Whitton Brings a Sense of Flair to Modern Day Songwriting

Jaime Whitton is a pop vintage singer/songwriter with a background as unique as her voice. Following in the footsteps of the famous flick, “The Sound of Music,” her parents bore six children of their own, Whitton being the youngest. And just like the notorious film, all of her siblings were musical, something she considers a key source of inspiration for her personal singer/songwriting career.

Whitton is inspired by the extraordinary singers of the past. She incorporates elements of the 40’s as well as the soul of notable performers like Billie Holiday and Norah Jones into her tunes. She puts her own twist on songwriting and uniquely fuses an array of genres such as pop and Americana together.

In an exclusive interview with Patch, Whitton explains how she lets go of all limitations when sitting down to write a song. She also discusses holiday fun in West Hollywood and her favorite part about performing live.

West Hollywood Patch: It's been said that you have a unique approach to singing. Tell us more about that.

Whitton: I'd say I have a pretty unique way of songwriting. There have been folks that have said that I have a very unique voice. I think that the only reason they think I have a unique approach to singing is because when I'm writing and singing by myself, I really let go of limitations and let my emotions dictate the sound that comes out of me.

Patch: How do you describe your music? 

Whitton: Well, I kinda have two styles of music I like to write. I'm ultimately a singer-songwriter at heart. But the album that I'm just about to release is called, "Rare Bird" and it has a flare of vintage pop Americana in it. It's more of a big band sound, which I love! But you will catch me time and again just playing my guitar by myself on stage. Most of my emotion and heart sails on to the horizon when alone musically, no boundaries or judgment.

Patch: Who/what inspires your songs?

Whitton: Most of my inspirations come from my own musical family. My parents had six children because of the movie, "Sound Of Music.” I was raised in a house of musicians, although, I didn't get to see much of my siblings since I was the youngest. They had already moved out of the house with their own dreams by the time I got started. Today, we all have our own musical endeavors. Other inspirations come from other fellow musicians and people watching - one of my favorite things to do.

Patch: What do you most like about performing live?

Whitton: The connection between the audience and myself. There's nothing more magical then seeing your fans know the lyrics to your own songs. Also, I really enjoy revisiting my songs, especially, the precious moments I've captured in words.

Patch: If you could live in another era than today, when would that be?

Whitton: Definitely the speakeasy era.

Patch: Who are your favorite singers of the past?

Whitton: Favorite singers of the past? Meaning deceased or alive? I'll tell you both I guess… Alive, I'd say: Elizabeth Fraser, Thom Yorke, Colin Hay, Joni Mitchell, Andrew Bird, Peter Gabriel, Alison Krauss, Dave Gahan and Rufus Wainwright. Deceased: Shane Gooding, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Billie Holiday, Johnny Cash and Michael Jackson

Patch: Do you travel a lot to play shows? Where is your favorite place you've traveled to?

Whitton: The last two years I've been so busy in the studio finishing up my album, "Rare Bird,” that I haven't gotten much touring in. Before that, I performed 100+ shows a year for a good five years. Now that my album is finished, I've got my touring shoes on and recently, I toured through Seattle, WA again, but this time I got to explore a little more and I've completely fallen for this city. I'm not sure if I could live in so much rain, but I sure appreciate and love passing through when I can. 

Patch: What's your favorite song on the radio right now?

Whitton: Sadly, I don't listen to much radio. I do love Pandora, but if I were to pick a popular song, I'd say "Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum - great band!

Patch: What are you doing when you're not singing?

Whitton: Visiting family, writing music, traveling, sampling all the organic fruits at the farmers markets, undesirably driving on the 10 freeway in traffic everyday and listening to intoxicated locals cackle about their life while bartending on the weekends.

Patch: What is your favorite thing to do when in West Hollywood?

Whitton: I've spent many holidays in West Hollywood. I love the parades and special live concerts, and mostly, the people watching.

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