There’s something about Jamie Yost’s music that feels like it was made for a space like 12 Bar. Atmospheric but intimate, heartfelt yet sonically bold – his songs strike that rare balance between vulnerability and widescreen ambition. And if you haven’t come across his work yet, now’s the perfect time. He’s joining us for a special live show this May, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him on the lineup.
Based in the South West, Jamie’s been steadily building a reputation as one of the region’s most exciting emerging songwriters. With a sound that fuses folk roots, alt-pop flourishes and soaring, emotionally charged vocals, he’s drawn comparisons to artists like Bon Iver, RY X, and The War on Drugs – but what he’s doing is very much his own.
Honest, Poetic, Expansive: Defining the Sound of Jamie Yost
Ask Jamie to describe his music and he’ll give it to you straight: honest, atmospheric, raw and poetic. And it shows. There’s a quiet confidence in his songwriting – the kind that doesn’t shout to be heard, but lingers with you long after the track ends.
His voice carries a fragility that never feels brittle, layered over rich textures of guitar, subtle electronics, and expansive arrangements. It's that contrast that makes the music so compelling – rooted in folk tradition but constantly reaching for something bigger, more cinematic.
It’s no wonder he’s caught the attention of BBC Introducing (who called him “insanely talented”) and played headline slots at festivals like Cambridge Folk Festival and Boardmasters, where his set at The View Stage drew a crowd of new fans.
From Devon Landscapes to Mahogany Sessions
Born and raised in Devon, Jamie’s connection to the landscape runs deep. That influence comes through in his music – in the space, the calm, the feeling of openness that shapes the sonic world of his records.
But while there’s a rural grounding to his sound, he’s no stranger to big stages and national attention. Over the past few years, Jamie has supported some of the UK’s most beloved live acts, including Nathan Ball and folk award-winner John Smith. His live performances strike that rare middle ground – intimate enough to draw you in, powerful enough to hold the room.
A stripped-back session for Mahogany, filmed for their acclaimed YouTube channel was a particular standout moment for Jamie. The same platform that helped launch artists like Billie Eilish and Hozier showcased Jamie’s track ‘Storm’ – a haunting, slow-burn performance that highlighted his unique ability to hold an audience in total stillness.
Inside the Writing Process: Melody, Memory, Emotion
Jamie’s songwriting process is fluid, instinctive. It usually starts with a melody – something on guitar or keys – and from there, the lyrics follow, shaped by mood, memory, and whatever’s been lingering on his mind.
“I usually start with some kind of melody,” he explains, “and then just let the lyrics flow depending on what the tone lends itself to—or maybe a subject that’s on my mind.”
It’s a process that’s clearly working. His most recent EP, This Is Home, captures that evolution beautifully. It’s a record that pulls together everything he does best – subtle production, elegant guitar work, emotionally intelligent lyrics – and spins it into something that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The Track to Start With: ‘This Is Home’
If you’re new to Jamie’s music, This Is Home is the perfect place to begin. The track opens with softness – heartfelt, understated – before swelling into a rich, expansive arrangement full of texture and movement. It’s modern, yet rooted. Bold, yet unassuming.
“Maybe This Is Home,” Jamie says, when asked which track best represents his sound. “It holds a lot of the elements I love… starting and ending heartfelt and elegant, with a wide soundscape somewhere in between. A mix of modern production and folk roots.”
In many ways, that tension – between minimalism and ambition, intimacy and space – is exactly what makes Jamie’s music so easy to fall into. And live, it takes on a new kind of energy.
What’s Next for Jamie Yost?
2025 is already shaping up to be a big year. Jamie has a slate of new releases lined up, with fresh material that promises to build on the world created in This Is Home. And this summer, he’ll take the main stage at Kernowfornia Festival, a milestone that marks just how far his sound has travelled in the last few years.
But before all that, you can catch him right here at 12 Bar – performing a mix of original material and reimagined covers in one of the South West’s most intimate, music-loving spaces. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the full impact of Jamie’s songwriting – the stillness, the power, the connection – this is your moment.
Come See Jamie Yost Live at 12 Bar Music & Social
We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie Yost to 12 Bar Music & Social this May. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his work for the first time, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Expect goosebump moments. Expect one of the most captivating voices you’ll hear this year. Expect to leave feeling like you’ve just witnessed something quietly special.
Want to hear more?
Explore more of Jamie’s music and keep up with upcoming releases and tour dates via the links below:
