Our All Buttoned Up community has grown rapidly during the last months and we are very thankful for that! In this new series ‘Rude Roots’ we are asking our own community about their lives, their passion and love for alternative culture, music, art, and other stories. This time we chatted with Jazz from Kent about punk, performing live, and Britney Spears.
Introduction
Hi Jazz! How are you doing?
I’m very well thank you, Angel!
Growing up
Can you tell us where you are from?
I live in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, UK
How did you grow up? Did you like those times?
I grew up with a single mama on a council estate. I loved my upbringing; we were always at The Fortress Studios in London. Always either playing football with my mates down the park or around live music.
© Jazz’ Instagram
Alternative scene
Cool! How did you end up in the alternative scene?
My mum is an old school Punk/Skinhead so I’ve been raised in it.
Ah, makes sense! What would you call yourself? Alternative? Punk? Skin?
Aesthetically a Skinhead, attitude I guess is queer Punk.
Fashion & style
You like to wear Ben Sherman and Fred Perry, right? Why do you like it so much?
When something ain’t broke, you don’t fix it. They’re timeless and look great
How would you describe your own style?
I don’t really know. I love being Skinhead day to day but also love my Adidas tracksuits and getting into drag to fuck with gender.
© Exclusive photo from Jazz
You stated in one of your stories that punk is not punk anymore and that Britney (Spears, Ed.) is more punk than any of us. Can you explain that?
Punk isn’t a fashion, it’s a state of mind. Pre conservatorship Britney was punk, shaving her hair and saying I don’t want them touching me is the biggest middle finger.
© X17Online.com
What should punk be about in your opinion?
In my opinion punk is equality and fucking the patriarchy.
Performing live
We did some research and are we right that you perform sometimes? So, you are in a band or something? Tell us everything!
I attempt to. I’m a backing vocalist for Isaac Holman from Soft Play (Slaves) solo project called Baby Dave and very rarely attempt solo stuff. Baby Dave has given me a lot of confidence back. It’s mad how close we’ve all become and that we get to tour the country and play festivals with our mates. Shout out to the band Isaac, Joe, Erin, Isaac R. and Oscar and the tour crew Spike, Zee and Kaleb. Oh, and I also do a radio show Sundays with my best mate Yungz on The Music Galaxy Radio called Bangers and Trash (5-7pm GMT). Shameless plug! 😉
I read on your Instagram that activism is important to you. Can you explain what you exactly trying to achieve and what’s the message you’re spreading?
I cannot stand prejudice of any kind and I will use my voice fighting for equality until the death rattle.
© Jazz’ Instagram
We really like that strong message, Jazz! So, do you think there’s something lacking ‘in the scene’?
Depends which scene we’re talking about. For me I love live music, not enough people support the support acts. I love watching it all. Even if you don’t know any of the bands, support your local music venues, they’re vital and we nearly lost them. I wouldn’t know who I am without The Forum in Tunbridge Wells, they helped mould me and are basically my second home.
Music
What’s your top 5 artists/songs?
My all-time favourite song ever is Sweet – Ballroom Blitz. I don’t know why it’s just always made me so happy. Favourite artists at the moment are Bob Vylan, Slobheads, Bones Ate Arfa, Ramona Marx and Lil Nas X. Throwing y’all right off with that last one.
Personal beliefs
Love the diversity! When people think of you, what are you hoping that they think?
Confident and sexy…because that’s what I am! Nah I’m kidding! I hope they think I’m a decent person because although I have a hard exterior to some people. I’m actually really empathetic and giving…until I’m crossed that is.
© Jazz’ Instagram
A not that serious question: what’s your most ridiculous drunk story? 😉
Oh dear, I’ve got loads. I don’t drink any more but when I did, I was a nightmare. I’ve injured myself, been stranded, got with people I shouldn’t have got with. Most ridiculous is probably getting on stage in front of a packed-out venue with Barry from Eastenders, singing Time Of Your Life and twerking in the instrumental.
Haha. God, we think that quite a lot of people have funny drunk stories! Allright, let’s wrap this one up!
Final question: anything you would like to add to the readers and followers of All Buttoned Up? 🙂
1. Racism doesn’t have a fashion sense, don’t judge a Skinhead…unless they’ve got red laces on
2. Check out the artists I spoke about if you don’t know them, they’re amazing.
3. Thanks for having me. Love you. 💖
Great advice Jazz! Thank you for talking with us and stay rude! Cheers!
If you would like to support Jazz you can follow her on Instagram.
All content used in this article is shared with consent of the creator.