It’s been a whirlwind year for Jade Helliwell. Marriage, a house move, and a new baby on the way – all alongside creating her long-awaited debut album. If that wasn’t enough, she’s also preparing to hit the road for her Rebegin Tour next April. For Jade, the timing couldn’t be more symbolic.
“They say the three most stressful things in life are getting married, moving house, and having a baby – and I’ve done all three in the last 12 months!” she laughs. “Career-wise too, I’ve had a reshape and come back to my roots with writing. So it feels like I’m ready to enter this new era of music and of who I am as a person. That’s all kind of come together in this album.”
A New Era on the Road
The Rebegin Tour will see Jade play some of the UK’s most characterful venues – from intimate listening rooms to full-band stages. Adapting to different spaces comes naturally to her:
“Even if the venue changes, I like people to feel like they’re getting the same show. But if it’s a listening room, I love being able to strip the songs back and connect with the audience in a more personal way.”
Fans can expect a setlist that blends the new album with favourites from her Woman and How It Goes EPs. “The album’s all new music, but of course I’ll still be popping in some of my favourites. You’ll have to let me know if there’s something you really want to hear!”
The Album Her Heart Was Waiting For
Jade has called Rebegin “the one your heart has waited for” – and it’s clear why.
“There are songs I always felt were missing, ones I needed to write. Some are the most vulnerable songs I’ve ever shared, but I’ve also done solo writing and collaborated with artists I really admire. It feels like a step up.”
Those collaborators include Laura Oakes, Dan Smalley, and producer Alyssa Bonagura. The partnership with Bonagura has become a cornerstone of the project.
“I’ve admired Alyssa for years as an artist and songwriter, but I didn’t realise she produced all her own music. When I mentioned I was looking for a producer, she just went, ‘me!’ and the first thing we did together was Heroes and Heroines. She just gets me – whether it’s how we write together or how she shapes the sound, she really understands what I’m looking for.”
Powered by Fans
The album also owes its life to Jade’s fanbase, who crowdfunded the project beyond its target.
“It’s mind-blowing that so many people wanted to get behind my music. When you write, it’s so personal, so to have people believe in it that much is amazing. They became part of the team – I could share updates like ‘I’m in the studio’ or ‘this is the single’ — and it felt like we were on the journey together.”
The extra funding means Rebegin will also be released on vinyl for the first time in Jade’s career. “I’ve been asked about vinyl for years, but it’s a big outlay as an independent artist. Now it’s happening, the artwork’s done, everything’s coming together, and it feels really special.”
Flying the Flag for UK Country
Having been part of the UK country scene for a decade, Jade has witnessed its remarkable growth.
“When I started playing festivals in 2014, it was tiny compared to now. We’ve come on miles in ten years, and I’d love to see more crossover into mainstream radio and festivals. I think we’re getting closer – artists like Chanel Yates playing Reading and Leeds shows that it’s happening.”
She’s equally excited about her peers. “First Time Flyers are incredible, and one of my besties, Kezia Gill, is absolutely smashing it. Then you’ve got The Shires, Ward Thomas, and newer names like Katie Rigby and Jake O’Neill, who I think are amazing.”
Songwriting: Between Vulnerability and Strength
Jade’s songwriting often blends raw honesty with uplifting empowerment – a balance she sees as natural.
“The beautiful thing is that with vulnerability comes empowerment. Once you open up, people relate to it, and that’s empowering in itself. Sometimes I’ll write something upbeat and fun, other times I’ll strip it right back. It depends on the song – sometimes it’s a conscious choice, sometimes it just happens.”
Her test for whether a song is finished is simple: “If I’m still humming it the next day, then I know it’s ready. I’ll play it to my husband and my mum, and if it feels right, then it’s finished – unless we keep tweaking, which happens too!”
Quickfire with Jade Helliwell
- First country album bought: Taylor Swift’s debut or Carrie Underwood’s debut.
- Dream duet partner (UK): Jake O’Neill — “I’m obsessed with his voice!”
- Dream duet partner (US): Dan Smalley, Emma Zink, and big dream collab — Ella Langley.
- Song she wishes she’d written: Brandy Clark’s What’ll Keep Me Out of Heaven.
- Post-show ritual: “A gin and tonic, a snack, get the heels and lashes off, hair in a bun, comfy clothes, neck pillow, and sleep!”
With a debut album she describes as her most authentic yet, and a tour that marks a fresh chapter both personally and professionally, Jade Helliwell is ready to Rebegin – and to take UK country fans right along with her.
Jade Helliwell
Jade Helliwell is an award-winning UK country singer-songwriter from West Yorkshire. Known for her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt storytelling, she first rose to national attention in 2017 when a video of her singing with a busker went viral. Since then, she has released multiple EPs, toured extensively across the UK and beyond, and earned recognition from the British Country Music Association. With her new album Rebegin, Jade enters a new chapter – one that cements her as a leading voice in the ever-growing UK country scene. Tour Information
