Jamie T chats with Lily Allen and Liam Howlett about ‘Tallahassee’
London-based artist Jamie T is offering a dose of introspective reflection with his latest single, ‘Tallahassee’, a track that serves as a vibrant preview of his forthcoming sixth studio album, ‘Ghosts (100 Days Of Morning)’. Released on October 9 via Polydor, the new music delves into the pace of modern life while offering a unique perspective on navigating fame and personal history.
The single ‘Tallahassee’ is steeped in homage, sampling Canadian singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk’s 2017 track of the same name. Over a hypnotic beat, T raps about the sheer velocity of existence, capturing the feeling of being a million people from one minute to the next.
Beyond the rhythm, the track functions as a self-assessment, filled with witty acknowledgments of his place in the musical landscape. As T reflects on his journey, he names some iconic British cultural figures, musing on his legacy. He positions himself as the soundtrack to university years, drawing comparisons to figures like Lily Allen, and acknowledging his roots with nods to Paul Heaton and Liam Howlett.
The song is a deeply personal snapshot, written on the very morning T played at Finsbury Park. T chose the sample of Vollebekk’s track because it represented a constant presence during challenging personal times in his life, making the sound feel perfectly fitting for the moment.
It’s a reflection on the pressure of success, acknowledging the internal tension that comes with being a public figure. T openly admits, “I’m half as good as I think I am/ And twice as good as you think I am,” inviting listeners into his authentic, slightly self-aware world.
The theme of the new album, ‘Ghosts (100 Days Of Morning)’, further illustrates this journey. The project was created using voice memos spanning his entire career, allowing T to process the whirlwind of his professional life. He found that this retrospective approach helped him process things, allowing him to look back more fondly on his career now than he might have a few years ago.
This willingness to be vulnerable is mirrored in his recent live moments. T recently delivered a surprise set at the Reading Festival, earning praise from NME for one of the most magical moments of the festival. Following this, he kicked off a new era with a performance at London’s Scala, debuting unreleased material like “Waist 36.”
The momentum continues as T prepares for a UK headline tour this winter, with dates including shows at London’s Olympia. He remains excited and proud of the new record, eager to share the honest, reflective sounds of his latest work with audiences across the country.