Jem

When Jem turned 13, she made a decision. She would write some songs, secure a deal and sell lots of albums. That is, after she went to law school. “It’s not because I was particularly driven,” she says over pineapple juice one Saturday afternoon in her local West London pub. “It just seemed logical.”

Now Jem (born Jemma Griffiths), from Cardiff, Wales, is on schedule. At age 28, she has just released her debut, Finally Woken, a sublime album of hip-hop-influenced folk that sounds a little like Beth Orton — in sneakers rather than sandals, and much funkier.

Jem did study law, though she says she spent more time promoting club nights than showing up to class. After graduating, she began actively seeking a record deal. After three slow years in London, she was introduced to Madonna producer Guy Sigsworth, who was writing a love song for his wife.

Jem gave him “Nothing Fails.” Sigsworth loved it so much, he passed it on to his employer, who recorded it for her album American Life. “It’s very strange to hear your song being sung by somebody else,” she says, “but I think Madonna’s version is quite beautiful.”

But Jem’s biggest break came rather incongruously one morning two years ago in Los Angeles. “I was washing up the breakfast dishes and listening to this radio station, KCRW,” she recounts, “and the DJ [Nic Harcourt] was playing the most amazing music. So on an impulse, I went down to the studio with my demo.”

The influential Harcourt played her incessantly, which brought her music to the attention of Dave Matthews — “a lovely guy, my mentor,” she says. Now she writes songs day and night, and looks everywhere for influence.

“I’ve only just discovered OK Computer,” she says, beaming. “Aren’t Radiohead incredible?” She laughs and drinks some juice. “I tend to write pretty straightforward songs, but if I ever become more obscure, you can be sure it’s Thom Yorke’s fault!”

All About Me

Full Given Name
Jemma Griffiths
Birthdate
May 18, 1975
Obsession
“Buying CDs and vinyl.”
Would Die to Meet
“The late, great comedian Bill Hicks.”
Most Annoying Comparison Made by the Press
“Dido. We both have softish voices, but musically I think we’re quite different.”
Favorite Song Right Now
“‘Exit Music (For a Film),’ by Radiohead.”
Most Diva-like Demand
“Hot water.”