5 Songs I Love w/ Jasmine Power

On the back of her stunning new single cinematic pop single 'LEAP', Jasmine Power is going from strength to strength with her empowering yet intricately placed brand of music that is travelling far and wide.

A song all about the longing for home and choosing the next step even it doesn't fully feel right - Power has truly taken on her next step in this emotive track that fully encapsulates her beautiful honesty.

We were lucky enough to sit down with Jasmine to learn the 5 songs she loves right now, here at FLEX!

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1. John Mayer - Stop This Train

John Mayer has an ability to reassure my soul about everything. I've listened to his music since I was at music college when my house-mate Rod (who was the drummer on the jazz course) handed me John's 'Continuum' record and I was instantly blown away, I immediately like I had company and understanding whenever I listened to him sing. Mayer's songs have helped me in the hardest of times to always see the light.

I hope I can have a similar effect on my own fans. 'Stop this train' is a calming song with mellow and minimal production, a song about not wanting time to move ahead because of the fear around losing loved ones and having to do life on your own. I resonate with this fear immensely. I love the power of John's lyrics held in such a simple melody... the melody is subtle and the music understated but beautifully produced. 'Stop this train' has been one of my greatest companions whenever I travel... it's a song that makes one ponder on life as you sit on the train and pass different worlds, time and spaces.

2. Kate Bush - This Woman's Work

When I was first introduced to Kate Bush, I was in the campervan driving back to Wales with my mum's partner (who's a big fan!) and my jaw dropped completely when he played me this song and 'The man with the child in his eyes.' I couldn't believe that I hadn't grown up with Kate on my record player... I immediately did a deep dive into her musical work. Such a phenomenal artist and songwriter.

This song blows me away, the lyrics, the melodies... the touching, perfectly simple piano motifs...the space, the message within. I don't wish to tell anyone what Kate Bush' songs are really about, but this seems to be about a man needing to step into fatherhood and leaving behind his previous role and the grief that comes with this. It's incredible. What a title... as it reads, I can feel the grief she holds for her partner or the man whom she's referring to, as she steps into motherhood and he steps into fatherhood. WOW. 

3. Tracey Chapman - Fast Car

This song has been the best company whenever I have travelled, said goodbye to loved ones or felt sad or fearful or tired of the graft and the uphill climb that is life. This song of Tracy's gives me courage and reminds me of what, who and where I come from; a raw, honest background with working class/hippie parents who taught me great and important values and who care to do good in this world. The story behind this song is what touches me the most... oh and the epic chorus that helps take me back to every exciting trip, journey and moment I've ever had. The guitar is beautiful and once again perfectly simple. What a phenomenal tune all round. 

4. Imogen Heap - Just For Now

the soundtrack for my life! This song takes me into other worlds... I lose track of time, space, reality, fears, troubles... and this song inspires me so much I suddenly feel capable of anything. I used to listen often when I lived in London on the tubes and I needed to block out the noise and madness of the smoky city - I would lose myself in Imogen Heap and she'd remind me that I am safe in 'dreamville' and if we just keep dreaming, eventually with enough action we can live our dreams. The melodies are striking and the production is mind blowing... it's also the soundtrack to one of my favourite movies ever! - 'The Holiday'!

5. Nina Simone - Don't Smoke In Bed

Nina's piano playing is like going back in time into a classical theatre and witnessing a jazz star accidentally combining the two genres with raw, honest, heart-tearing lyrics and melodies that hit the soul so hard. What a message, what a song. When I first heard this song I must've dropped everything and stared into space for hours whilst pressing repeat... it reminds me of how bleak and lonely love can get when it all goes wrong. It's so tremendously sad, but honest and relatable. The song is an instruction - she's leaving him but she still cares about him and advises him not to smoke in bed. It creates that feeling when you know you have to go, even if you love someone so deeply. It's deep, so so so deep and the melody is within one range and it's perfect. I love you Nina, thank you so much for your incredible art. 

Don't forget to watch and stream Jasmine Power's new single 'LEAP' now: