Jaime Wyatt
Jaime Wyatt was the perfect person to get BARE with. We recently caught up with her on the eve of the release of her new album, Feel Good, and tour, and found her to be as open, real, straightforward and passionate as it gets. It was obvious that she loves what she does … it’s palpable in her presence as well as her music. As if a new album and tour weren’t enough, she’s topping it off with her first gig at the Grand Ole Opry on November 7th. Yee-haw! Scroll on down for our chat with Jaime to learn more about what gets her — and keeps her — going. We’re feelin’ you, Ms. Jaime!
The Bare Magazine: Have you been enjoying the response to your new tunes?
Jaime Wyatt: Yes, I've been enjoying the response to the new songs out there. It's really exciting because it's been a while for me. It'd been almost three years since the last record. My friend Andrew said, “I want to live inside your record.” And I was, like, I don't know if that's creepy or cool, but I feel like the vision I had is being validated, which is always lovely. It's being understood, and I'm really excited for more people to get to connect with the record.
Bare: And, hello, Grand Ole Opry? How psyched are you?
JW: It feels very validating to be playing the Opry. I’ve been writing songs since I was 12 and never dreamed I’d be playing them in Nashville, let alone on one of the most legendary stages in Nashville.
Bare: Do you love being on stage and feeling the audience’s love? Is it the kind of rush that can be addictive?
JW: Yes. It's absolutely addictive. I knew that when I was trying to become unaddicted to drugs. That’s why I agreed to travel long, long, long, long miles, hours, planes, vans and all that, ‘cause it is such a rush. It feels so good. I guess I chase that feeling. And that's why I'm always trying to make the show better.
Bare: When did you start taking your passion for music seriously?
JW: I got a guitar when I was four or five and played on it. And I felt like I was serious at four years old, but probably not as serious as when I was about 12 years old. That’s when I started seriously pursuing the guitar and learning how to play songs and sing. Then, I was in bands all through high school, and I got a recording agreement in high school. Yeah, so I guess 12 was the beginning.
Bare: We enjoyed our shoot with you so much and, of course, we got way into your glam time. Would you say you are a fan of clean/vegan beauty products? What are a few of your faves?
JW: Yes, it's all ILIA foundation, my day one and my stage one, and sometimes I combine the two. I use the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint. It's got SPF, and I use the ILIA true skin serum foundation, and I use their setting powder.
Bare: Do you eat/drink pretty clean as well? It must be hard when you're on the road....
JW: Yeah, I do. I eat really clean. Or at least I try to. The bottom line is, I will eat some cheese and occasionally I'll eat some bacon, but I mostly eat a lot of vegetables and chicken and salmon these days and drink a ton of water. But occasionally I'll have soda, because I don't drink alcohol. It’s hard not to drink sometimes, but I’ve been at this for quite a while and I actually have sort of a neutral feeling around drinking. I also take a lot of adaptogens and a ton of supplements. Omegas, reishi mushrooms, lion's mane. And I do lots of ginger and green juice. I like celery. That seems to be good for the stomach.
Bare: While we were doing makeup, you mentioned that as a queer woman, you don't know much about makeup — you learned from watching your mom and sister. Would you say some queer women are really into makeup and some, like you, are not?
JW: It doesn't even have to do with masculinity or femininity, you know? I mean, I'd say for me, it's because I'm a performer that I do glam. It is something that I saw as a child, and it just helps elevate the whole experience. It's also kind of a mask in a way, a little bit of a protection when I put on makeup. And that's helpful, I think, as a queer woman. Sometimes I need a little distance. I think glam makes me a bit more confident. I’m just stoked to be in the clothes. I mean, it feels good. It gives me superhuman powers, you know?
Bare: Speaking of clothes, your personal style is rad. It seems you love a good suit and the cowboy hats we had on the shoot. What are some of your favorite things to wear, and who are some of your style icons?
JW: Thank you! Yes. The Bailey hats were really beautiful. And yes, I love a good suit. I like to wear tube socks and ribbed white tanks and Imogene + Willie jeans, and some Levi’s 501s. I always wear those! I wear Vans, tennis shoes, high tops, and I also like Adidas track suits. Oh my god, they're the best to travel in! And I always bring silver and gold chains and hoop earrings! My style icons have been included 60’s Mick Jagger. And I love Jane Birkin because of her turtleneck game. Her turtleneck game was on point. Graham Parsons, too. Mostly rock and rollers from the 70’s. Also Serge Gainsbourg. It's just like a really refined pantsuit. And, oh my God, boots from the 60’s and 70’s, they call them a Beatles boot.
Bare: And what about your on-the-road BARE essentials?
JW: Okay, so besides a yoga mat and reusable water bottle, I'd said my Ilia. And my makeup artist has given me some of this Super Boost Moisturizer by Paula's Choice. It has vitamin C in it. And I just love a Stila waterproof eyeliner. I haven't found one that rivals it except for Kat Von D. A makeup artist gave me a Gucci lipstick once. It's obviously amazing, but I actually tend to buy more natural products. So, sometimes I use Bare Minerals if my skin’s dry. I have to get IV packs sometimes because flying just dehydrates you so gnarly. If I get these saline hydration IV packs, it seems to help. I also have a little nebulizer steamer thing I've been trying to use more. It's good for the vocal cords and for your skin health. I think that kind of covers my tour essentials…
Photos/Interview/Makeup: Tina Turnbow using Ogee
Cowboy Hats: Bailey Hats
Jaime wears her own clothing
Production/Creative dir: Liz Vap
Edited by Didi Gluck
Shot at Georgia Room NYC
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
