Jamie T

Jamie T (born Jamie Treays, 8.1.1986)

Jamie is an English singer and songwriter from London. He is signed to Virgin Records and has been compared to the likes of Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg and Mike Skinner of The Streets.

Jamie T: Childhood

Jamie T was raised in the Wimbledon area of South London. As a child, he attended the Hall School in Wimbledon and Reed's school in Cobham, Surrey. He left that school at 16.

Jamie T: Music Career

Jamie T released his debut EP, Betty and the Selfish Sons on his own label, Pacemaker Records in 2006. Later on that year, he released another single, 'Salvador'. The song was picked up by BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe, who made the track his Single of the Week. Lowe then gave another track, 'Back in the Game' the honour of being 'Hottest Record in the World'. Jamie T's early career was also aided by another Radio 1 DJ, Jo Whiley. Whiley made 'Back in the Game' her Pet Sound record, earning the track a huge amount of mainstream radio airplay.

Jamie T's next single 'Sheila' (released in July 2006) also received a great deal of radio airtime, especially on the XFM station, as did 'If You Got The Money'. One of two videos made for 'Sheila' shows Bob Hoskins walking along the River Thames, miming along to the song. 'If You Got The Money' was released in October 2006. The track reached number 13 in the UK Singles charts.

'Calm Down Dearest' was released in January 2007, peaking at number nine, making it his first Top Ten hit.

Panic Prevention was Jamie T's debut album. It reportedly got its name from the panic attacks that Jamie suffered when he was growing up. 'Sheila' was re-released in support of the album and the B-side, 'Rawhide' featured Lily Allen on backing vocals. The album was shortlisted for the 2007 Mercury Music Prize but lost out to Klaxons.

At the 2007 NME Awards, Jamie T won the Best Solo Artist award, beating Jarvis Cocker and Thom Yorke to the title.

In May 2007, Jamie T performed at Radio 1's Big Weekend concert in Preston, as well as performing at Glastonbury, Oxegen and Benicassim, amongst other summer festivals.

Jamie T's first US tour took place in September 2007. He appeared on the popular US TV show, Last Call With Carson Daly, performing 'Sheila' live.

In 2009, a new music video appeared on Jamie T's website, for a song entitled 'Fire Fire'. It was also reported that Florence from Florence and the Machine would appear on his sophomore album, entitled Kings and Queens. Jamie's 'Sticks and Stones' EP was announced for a June 29th release.