIVA: Thank you for taking the time to speak to us.

That’s alright, no worries at all.

VIVA: What’s been happening for you recently? The last we saw of you on our screens was during I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in 2014.

I got out of I’m A Celeb and I did some TV work, but I wanted to get on with lots of music, so for the past year I’ve been doing a lot of writing and finding my sound, making sure the songs I’ve written are good enough. I’ve just been working really hard on my music.

VIVA: How would you describe your new album? Whats the sound of your new stuff?

It’s still pop music, but it’s got more a songwriter twist to it. It’s got the acoustic guitar vibe to it and I think it’s a lot more relatable compared to a lot of things that are getting released right now. I like to listen to music I can relate to and the lyrics.

VIVA: I have had a listen to your new album and I really like it.

Thank you very much.

VIVA: You can tell it’s personal, which is great to hear!

Yeah most of the songs are personal.

VIVA: What’s your favourite track off the new album and why?

To be honest, I keep changing. One minute it’s one song, then the next minute it’s another. I’d say ‘Blindfold’ means the most to me because I wrote it about a really tuff time but I do like performing ‘Come Back To Me’, which is a little bit more upbeat and it’s fun to perform.

VIVA: When you’re not recording, what do you get up to? You must have spent a lot of time in the recording studio over the past year or so.

I do exactly the same as I used to. I hang out with mates and my girlfriend, I go to the cinema, play football, go to the gym and do as much as I can. I live in Manchester now, but all my friends are still based in Scunthorpe where I used to live.

VIVA: Do you go back home often?

Yeah, I try to get back there a couple of times month to see my mum, brother and mates.

VIVA: What are your favourite things to do in Manchester?

Probably just chilling out, but I do go to the Trafford Centre a lot, eat out and go to the cinema. I’m the worst cook in the world so I tend to eat out a lot.

VIVA: Where’s your favourite place to go, are you a Nando’s king?

I’m actually standing outside Nando’s right now and I can’t decide whether to go in there or to Five Guys. I’m thinking what’s going to be worse for me and I’m guessing Five Guys.

VIVA: To air on the side of caution, I’d go for the Nando’s! Do you come into the City Centre a lot?

Yeah, I love manchester and love the fact I live here. I think it’s a really good city with a lot going on and new things are always happening. 

VIVA: What was your first influence for getting into music? Why was that the path you went down?

Just because I’m useless at everything else haha! I just started playing guitar and singing and then I realised that writing songs was a good way to get away from everything, a good release. I really liked it and started performing in little pubs.

VIVA: You say you’re useless at everything else, but everyone has a hidden talent… So what’s yours?

I don’t know if I really have one. I love football, playing the guitar and writing songs but as far as my hidden talents go, I don’t really know. I’m quite good at stupid impressions, but that could be the acting lessons coming through. I suppose I would have to say football because that’s what I wanted to do as a youngster. 

VIVA: What plans do you have for the rest of 2016?

I’ll just be keeping as busy as possible. Doing appearances and gigs. I’ve got my tour in September and October. I’ll continue with my presenting work and doing TV. I’m doing some charity work too- a walk through Iceland for the NSPCC. I’ve got some holidays booked. I’ll probably start writing my new stuff.

VIVA: Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers? The floor is all yours…

I’d love for everyone to come see on tour and I just want to say thanks to everyone for keeping the spark going. 

Purchase Jake’s new music here and buy tickets to his 2016 tour here.

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