Jayne Lewis

Posted on February 15th, 2012 at 4:40 PM / No comments

Well here I am for the first time in ages.  Life is busy – what can I say!

If you didn’t already know, I now have three albums for sale through this website – you can also buy my music through bandcamp – which I’d recommend for ‘Orange Sky’ as I have next to no copies of that actual c.d left!  The bandcamp page is still under construction so not all the tracks are available yet – keep an eye on it, and you should soon be able to get all my music digitally online!

I also have taken the leap into writing in this past year, producing my own devotional journal.  So get buying!!

I am busy updating all my sites so give them a visit over the next week or so to see what’s new – I’ll be posting a few gigs up as well – please support live music and the artists you like, by going to see live gigs!

Hope my lovely readers and supporters are happy and well!

Posted on October 3rd, 2011 at 11:37 AM / No comments

Henry Ford – who invented the automobile, went broke five times before he succeeded in business.

Fred Astaire – the great dancer, took a screen test at MGM. A studio memo reported he was slightly bald, could not act & could dance a little.

Louisa May Alcott – great author who wrote the popular book Little Women, after multiple failures thought she would abandon the idea of being a writer & become a seamstress instead.

Walt Disney – was fired by a newspaper for a lack of ideas & went bankrupt several times before building Disneyland.

Enrico Caruso – parents believed a voice teacher who said he had no future in music, he simply could not sing at all. He did not believe the teacher & became one of the most famous opera singers in the world.

Theodore Roosevelt – suffered the deaths of both his mother & his wife on the same day in 1884 before he became a war hero & a very popular president of the United States.

John Wesley – the founder of Methodism, was often ask to not return to churches after preaching in them once. When he preached on the streets, townspeople kicked him out. When he preached in a meadow, people turned a bull loose on him. But later, because he refused to give up, he preached in a pasture & ten thousand people came to hear him.

Just a few of thousands of great stories to encourage you to KEEP FIGHTING FOR YOUR DREAMS. AND DON’T GIVE UP! You may need to adjust, adapt, OR change alignments – but don’t stop now.

It may be your fourth quarter in life but many games, battles & life accomplishments have come with wise assessments and another try!

I BELIEVE IN YOU, BUT MORE THAN THAT JESUS, WHO HOLDS AND EQUIPS YOU –  IS THE KING OF THE COMEBACKS.

AS LONG AS YOU’RE BREATHING KEEP ACHIEVING!

Posted on June 24th, 2011 at 11:51 AM / No comments

A bit of an update

Hi folks – just to let you know I have now finished my book!  It’s at the printers now!  I’ve been furiously writing for the past few weeks and now it’s all about to come together – quite exciting!

So if you know any young Christian women you’d like to encourage then why not buy them a devotional journal – from me!!

Now that the book is completed I’m now back to furiously mixing and getting my next c.d ‘The Ordinary Things’ all done and dusted.  It’s sounding quite nice, and the band are doing well in learning the songs in preparation for the upcoming gigs we have.

It’s all go go go!!

So please buy the book and c.d from me, or come to a gig!  If you have pre-ordered already, I’ll be in touch soon to arrange delivery etc.

In other news, I have done a fair bit of examining now for the London College of Music – I am LOVING it!  Very tiring and hard work, but SO fun and rewarding at the same time.

We have eventually got Phil’s flat rented out – which we are very happy about.

We have a few gigs coming up, when I’ve got details i’ll post them on www.jaynelewis.com and facebook – please come along and support us.

I’ll also be singing and assisting the worship leader at Keswick (convention)  again this year – 16th to 22nd July,  Very happy and excited to be back!

Anyway – just wanted to keep it brief.

Be in touch!

Jayne

Posted on May 27th, 2011 at 3:24 PM / No comments

Hi everybody!

In a nutshell, as briefly as I can put it – Here’s the news!!! (I will elaborate etc when I’ve got a little more time but here’s the jist of it for now!)

Firstly, check my websites www.jaynelewis.com, www.myspace.com/jaynelewis, and www.facebook.com/pages/Jayne-Lewis/56643954569.  To hear new music and to see pictures, and videos.

Wait a couple of days though, as I’m about to do some updating on these sites!

There are two things I want to draw your attention to ….

Firstly, I have a new album coming out in July 2011!

It is called ‘the ordinary things’ and is an album which I have produced and written myself.  It contains songs which are about the ordinary everyday things, and experiences, we all come across.  It is not so much an overtly spiritual album (as my previous two were), though there are obvious Christian references and influence. It is more of a look at the normal everyday experiences and feelings which are common to man.

The album will be £8 to buy (incl p&p), and you can buy when it is out, via my website www.jaynelewis.com (it’s not on the site yet though – it will be in July!).   Or even better - pre-order now, by emailing me via any of my sites.  It will also be on sale at the Keswick convention this summer (though it would be better if you buy it from me personally!)

Secondly, I am writing a short book!

It is untitled at the moment but it is basically a 30 day devotional book AND a journal in one!  A devotional journal! When I was in my late teens I found that most of the devotional material I came across was either not challenging, or too academic/theological for me.  For about 10 years I have wanted to write something that would challenge, inspire and build up young Christian women.  Now is the time I’ve finally decided to do it!

Writing (other than songwriting) is a very new venture for me, so that’s why I’m keeping this book short – if it gets a good response – I’ll write some more!

I have always found journaling my thoughts, prayers and responses to Biblical teaching – a very useful and affirming thing to do.  So I wanted to combine a devotional time with a time of reflection, in this little book.

The book will be out in July and will be £5. You can buy from the website In July, or pre-order now by getting back to me.  This will also be available at Keswick – again it’s better to buy from me personally!

Anyway, I think that’s enough from me for now – do get back to me to pre-order your albums or to order devotional journals for the young Christian women you know!

I’ll look forward to hearing from you, and I hope you are all happy and well!

Take care

Posted on January 11th, 2011 at 4:49 PM / No comments

Hi there People!

I hope life is well for you all and that you are looking forward to a happy and healthy 2011!

I know, once again it’s been too long – Sorry!  It’s been a very busy time since my last entry on here.  I’ve had lots of performances, work, and other things on – which has taken up a lot of my time!

I haven’t even had time to update my sites with all of the gigs I’ve been doing, I really need to try and keep on top of that this year.

Christmas and New Year were great for us – nice and chilled, with family and good friends – as it should be!

The singing group I set up about a year ago, Dawdon Vocal Project, had its first performance just before Christmas – they were very good, I was so pleased – as were they.  They made a brilliant sound and even have wedding bookings now!

Our lovely cat ‘Ella’ sadly went to sleep at the end of October – which was horrible and very sad for us – I still miss her.   She was a funny, lovely and quirky cat, but a poorly girl towards the end.  I hope she’s resting peacefully now.

For Christmas we got a Tibetan terrier, who we named ‘Holly’, she’s a character and she’s lovely.  We’re happy to have her in the family, ‘Billy’ (our Greyhound) is mildly amused by her I think.  Well he’s happier about her than he was about the cat anyway!

Church is going through a massive time of adjustment at the moment – we have lost all three of our pastors and our Worship team co-ordinator.  Myself and another guy from church have agreed to look after the music team for the moment – but everything is really up in the air right now.  Although it’s all confusing, it is a potentially very exciting time of change for the church.  I’m praying that the future will be full of Godly purpose, passion and integrity for Bethany – and also for those who have left us to pursue God’s purposes for them elsewhere.

For 2011, I’m hoping for good health (of body and soul), a great year of music making, stability for our church, and above all else – to know and love God more.

As always – keep an eye on …

www.jaynelewis.com,

www.myspace.com/jaynelewis,

www.facebook.com/pages/Jayne-Lewis/56643954569

For music, photos, videos and gig listings.  You can contact me via any of these pages for any more information.

Thanks for reading and keep in touch!

Jayne

Posted on August 19th, 2010 at 1:24 PM / No comments

Hi there folks,

Hope you are all happy and well!  Thought I’d fill you all in on what’s being going on – it’s been a while!

Firstly, since winning that contest a few months ago – the gig’s have been coming in steadily – so I’m busier performing – which is great!  Keep an eye on my various pages for details of my concerts/gigs.

I had a mad week a few weeks back where I had 8 performances in 7 days! It was so busy – but good!  One of the performances was at the Keswick Convention – I was so pleased to be there after missing out last year because of the swine flu!

I performed ‘Forever Yours’ solo, in the evening meeting to a packed tent (Approx 3,000 people).  I‘ve never played piano and sung one of my own songs, and done it alone, in front of that many people – my hands were shaking so badly! It went really well though – judging by the applause.

Then it was off to the Youth tent to play a song there – for which I had my band with me.  It was our first public performance as a band (I usually just perform solo) and it was well received – poor Dave (drummer) had to use a left handed kit though!  He did very well!

We had a gig the following afternoon (with Dave on a normal kit!), which went well despite having to use ‘in ear’ monitors (which I hate – it’s like performing in a box – sound wise speaking!).  People seemed to enjoy it, and also the gig at Sweeney’s (Jazz/easy listening) was very well attended and went very well!

So things are looking up on the music/performance side of things!

Also, I mentioned ages and ages ago, that exciting things were happening and I didn’t want to give details, just incase it fell through.  Well, as I suspected, so far one of those things is just a ‘dangling carrot’ for the moment (but I will NOT give up!).  However, one of the other things has happened!  I was looking into becoming an examiner for the London College of Music, I had an interview, had some training ……. and I was appointed!  I am still going to have some further training to get more experience on a wider variety of instruments – but I’m an examiner now!  It’s scary, daunting, hard work but I’ve a feeling I’m going to LOVE IT!

I went to Holland just a couple of weeks ago too, volunteering as an additional youth leader on our Church youth mission trip.  It was an experience!!  I used to be a youth leader in the church years ago, but then had to drop out due to other commitments.  This was my first real involvement with youth work since then.

The first big surprise was that we had to cycle everywhere.  We did not know this in advance, so the unfit among us were a little shocked.  Thankfully Holland is flat! So the cycling wasn’t too much of a trial, except everything is on the wrong side of the road and the road markings are different and hard to understand!

The activities in the week were varied and mostly fun, although the pace was a little tough, very long and tiring days!  I got ill after a few days and had to spend a couple of days in bed – which was so frustrating, I felt so ill and useless.  Thankfully I recovered quickly and was able to join in for the last couple of days.

We met some great people and saw some lovely places.  I also got to know our young people a little better – they are a really good bunch.  I was really impressed with them, we can learn a lot from them …..

Anyway, life is busy and I’ve ranted for long enough, I have to go and work on my new e.p/mini album – watch this space!

Take care

Jayne

Posted on June 27th, 2010 at 8:06 PM / 1 comment »

I was part of a ‘battle of the singer/songwriters’ last weekend. sixteen hugely talented people from all over the north east were brought together by ‘Insangel’ and the three tuns in Gateshead.

I entered fully expecting to be home after the first round. That’s not quite how it worked out!

After each round the names of the people going through, were announced. My name was amongst them – every time!

I was amazed as the standard was hugely high, in particular, Richard Gardner, Rob Waters, Joanne from Chrome attic, and four star heroes – were all fantastic vocally and musically. There were lots of other amazing artists too, I just didn’t catch their names.

We were there from 1 pm till 12 midnight, listening to some fantastically talented people.

At around 11.15 pm the winner was announced – the winner was ME!!!!! I was, and still am, amazed, grateful, encouraged and lots of other feelings!

I feel so privileged to have been part of it, I’m still buzzing about the fact I was picked as the winner. Singer/songwriter of the year! (According to ‘Insangel’ and the three tuns!)

I have always felt extremely lacking, especially in terms of guitar skills (I’m not a guitarist!) and I’ve never really known whether my songs have any real strength. I’ve just done what i’ve done because I love it – it has been amazing to me to see/hear peoples response to what I performed on sunday.

If you were there, and took the time to encourage me – thanks so much – it has been hugely appreciated. I have been on the verge of giving up for quite a while now …….. this has really helped to drive me on!

Thanks

Posted on June 14th, 2010 at 9:44 AM / No comments

Well hello there Folks, It’s been a while since I’ve updated you all on what’s going on in the life of Jayne Lewis! So here I am.

Firstly I’m thankful that since my last entry here, I’ve had a fair few more ‘gig’ opportunities, which I’ve really enjoyed. It’s been great to be doing more in terms of performance – I’m happy and grateful for that. If you want to know what I’ve been doing, and what’s coming up – check my events page and myspace/facebook pages too. If you can get along to any of the events/gigs, please do come – it’d be great to see you there!

A recent highlight was the CCCF rally in Malvern (Worcestershire). Where (joined by Phil on bass) I played to a bunch of lovely people, some of my own stuff, and some covers too, it was fun to make the audience my ‘backing choir’ too for one of the songs. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was so touched by how we were received there.

I’m also rehearsing regularly with my own band now, which is great! I have Phil on bass and Dave on drums, and we’re looking into possibilities with a guitarist/backing singer too. It’s all working fairly well so far, I’m feeling very blessed ‘musically’ speaking at the moment!

Also there’s been a few new songs recently too, which you can hear rough demo’s of on myspace or on my facebook ‘music’ page. It’s so great to have more positive things to report!

It’s also been two years now since Phil and I got married – it’s FLOWN by!

Marriage is both a blessing and a trial, the majority of the time it’s a huge blessing to me though …… the few times of trial (which I’m assured all marriages go through) are generally just down to mood/attitude/self centeredness – or are due to external factors. Going through those times and being vulnerable enough to remove ‘masks’, and be absolutely real with another person, is scary – but it’s also liberating to be that real with someone, yet be loved and accepted in spite of what you reveal.

I mentioned AGES ago that there were some exciting things possibly in the pipeline, that I didn’t want to say too much about – incase it didn’t happen. Well one of those things I can now reveal!

I have been teaching for 11 years now, and have been entering students for voice/piano exams for about 7 years. Whenever I go to the exams with my students I always envy the examiner. I Think to myself …. “How lovely it must be for you to sit there all day and be played to/performed to/sung to …. for you to be able to encourage the student by crediting them for all they did that was brilliant … to give constructive feedback on areas they can improve …. I’d love your job!”

Well, after an interview with the London College of Music – that job is closer to being mine! I am now an ‘Examiner in Training’ and provided I complete the training satisfactorily – i will be an examiner! Whoop! I’m very excited!

Healthwise things are picking up too, I’m having a healthier 2010 so far. Just a couple of blips on the health radar so far this year – I’m so thankful for that. It’s awful feeling poorly for most of the time – so I’m glad to be freer of that at the moment …. I’m praying it continues!

Another exciting thing is that I’ve started up a Vocal Project in my local area. It’s not a ‘choir’ (the word choir summons negative stereotypes for some people) it’s called Dawdon Vocal Project (DVP). I started it up, obviously because I LOVE singing and vocal harmony, but also because this area (the physical area where I live) is a bit rough and worn down. There are a lot of derelict houses, police riot van visits, people up to no good etc etc – you get the idea.

I wanted to set something up that would get people away from the T.V, out of their homes, meeting new people and gaining a sense of self esteem, and doing something positive, fun, and affirming. So far it’s going GREAT!! I was so worried the first week that no-one would come – there were twenty five people there!! Numbers have dropped a bit but there’s still enough to make a beautiful sound. I’m so glad, and so proud of how well they’re all doing.

I think that’s enough info for now – check out my other pages, I’ve been updating things, also check out myspace and facebook to hear some of my more recent ‘creations’.

Thanks for reading – be in touch

Jayne =^)

Posted on February 11th, 2010 at 4:38 PM / 3 comments »

Hello there people!

Hope life is going well for you all, Mine is going o.k at the moment.

I’m slightly frustrated at the lack of opportunity and the brick walls I keep hitting when it comes to music performance and album sales. As you’ll know if you’ve been up to date with my blogging, we spent a lot of money which we couldn’t afford on making ‘exactly where I am’. The launch of the album coincided with me being quite ill, so I was unable to promote it at the various events I was supposed to be at, this must have had an effect on sales. Also Wesley Owen kindly offered to sell the album at the Keswick Convention, they sold a lot of stock, then went into administration. We may never be paid the money for the c.d’s purchased there. So we are significantly out of pocket!

It seems so unfair (and I know I sound like a child when I say that) we took a financial risk we couldn’t afford, and through no fault of our own, circumstances have decided to be against us. What was the point? We took a step of faith and it seems there was no solid ground to walk on. I’m really hoping and praying that things turn around, I am so reluctant now to pursue music further, and in the same way – as it seems to be not worth it.

I am questioning whether I ever had it right when I thought music was the path God had for me. Yet his leading seemed so clear to me – when I think back on it … it still seems crystal clear. So why does it seem so futile? Maybe it’s the case that my time has been and gone (in terms of music). I hope it’s not the case but circumstances seem to indicate it’s the end.

One or two people are telling me not to give up – to keep investing in it, but I’ve already given so much to it (time energy and money!) – I don’t want to keep giving myself to ‘flogging a dead horse’ if you know what I mean. AaAArrrggghhhh!!

Anyway, I didn’t come on here for a whinge!!

Positive things …….

Cutting down on work has given me much more time and freedom to write/record and spend time talking to God – which has been brilliant. My less busy life is much calmer and less stressed out. Which is exactly what we need!!

In general I’m loving life, and God, and Church – it’s just frustrating that musical opportunity seems to be a little dried up!

Having said that, I have got a few gigs coming up – check out my events box! I’ve a jazz/soul night in London in Feb, plus two private gigs (which aren’t posted) in the next few months. A festival in June and I’m playing at the Rainton meadows arena for an event in March. If any of you can make any of those I’d really appreciate the support, or if you think your Church might like to have me as a guest for Singer/songwriter loveliness, or for a bit of jazz and soul, contact me!!

I have information, songs, videos and methods of contacting me on:

www.myspace.com/jaynelewis
Youtube
Facebook
www.jaynelewis.com

Please, if you have the time, go and check out these pages – if you like what you see/hear – spread the word!!

Thanks
Jayne

Posted on November 12th, 2009 at 10:44 PM / 1 comment »

Well Hello there people! It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on what’s happening, so here I am to fill you in!

I had a busy month or so with a few different things happening. I travelled to Stoke to do my interview and songs on the Rimmerama show for Cross Rhythms radio (you can download the interview and songs free from itunes). That was quite fun, although the journey home was nightmare, never trust a sat nav when you know that you know better!

I also had a couple of performances at the Salvation Army and at an awards ceremony for a London Exam board.

I led Worship and did a concert at ‘Keswick in Lichfield’, which was good. It’s basically like a mini Keswick convention that isn’t in Keswick!

I’ve been up and down to Sheffield a couple of times too in my ‘ambassador’ capacity for City Hearts. I got to meet some of the girls the organisation works with, and saw a little of the kind of work they do to help these young women get back on their feet after all kinds of traumas. It’s a privilege to be a part of it.

It has been quite a scary but exciting time lately. It’s the first term I have not been working in a school/college and I was curious to see what would happen as a result of me taking time out. It has been INCREDIBLE!

It has been (and still can be) scary in terms of finances, and the career risk etc but so far I’m not regretting any of it. I have been able to spend time just slowing down and re-focussing on what is truly important. Namely, being God’s child and living in relationship with Him. He has blessed me in ways I really didn’t expect and I’m so thankful. The time I’ve been able to spend just talking to God and listening to Him have made such a HUGE difference in my day to day life, and He’s really answering my prayers in HUGE and AMAZING ways! I’m so thankful!

He’s opening career doors I didn’t expect and is resurrecting creative ideas I thought had died long ago. I don’t want to say too much about these things as not all of them are definite as yet, although they appear to be! When I have definite confirmations I’ll spill the beans but till then you’ll just have to be in suspense!

There are things which aren’t entirely going to plan (that is, my plan), but when it comes to some things I can be incredibly impatient and stubborn, and can get easily frustrated. I’m learning to chill and relax more, after all When has God not been in control? Things get confusing and frustrating when I try and impose my own agenda and time frame, so I’m learning to relax and to not stress about things.
Above all I’m incredibly thankful to God for keeping me as I’ve changed direction and taken a step of faith in leaving solid reliable employment. I am thankful that I have a husband who understands and is supportive and is just generally ‘great’ to me.

Another MASSIVE thing is that over the past year or two I have been battling with significant ‘giants’ from the past as well. To be quite honest, this has been one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to face – it’s brought me incredibly low and produced an overwhelming amount of anxiety in me. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get through it, but it came to a point where I knew I had to face it no matter what the implications were for myself, or for others. It’s not so hard to face and conquer ‘giants’ like these when you can do it without involving, and potentially hurting, other people. However this issue was a deep-rooted one which did involve other people.

The hardest things I’ve ever had to do, and the hardest conversations I’ve ever had to have – have all taken place in these last few months. It has been agonising, draining, terrifying – and God has worked awesome miracles of healing through it. I have been suffering for years with burdens that were not mine to carry, I have felt pain and confusion over situations that were hugely unfair.

God brought me to a place where I could not stand under it any longer, so I was brought to my knees and I cried to Him. I confessed that I could not control the situation and was hopeless. He gave me the solution and he gave me the strength to pursue it. I had no other choice, I had come to the end of myself.

I am so grateful that I did. He used that situation to lift a twenty year old, heavy burden from me. He was in the conversations that needed to be had, he provided the right words which brought healing to more than just me (I believe).

I feel free … in a way that is totally new. I don’t feel I have to hide, or be ashamed or feel laden with guilt anymore. God has set me free, and I’m so thankful. I’m as light as a feather and those issues will never get to me again.