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Jem (singer)

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Jem

Jemma Griffiths is a singer-songwriter better known as Jem. She was born in Cardiff, Wales and attended Sussex University, obtaining a degree in law.

Along with Guy Sigsworth, she wrote the song "Nothing Fails", which was later reworked by Madonna and appeared on her 2003 American Life album.

Jem's career began in earnest, however, in 2002, when a demo version of the song Finally Woken was played on Los Angeles station KCRW.

She was subsequently signed to the label ATO and released the moderately successful EP It All Starts Here in autumn 2003, followed by the album Finally Woken in March 2004.

The single "They", from Finally Woken, was released in the UK on March 14 2005. She simultaneously began receiving publicity in the US, as her music was featured on television shows such as The O.C., Desperate Housewives, Wonderfalls and Six Feet Under.

The following singles, "24" and "Come On Closer", began receiving airplay on Triple A radio stations; the single "Come On Closer" was also used as the advertising theme for the 2004 movie Closer, directed by Mike Nichols. Her song "Wish I" has also been used as the title music for UK reality TV show, Celebrity Love Island.

Along with her appearance on The O.C., the song "Just A Ride" (a tribute to Bill Hicks) was featured on Music From The O.C. Mix 1, along with "Maybe I'm Amazed", which was featured on Music From The O.C. Mix 2.

Musical style

Jem's eclectic musical stylings on her debut album defied the categorization of some music critics. While some of her songs are straight up rock ballads, some of her tracks verge on electronica and trip-hop. Her throaty, mellow voice draws immediate comparisons to Beth Orton and to a lesser extent Dido, although Jem herself prefers to let her musical work stand on its own, rather than be compared to previous artists.

Discography

Albums

Singles

  • "It All Starts Here" [EP] (2003)
  • "Maybe I'm Amazed" (2004)
  • "They" (2005) #6 UK
  • "24" (2005)
  • "Come On Closer" (2005)
  • "Just A Ride" (2005) #16 UK
  • "Wish I" (2005) #24 UK
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