Feature: Jaime’s Tone Decodes ‘Take Your Chance’
How did you come up with the theme?
The title of the album ‘Take Your Chance’ refers somewhat to one of the tracks called “Take a Chance”. With this album, I wanted to showcase the versatility of styles that Jaime’s Tone is able to propose, from pop-rock to rock, and from progressive rock to progressive metal. The cover artwork is for me a great representation of the title. The song “Number One” also refers to people “taking their chances” by willing to be first, whatever it costs. Edgar Allan Poets defines this album as “a kaleidoscopic display of [Jaime’s Tone’s] genuine and direct songwriting style”, while Ariyel’s Blog talks of “a diverse array of sonic experiences”. I think they have both perfectly understood my intent.
(full reviews by Edgar Allan Poets and by Ariyel )
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for 'Take Your Chance?'
The recording of the official music video of the single “Take a Chance” is definitely a defining moment. It was the first time that I recorded such a video, and the outcome has been watched many times, more than the lyric videos that Jaime’s Tone’s listeners are used to. Another special moment was the mixing and mastering process. For the first time, I had the pleasure to work with Etienne Pelosoff. I really wanted to elevate my sound with this 3rd album, and I think he achieved exactly what I had in mind. As Ariyel stated, “Pelosoff, known for his expertise in electro-rock, brings a distinctive touch to Jaime's Tone's sound, enhancing its richness and clarity”. Once again, she speaks out for me!
Can you talk about any standout tracks on the album and what makes them special to you?
That is not an easy question, as all tracks are special to me obviously. The opening track “War” is a heavy-hitting song that talks about how one feels when war is happening. Although this refers mostly to the war in Ukraine, I wanted to try and make people feel how one can perceive war from the inside, wherever and whenever it happens. I think that the lyric video accompanying the song also shows that. “Take a Chance” stands out as the most probable pop rock hit song I would ever write. And “Variations” shows all my love for progressive metal.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
I find inspiration both from my imagination, which is quite broad actually (!), and also from the world we live in. For example, “Polar Adventure” refers to the evolving environmental issues, while “The Cloudy Element” is more imaginary though still referring to the actual innovation world. As already stated, “War” is very much about existing world events, while “Complaining” is more introspective.
My next album, on which I am currently working on, will be quite different, in the sense that I talk about my own experiences and my own family. It is quite a treat to dare talking about some more personal stuff -but that is for next time!
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
With each new album (‘Take Your Chance’ is the 3rd album), I am trying to improve upon what I did in the past. I truly believe that with this album the sound is much closer to what I want to achieve than in the two previous albums. This is because I am improving and I also work with people who help achieve a better result.
I also try to bring new ideas, new sounds, new kinds of lyrics… But it is still Jaime’s Tone!