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Jem (singer)
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Key Information
Jemma Gwynne Griffiths (born 18 May 1975), known by her stage name Jem, is a Welsh singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Born and raised in Penarth, Glamorgan, she began songwriting at an early age. After graduating from university in 1996, she worked as a DJ as well as co-founder of record label Marine Parade in Brighton.[1] On 24 March 2004, she released her debut studio album Finally Woken through ATO Records. Featuring the singles "They", "Just a Ride" and "Wish I", the album saw the most success in the United Kingdom, where it was certified Platinum.[2][3] Jem followed up her debut with her second album, Down to Earth, released on 18 September 2008. Her third album, Beachwood Canyon, was released in 2016.
Early life and education
[edit]Jemma Griffiths was born in Penarth, Wales, a small town near Cardiff on 18 May 1975. Jem originally found her passion for singing and songwriting whilst attending Stanwell School. During her early school years she explored her musical interests with the family piano, penning her first song at the age of thirteen.[4] Jem has three siblings, older sister Chloe, eldest sister Georgia, who provided vocals for the Welsh indie/punk band Weapons of Mass Belief alongside brother Justin, who also goes by the name Yestyn, of Glass Pear.[5]
In 1993, Jem moved to Brighton to study Law at the University of Sussex.[1] Both during her studies and after graduating in 1996, Jem spent time as a club and festival promoter and also began working as a DJ in Brighton's club scene under the name Jem, inspired by the animated series Jem and the Holograms.[1][6]
Career
[edit]1999–2006: It All Starts Here... and Finally Woken
[edit]In early 1998, alongside Adam Freeland, she co-founded and helped run the specialist breakbeat/hip hop record label Marine Parade. However, after spending two years acting as agent and promoter for other aspiring musicians, she soon felt that she had neglected her own musical career.[4] In November 1999, she left Brighton and returned to Wales, where she assembled a mobile recording studio and focused on developing her own individual songwriting and music production skills, completing a collection of four demos that acted as the basis of her break into the music industry.[1]
In 2000, Jem moved to London where she met Sugababes manager Sarah Stennett, with whom she began a professional relationship.[7] Stennett introduced her to other writers and producers.[7] She had a writing session with electronic producer Guy Sigsworth, during which the song "Nothing Fails" was created; the song was eventually picked up by Madonna for her 2003 studio album, American Life.[1] In 2001, Jem travelled to Brooklyn, New York City, teaming up with hip hop producer Ge-Ology and co-producer Yoad Nevo.[1] In March 2002, Jem stopped by independent radio station KCRW to leave a demo of her song "Finally Woken" in Nic Harcourt's mailbox.[6] Harcourt began playing it on his show Morning Becomes Eclectic.[6] This attracted the attention of Bruce Flohr, an A&R rep for RCA Records and newly established ATO Records, who offered her a recording contract.[7] She was subsequently signed to the label and Jem relocated to Los Angeles.[3]
On 13 October 2003, in preparation for the release of her full-length album, Jem released the EP It All Starts Here..., consisting of five tracks. Her full-length studio album Finally Woken was released in the United States on 24 March 2004. In the United Kingdom, "They" was released as her lead single on 13 March 2005. This was followed by "Just a Ride" in June and "Wish I" in September, which was used as the theme tune to UK reality television programme Celebrity Love Island. Finally Awoken spent 32 weeks on the UK Album Chart and peaked at number 6.[8] Jem licensed every song on her album to be broadcast on American television programs, films and advertisements as a method of promotion.[9] Television program The O.C. was the first to use Jem's music in several of their episodes, eventually inviting her to guest-star on the show. She performed a cover version of Paul McCartney's 1970 song "Maybe I'm Amazed" in the first season finale.[6] Since then, every song from the album has appeared in various television programs, such as Six Feet Under, Desperate Housewives, Without a Trace and Grey's Anatomy.[9]
2007–2009: Down to Earth
[edit]In 2006, Jem decided to cease touring and to spend a year focusing on writing new material and developing her second studio album. She parted from Yoad Nevo and met with four different producers across the United States. Over the next few years she worked with Jeff Bass in Detroit as well as meeting with Lester Mendez in Los Angeles. Producers Mike Bradford and Greg Kurstin also collaborated with Jem. During the production of her album, Jem wrote and lent her vocals to the song "Once in Every Lifetime" which appeared on the Eragon movie soundtrack.
Jem's second studio album, Down to Earth was released in the United States, Canada, and Japan on 18 September 2008 with the European releases varying by each country between January and March 2009. The album peaked at 48 on the Billboard 200 and 64 on the UK Albums Chart[10] The lead single of the album "It's Amazing" originally appeared on the soundtrack for the 2008 movie Sex and the City. Released 3 June 2008, the song failed to chart in the United States or the United Kingdom. Her following single releases off the album included: "Crazy" in August 2008, "And So I Pray" in May 2009, and "I Want You To..." in October 2009, however, they did not grant as much commercial success as her debut album. On 4 December 2009, Jem released the single "Until the Morning Comes", which was a collaboration with her brother, Glass Pear.[11]
2010–2016: Other projects and Beachwood Canyon
[edit]In 2011, Jem contributed to the record Ten Years On: A Collection of Songs in Remembrance of September 11th 2001.[12] In 2012, Jem returned to producing her third album. In November, she recorded tracks at the Grand Master Studios, in Hollywood,[13] and originally anticipated a release in early 2013.[14] Outside of music, she also announced that she had spent several years writing a screenplay.[15]
After numerous delays, in January 2016, Jem published the first photoshoots for the Beachwood Canyon album on her Facebook page and announced the official release of the album for spring 2016.[16] The first single "Beachwood Canyon" was released on 1 July. On 5 August 2016, the album was released digitally worldwide.
Musical style
[edit]Jem's musical style is varied and encompasses genres such as trip hop, electronica, pop rock and new wave, with critics often associating her with other female musicians Dido and Beth Orton.[6]
Personal life
[edit]In September 2009, Jem married American musician and songwriter Joseph George in Montecito, California. They had originally met in 2005, on the set of filming the music video for "Wish I", where George acted the role of Jem's love interest.[17] They both currently reside in Los Angeles.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [18] |
AUS [19] |
IRE [20] |
US [21] |
US Heat |
US Indie | ||
| Finally Woken | 6 | 36 | 15 | 197 | 11 | — | |
| Down to Earth |
|
64 | — | — | 43 | — | 4 |
| Beachwood Canyon |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — |
EPs
[edit]- It All Starts Here... (13 October 2003, US only release)
Singles
[edit]| Single | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [18] |
AUS [19] |
AUT [22] |
CAN [23] |
GER | IRE [20] |
ITA [24] |
NLD [25] |
SWE [26] |
US AAA[27] | |||
| "They" | 2004 | 6 | 28 | 15 | — | 45 | 8 | 47 | 29 | 47 | 18 | Finally Woken |
| "Just a Ride" | 2005 | 16 | — | — | — | — | 27 | — | 89 | — | — | |
| "Wish I" | 24 | — | — | — | — | 27 | — | — | — | — | ||
| "24" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "It's Amazing" | 2008 | — | — | — | — | 77 | — | — | — | — | — | Down to Earth |
| "Crazy" | — | — | — | 97 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "And So I Pray" | 2009 | —[a] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "I Want You To..." | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Until the Morning Comes" (with Glass Pear) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "Beachwood Canyon" | 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Beachwood Canyon |
| "Rainbow"[29] | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Song | Director | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "They" | Laurent Briet | Finally Woken |
| 2005 | "Just a Ride" | Steven Murashige | |
| 2005 | "Wish I" | Steven Murashige | |
| 2009 | "It's Amazing" | Saam Gabbay | Down to Earth |
| 2009 | "I Want You to..." | Jemma Griffiths |
Various
[edit]| Song | Production Title | Year | Production Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Just a Ride" | Music from the OC: Mix 1 | 2004 | soundtrack |
| "Maybe I'm Amazed" | Music from the OC: Mix 2 | 2004 | soundtrack |
| "California Sun" | "Just a Ride" | 2005 | single |
| "Amazing Life" | Six Feet Under, Vol. 2: Everything Ends | 2005 | soundtrack |
| "Easy Way Out" | Carmen Rizzo: The Lost Art of the Idle Moment | 2005 | album |
| "The Thieves" | Weapons | 2006 | album |
| "Once in Every Lifetime" | Eragon: Music from the Motion Picture | 2006 | soundtrack |
| "Everytime" | Vusi Mahlasela: Guiding Star | 2007 | album |
| "Ecouter" | Carmen Rizzo: Ornament of an Imposter | 2008 | album |
| "It's Amazing" | Sex and the City: The Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | 2008 | soundtrack |
| "Yellow" | Sweetheart: Our Favorite Artists Sing Their Favorite Love Songs | 2009 | compilation |
| "Until the Morning Comes" | Glass Pear: Until the Morning Comes | 2009 | single |
Song usage
[edit]| Song | Production | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Come on Closer" | Closer Las Vegas Life As We Know It Desperate Housewives |
2004 2006 2004 2004 |
trailer unofficial soundtrack Clip Official Season 1 Promo |
| "Wish I" | Celebrity Love Island Grey's Anatomy S. 1, Ep. 7 |
2004 2005 |
title theme unofficial soundtrack |
| "Maybe I'm Amazed" | The OC | 2004 | official soundtrack |
| "Just a Ride" | The OC Monster-in-Law The Prince and Me Grey's Anatomy S. 2, Ep. 2 Summerland Shark S2E03 Six Feet Under S4E06 |
2004 2005 2005 2005 2004 2007 2004 |
official soundtrack official soundtrack official soundtrack unofficial soundtrack |
| "They" | The OC Crossing Jordan Grey's Anatomy S. 1, Ep. 1 The X Effect Strictly Come Dancing |
2004 2004 2005 2007 |
unofficial soundtrack unofficial soundtrack unofficial soundtrack title theme Tango/Argentine Tango Track (Series 5/8) |
| "Save Me" | Grey's Anatomy S. 1, Ep. 6 | 2005 | unofficial soundtrack |
| "Flying High" | Wonderfalls S.1, Ep. 11 Grey's Anatomy S. 2, Ep. 20 One Tree Hill S. 2, Ep. 15 Laguna Beach Sex Drive |
2004 2005 |
unofficial soundtrack |
| "Amazing Life" | Six Feet Under Lexus ES 350 |
2005 2006 |
official soundtrack advert |
| "24" | Ultraviolet Smallville Center Stage: Turn It Up Without a Trace |
2006 2005 2008 2005 |
trailer unofficial soundtrack unofficial soundtrack trailer |
| "Once in Every Lifetime" | Eragon | 2006 | official soundtrack |
| "California Sun" | Grey's Anatomy S. 3, Ep. 22 | 2007 | unofficial soundtrack |
| "It's Amazing" | Sex and the City: The Movie Medium S. 5, Ep. 89, 90 |
2008 2009 |
official soundtrack unofficial soundtrack |
| "Crazy" | Gossip Girl | 2008 | unofficial soundtrack |
| "I Always Knew" | 90210 | 2008 | unofficial soundtrack |
| "Keep on Walking" | Damages S. 2, Ep. 13 Orange Is the New Black S. 1, Ep. 12 |
2009 2013 |
unofficial soundtrack |
| "Forever and a day" | Beastly | 2011 | unofficial soundtrack |
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "Jemma Griffiths Biography". Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Award". BPI. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ a b "answers.com". Answers.com. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ a b Griffiths, Jemma. "Jem, Part 1". Chatshow Network (Interview). Interviewed by Andrea Binks. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Wales' sexiest men" Archived 10 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine Western Mail, 4 December 2010
- ^ a b c d e Stuart, Courteney (22 April 2004). "Dig it! This Jem wants to shine". The Hook (316). Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ a b c "Interview with Sarah Stennett". HitQuarters. 21 January 2013. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "OfficialCharts". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ a b Moss, Corey (15 November 2005). "Moby-Style Promotion Works For Inescapable Jem". MTV. Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Glass Pear & Jem - Until the Morning Comes". Spotify. 4 December 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Ten Years On". Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Jem | The Official Website of Jem". Jem-music.net. Archived from the original on 13 February 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ "Jem". facebook.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022.
- ^ "Joseph George's Bio". Josephgeorgemusic.comaccessdate=2014-08-09. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2011.
- ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 281. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ a b "australian-charts.com – Discography Jem". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ a b "irish-charts.com – Discography Jem". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "Jem – Chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "austriancharts.at – Discographie Jem". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "Jem – Chart history (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "italiancharts.com – Jem – They". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "dutchcharts.nl – Discografie Jem". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "swedishcharts.com – Discography Jem". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "Jem Chart History: Triple A". Billboard. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
- ^ "Jem - And So I Pray". Official Charts. 6 June 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Jem - Rainbow". Spotify. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
External links
[edit]Jem (singer)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family
Jemma Gwynne Griffiths, professionally known as Jem, was born on 18 May 1975 in Penarth, a coastal town near Cardiff in Wales.[5] Of Welsh heritage, she grew up in the family home on Clinton Road in Penarth, alongside her parents and three siblings: two older sisters, Chloe and Georgia, and a younger brother.[6] Her father worked as a lawyer, a profession that influenced her decision to pursue legal studies later in life.[7] The Griffiths household fostered an early interest in music, with Jem experimenting on the family piano during her pre-teen years and penning her first song at age 13.[8] This home environment, combined with the cultural backdrop of Penarth and broader Welsh traditions, provided foundational exposure to creative expression.[9] She attended local schools in the area, including Stanwell School, where at age 13 she discovered her passion for singing and songwriting, often performing at family events and school activities.[10] These formative years in Penarth shaped her initial musical inclinations before she transitioned to further education in Brighton.[7]Education and initial interests
At the age of 18 in 1993, Jemma Griffiths, known professionally as Jem, relocated from her hometown of Penarth, Wales, to Brighton, England, to attend the University of Sussex.[11] Drawing briefly from the cultural foundations of her Welsh upbringing and family encouragement toward a stable profession, she enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in law, influenced by her father's career as a solicitor.[11] Throughout her studies from 1993 to 1996, Jem balanced rigorous academics with extracurricular pursuits in Brighton's burgeoning music scene. She graduated with her law degree in 1996, having immersed herself in the city's vibrant club culture while maintaining her coursework.[12][2] During her university years, Jem discovered the electronic music scenes that defined 1990s Britain, regularly attending raves and club nights that exposed her to innovative sounds and underground communities. This period marked her initial passion for genres like drum 'n' bass, as she engaged with the energetic atmosphere of Brighton's nightlife and its pioneering role in electronic music.[13][2] Inspired by these experiences, Jem began experimenting with recording in a modest home setup, utilizing basic equipment in a bedroom studio to capture her emerging ideas. She composed her first original tracks during university breaks, drawing influences from trip-hop and drum 'n' bass to blend atmospheric electronics with personal lyricism, laying the groundwork for her creative path.[13][14]Career
DJing and early production (1990s–2002)
After graduating from university in 1996 with a law degree, Jemma Griffiths, known professionally as Jem, moved to Brighton, where she immersed herself in the local club scene as a DJ and promoter.[2] Specializing in drum 'n' bass and breakbeat, she performed at events alongside artists like Fatboy Slim and helped organize nights for the Skint label, contributing to the city's burgeoning electronic music culture during the late 1990s.[12] Her work extended to acting as a DJ agent, booking talent for festivals such as Essential and Big Beat Boutique, which solidified her presence in the UK's underground dance community.[2] In 1998, Jem co-founded the breakbeat and hip-hop focused record label Marine Parade alongside DJ and producer Adam Freeland, taking on roles in A&R, production, and operations.[15] The label released early EPs and compilations featuring emerging artists in the genre, including works by Freeland and others in the Brighton scene, helping to nurture the breakbeat sound amid the rise of big beat and electronic music.[12] Operating from a modest setup, Jem managed the label's output while experimenting with production techniques in her bedroom studio, where she honed skills in engineering and song arrangement using portable equipment.[16] By the early 2000s, Jem shifted focus toward her own material, engineering tracks for other artists and developing innovative home-recording methods that blended electronic elements with vocal experimentation. In November 1999, she assembled a mobile recording studio during a return to Wales, producing initial demos that showcased her production style.[2] One notable early release was her self-produced EP It All Starts Here..., which she prepared around 2002 before its formal issuance, featuring tracks like "They" that highlighted her engineering prowess and bedroom studio innovations.[17] Jem's networking in London's music circles during this period led to key industry connections, including collaborations with producers like Guy Sigsworth, whose work on her demos in 2002 caught the attention of executives.[2] These efforts culminated in her signing with ATO Records in 2002, following submissions of her demo material to A&R representatives Bruce Flohr and the label's team. This deal marked the transition from her behind-the-scenes production role to a broader platform, built on years of DJing and label management in Brighton.[18]Breakthrough and Finally Woken (2003–2006)
In 2003, Jem transitioned from her background in DJing and production to focus on her solo career, applying her skills in electronic music to develop her debut album Finally Woken. She collaborated with producers including Guy Sigsworth, known for his work with artists like Björk, and Yoad Nevo, beginning sessions in London after initial demos recorded in New York with hip-hop producer Ge-Ology.[19][20][2] The album blended electronic elements with her ethereal vocals, creating a dreamy pop sound characterized by trip-hop beats, sampled strings, and ambient loops.[21][22] Released on March 23, 2004, in the United States via ATO Records and later in the United Kingdom on May 24, Finally Woken marked her emergence as a frontwoman, with Jem co-producing several tracks alongside her collaborators.[23][2] The lead single "They," featuring a sample from the Swingle Singers' adaptation of Bach's "Prelude No. 12 in F Minor," originated as a demo track during the album's early sessions and became Jem's breakthrough hit. Released in 2004, it peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart, spending 17 weeks in the top 75, and achieved success in the US, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart.[24][25] The song's choral elements and bumping beat exemplified the album's fusion of pop hooks and electronic production, earning praise for its alluring, laid-back vibe.[22] Finally Woken itself debuted at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, with 34 weeks in the top 75, while in the US it hit number 11 on the Heatseekers Albums chart.[24][26] To promote the album, Jem embarked on headlining tours across Europe and the United States, building on support slots for established acts to establish her live presence. The record's commercial impact was significant, selling over 200,000 copies in the US by early 2005 and exceeding one million worldwide, earning platinum certification in the UK for its dreamy, sample-driven sound that drew comparisons to Dido while standing out for its cinematic depth.[22][27] Critics acclaimed the album's silky hooks and sturdy beats, with reviewers highlighting tracks like "Stay Now" for their sunny, hypnotic allure and overall innovative blend of genres.[21][22]Down to Earth era (2007–2009)
Following the success of her debut album Finally Woken, Jem spent several years developing her sophomore effort, Down to Earth, which marked a shift toward a more grounded and collaborative creative process. Recorded primarily in Detroit at FBT Studios and Jeff Bass Music Studios, as well as in Los Angeles at Henson Recording Studios and Westlake Audio, the album featured production contributions from the Bass Brothers (known for their work with Eminem and D12), Lester Mendez (who co-produced the title track and handled string and brass arrangements), Greg Kurstin (on tracks like "Aciiid!" and the title song), and longtime collaborator Guy Sigsworth (co-writing "24"). Jem co-wrote the majority of the tracks, incorporating diverse influences such as Brazilian percussion on the opener "Down to Earth" and funky guitar riffs on songs like "Crazy," resulting in a blend of electro-pop, lush ballads, and Latin-flavored rhythms that emphasized live instrumentation over the debut's heavier electronic elements.[28][29][3] Released on September 16, 2008, by ATO Records, Down to Earth arrived after a four-year gap from her previous release, during which Jem navigated creative exploration and industry dynamics, including discussions around label expectations in interviews. The lead single, "It's Amazing," preceded the album on June 3, 2008, gaining exposure through its inclusion on the Sex and the City film soundtrack and peaking at number 77 on the German Singles Chart, though it saw limited airplay in the US and UK. Subsequent singles "Crazy" and "I Want You To..." highlighted the album's themes of resilience and personal growth, with the former featuring banjo-driven funk and the latter evoking upbeat Latin grooves, but neither achieved significant chart traction. The album itself debuted modestly, reaching number 48 on the US Billboard 200 and number 64 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting a sophomore effort that built on her established fanbase without matching the debut's breakout momentum.[30][31][24] Critics praised the album's polished production and Jem's versatile vocals, with The Guardian describing it as "utterly sumptuous and occasionally sizzling," though noting it lacked the "spook-pop" eccentricity of Finally Woken. Paste Magazine highlighted its infectious grooves amid some formulaic moments, appreciating the shift to more organic arrangements with acoustic guitars, piano, and brass. Promotion was constrained by Jem's selective touring schedule, which included US dates in late 2008 and early 2009, as well as festival appearances, allowing her to focus on intimate performances that showcased the album's live-friendly sound. Despite these efforts, the era represented a period of artistic maturation amid moderate commercial reception, setting the stage for future explorations.[32][33][34]Collaborations and Beachwood Canyon (2010–2016)
Following the release of her second album, Jem shifted her focus toward collaborative projects and production work, while developing material for her next solo effort. In 2011, she produced the tribute album Ten Years On: A Collection of Songs in Remembrance of September 11th 2001, curating and clearing tracks from prominent artists including Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, John Legend, and Alanis Morissette to honor the event's tenth anniversary. This project highlighted her growing role as a behind-the-scenes contributor in the music industry, leveraging her production skills to bring together diverse talents for a cause-driven compilation. Additionally, her 2003 single "24" from Finally Woken served as a thematic cornerstone for the Fox TV series 24, with the song's introspective lyrics about time and loss resonating with the show's high-stakes narrative, leading to its prominent use across multiple seasons.[13] Jem also engaged in songwriting and guest contributions during this era, often tying into her evolving style that blended electronic elements with folk influences from her prior work. She collaborated closely with her brother, Justin Griffiths (performing as Glass Pear), co-writing several tracks that appeared on TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Bones, expanding her footprint in sync licensing for film and television. These partnerships emphasized her freelance approach, as she contributed vocals and production to independent releases while her catalog continued to license songs for commercials and media, including placements with brands like Lexus and Pantene. This period marked a transition toward greater creative control, amid a broader industry move away from major-label dependencies for artists like Jem.[3][16] The centerpiece of Jem's activities from 2010 to 2016 was the development and release of her third studio album, Beachwood Canyon. Announced in 2013, the project was recorded primarily in Los Angeles at studios like Grandmaster, drawing inspiration from 1960s and 1970s folk-rock acts and reflecting the bohemian vibe of its namesake neighborhood. Co-produced by Jem with input from her brother Justin Griffiths, the album featured introspective tracks like the title song "Beachwood Canyon" and "So Gold," the latter co-written with Harry Robinson and Roy Tuvey. After facing delays and parting ways with her previous label ATO Records, Jem independently released the album on August 5, 2016, via her own imprint, Orchid Entertainment Inc., marking a pivotal step in her career toward self-directed artistry. The lead single, "Beachwood Canyon," was issued in July 2016, accompanied by a lyric video that previewed the record's hazy, nostalgic sound. Despite critical praise for its cohesive concept, the album's independent rollout limited its commercial reach, underscoring the challenges of navigating a shifting music landscape.[35][36][37]Recent activities (2017–present)
Following the release of her third studio album Beachwood Canyon in 2016, Jem entered a period of reduced musical output, prioritizing family life with her husband, singer-songwriter Joseph George—whom she met in 2005—and their two children.[4] By November 2025, she had not released a new full-length album, instead selecting projects that aligned with her personal and creative interests.[14] Among her notable engagements during this time, Jem self-directed and released the music video for "They 2.0," a carnival remix of her 2005 hit single "They," in August 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album Finally Woken.[38] The video stars her children, Luka and Indy, highlighting her integration of family into her work.[39] She also launched the music-inspired podcast It's Amazing in 2024, featuring celebrity guests such as Dave Matthews to explore the songs and stories that shaped their lives.[27] Additionally, Jem has been writing scripts and pitching television shows, expanding her creative pursuits beyond music.[4] In an April 2025 interview with Shondaland, Jem reflected on the 20th anniversary of Finally Woken, crediting its success—particularly tracks featured on Grey's Anatomy—to a blend of fate and hard work.[4] She emphasized believing in destiny while actively creating opportunities, quoting Napoleon Hill: "Every adversity… carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit," and expressed openness to future projects in music, TV, and film.[4] As of 2025, Jem remains based in Los Angeles, continuing to value soundtrack placements in TV and film as a key aspect of her career, though she maintains a selective approach to public engagements.[4]Musical style and influences
Core style elements
Jem's signature sound is characterized by a seamless blend of electronic pop, trip-hop, and indie elements, featuring ethereal vocals layered over intricate synth arrangements and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of atmospheric introspection.[40] This fusion creates a dreamy, otherworldly aesthetic, as heard in tracks like "They," where choral samples intertwine with modern beats to produce a hypnotic effect.[22] Her music often balances electronic experimentation with organic textures, distinguishing it within contemporary pop landscapes.[41] In terms of production techniques, Jem frequently employs loops, samples, and a DIY ethos, drawing from diverse recording environments to craft intimate yet expansive soundscapes. Early works showcase dense electronic layers and creative sampling, such as the Bach-inspired prelude in "They," which builds tension through rhythmic loops and subtle percussion.[22] Over time, her approach evolved toward lighter, more acoustic integrations, evident in "Down to Earth," where acoustic guitar complements electronic elements for a grounded, emotive feel.[28] This progression from thick, sample-heavy electronics in her debut to sparser, pop-oriented arrangements in later releases reflects a maturation in balancing accessibility with sonic depth.[29] Lyrically, Jem's themes center on vulnerability, relationships, and self-discovery, delivered with a cinematic quality that invites listeners into personal emotional narratives. Songs often explore the fragility of human connections and moments of inner reflection, using poetic imagery to convey a sense of wistful longing and resilience.[40] This thematic consistency across her catalog underscores a focus on emotional authenticity, enhancing the music's introspective and relatable appeal.[41] Her vocal style is marked by a breathy, emotive delivery that draws from lounge and alternative traditions, creating an intimate, conversational intimacy even in layered productions. Jem's warm, soaring tones add an ethereal lift to tracks, allowing vulnerability to shine through without overpowering the instrumentation.[40] This approach, combined with subtle phrasing, contributes to the music's soothing yet evocative power.[22]Key influences
Jem's musical development was profoundly shaped by her early immersion in the vibrant electronic and rave scenes of 1990s Britain, particularly during her time in Brighton where she pioneered the local drum 'n' bass movement while studying law at Sussex University.[42] This exposure to high-energy club culture and underground beats laid the foundation for her experimental approach to production, influencing her initial forays into bedroom studio work.[2][3] As a Welsh native from Penarth, Jem drew personal inspiration from her cultural roots, admiring iconic figures such as Shirley Bassey for her powerful vocal delivery and the Super Furry Animals for their genre-blending psychedelia, which echoed the eclectic Welsh music landscape she grew up with.[43] These early encounters with folk-tinged and theatrical Welsh artistry fostered her appreciation for emotive songwriting, later evident in her admiration for vocalists like Joni Mitchell and Carole King, whose introspective lyrics and melodic depth informed her own narrative-driven compositions.[42] Her genre inspirations extended to electronic pioneers, including collaborations with producers like Guy Sigsworth—known for his work with Björk—which introduced atmospheric, avant-garde elements reminiscent of trip-hop acts such as Massive Attack and Portishead, though Jem has cited a broader palette of electronic influences from her DJing days with Fatboy Slim.[2] She has also expressed fondness for experimental icons like David Bowie, whose boundary-pushing reinvention mirrored her own willingness to fuse styles.[43] Over time, Jem's influences evolved from the intense, rhythm-driven drum 'n' bass of her youth toward more accessible pop structures in her albums, incorporating diverse global sounds like Middle Eastern motifs, Brazilian percussion, and African vocal elements to create a multifaceted sound that prioritizes emotional versatility over rigid genre adherence.[44][3] This shift is reflected in her later appreciation for artists like Dave Matthews for their organic live energy and Nelly Furtado for bold pop innovation, allowing her to balance intimate folk undertones with expansive electronic production.[43]Personal life
Relationships and family
Jem met American singer-songwriter Joseph George in 2005 while filming the music video for "Wish I" from her debut album Finally Woken, where he portrayed her love interest. The couple married in 2009.[4] Jem and George have two children, with whom they reside in Los Angeles as of 2025. The family relocated to LA early in Jem's career to pursue music opportunities, and she has balanced parenting with her professional endeavors, including featuring her children as "backyard DJs" in the 2024 music video for her remix "They 2.0 (Carnival Remix)."[45][27][46] As fellow musicians, Jem and George maintain a supportive partnership in her creative work, though Jem has kept much of her family life private, offering public insights primarily through select interviews and family-involved projects like the aforementioned video.[4]Works and legacy
Studio albums
Jem's debut studio album, Finally Woken, was released on March 23, 2004, by ATO Records in the United States.[40] The album peaked at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and spent 34 weeks on the chart.[47] In the US, it reached number 26 on the Billboard 200. The album has sold over one million copies worldwide, earning platinum certification in the US.[27] Her second studio album, Down to Earth, was released on September 16, 2008, also by ATO Records.[48] It peaked at number 64 on the UK Albums Chart for one week.[49] In the US, the album debuted and peaked at number 48 on the Billboard 200. Her third studio album, Beachwood Canyon, was released on August 5, 2016, by Orchid Entertainment.[50] It was issued digitally worldwide, with no major chart positions reported.EPs
Jem's debut EP, It All Starts Here..., was released in 2003 by ATO Records, serving as a precursor to her full-length debut.[51] In 2016, she issued a digital singles bundle featuring tracks from her third project, Beachwood Canyon, including remixes, preceding the album's digital release.[14]Singles
Jem's singles discography spans electronic pop and trip-hop influences, with several achieving moderate chart success primarily in the UK and on US adult contemporary formats. Below is a chronological table of her major singles, including peak positions where applicable.| Year | Single | Album | UK Peak | US Peak | Formats/B-sides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "24" | Finally Woken | — | #98 (Bubbling Under Hot 100) | CD, digital |
| 2004 | "They" | Finally Woken | #6 (17 weeks) | #18 (Adult Alternative Airplay) | CD, vinyl, digital; B-side: "They" (acoustic) |
| 2005 | "Just a Ride" | Finally Woken | #16 (9 weeks) | — | CD, digital; B-side: "Just a Ride" (remix) |
| 2005 | "Wish I" | Finally Woken | #24 (4 weeks) | — | CD, digital |
| 2008 | "It's Amazing" | Down to Earth | — | — | Digital, promo CD |
| 2008 | "Keep on Keeping On" | Down to Earth | — | — | Digital |
| 2016 | "Beachwood Canyon" | Beachwood Canyon | — | — | Digital |