Scottish Music Network recently caught up with Jamie Rafferty—a Scottish singer-songwriter from Croy, near Glasgow—just as he gears up to hit the road for his UK tour. Since stepping onto the scene with his debut single “Back At 25,” Jamie has been turning heads with his honest, heartfelt songwriting and a sound that feels deeply rooted in community, connection, and everyday life.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Jamie opened up about his musical journey so far, the inspiration behind his music, and the importance of capturing the stories of ordinary people and places in his songs. From growing up in a close-knit town near Glasgow to finding his own voice as an artist, he spoke candidly about the experiences that have shaped him and the moments that continue to fuel his creativity.
With the tour now on the horizon, Jamie is ready to bring his music to audiences across the country—sharing new songs, old favorites, and the kind of intimate storytelling that has already won over listeners. As he prepares for the journey ahead, one thing is clear: for Jamie Rafferty, music is about more than playing venues—it’s about bringing people together, one story at a time.
Here’s what Jamie had to say.
You started out gigging at your local village hall in Croy before moving on to iconic venues like King Tut’s. What’s the biggest difference between playing for your neighbours versus a festival crowd?
There isn’t too much of a difference to be fair, especially with Glasgow crowds; they are on your side before you’ve started. Playing in the village hall taught me to be comfortable playing bigger rooms, and a lot of the locals come to see my other gigs as well, King Tut’s included, which means a lot to me! They’re definitely always on my side!
Is it true your parents know the history of almost every house in your village? Do they ever pitch you ideas for song lyrics based on local gossip?
No, that’s definitely an exaggeration! The reality is a bit more nostalgic; they could certainly tell you who lived in every single house back when they were growing up in the village, which is probably quite a rare thing nowadays.
They absolutely NEVER pitch song ideas, especially around gossip. Croy is a place built on deep-rooted community. It’s the genuine goodness and the shared history there that really feed into my songs.
Your debut single was called “Back At 25”. If you could actually go back in time and give your 15-year-old self one piece of advice about the music industry, what would it be?
I would say to just take it as it comes and focus on the music. I’ve had so many unexpected things happen to me, good and bad over the last few years, most of it out of my control, so just enjoy the good stuff.
You famously used money from working on building sites with your dad to record your first tracks in secret. How did you finally break the news to him that you were spending the cash on studio time?
I never really did, to be honest; I sent the stuff I had recorded to my mum first, and she let him hear it.
You’ve spent some time writing in Nashville. What’s the biggest culture shock you experienced out there compared to being back home in Scotland?
Probably how slow I had to talk so people would understand me, and everyone you talk to is involved in the music business in some way, but it’s all really normalised. I’ve been to Nashville twice now and loved both experiences and made some good friends. I’m looking forward to going back again. The guys I’ve been working with are genuine music guys, not business guys; the song always comes first, and it’s a really unique experience creatively.
Your debut EP Detached Observations comes out this September. If you had to describe the vibe of the whole record using only three words, what would they be?
Observational, Raw, Eclectic.
You’re heading out on a headline UK tour next month. What is the number one, non-musical item you absolutely have to pack in your bag for life on the road?
iPad. I can settle most places as long as I can watch something at night before bed.
When you’re backstage just minutes before going on at a headline show, what’s your go-to song or ritual to get yourself hyped up?
I don’t actually have anything yet. This is my first tour, so ask me after if a ritual appears before these shows.
Some quick-fire questions to finish up
Acoustic set or full band rock show?
Acoustic Set
Noel Gallagher or Liam Gallagher?
Both
Writing lyrics or Figuring out the melody
Melody, the magic of the song is always in the melody.
Late-night tour bus or comfy hotel bed?
Never been on a tour bus. Hotel bed!
Nashville BBQ or a proper Scottish fry-up?
Fry up
Irn-Bru or Tennent’s?
Irn-Bru
Croy Village Hall or Glasgow King Tut’s?
Croy Village Hall
Morning studio session or late-night writing session?
Late-night writing. Always come up with better songs at night.
Vinyl records or streaming playlists?
Streaming playlists
We would like to thank Jamie for taking the time to chat with us and wish you well on your forthcoming tour. You can catch Jamie at the following venues.
Aug 31 Mon
Jamie Rafferty supporting Noah James @ 7:00 p.m.
Sep 2 Wed
Jamie Rafferty supporting Noah James @ 7:00 p.m.
Sep 3 Thu
Jamie Rafferty supporting Noah James @ 7:00 p.m.
Sep 10 Thu
Sep 11 Fri
Sep 12 Sat
Follow Jamie Rafferty:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
Interview with James Edmond
