'I’ve become a lot more disciplined': Jake Bugg on new album, Alamo, ahead of Jumbo Records appearance

Nearly 15 years after his self-titled debut album shot to number one and went triple-platinum, Jake Bugg is preparing to release his seventh studio record, Alamo.

Out on November 13 via Thirty Tigers, the 11-track album marks a clear return to the raw, folk, and country-leaning sound that first introduced the Nottingham-born songwriter to the world.

Fresh off an appearance at Nashville’s AmericanaFest, Bugg explains that stripping back the production was a natural response to the album's deeply personal lyrical themes.

"Because the lyrics and subject matter were so personal to me - a lot about experiences I've been going through - I think I just naturally gravitated towards that earlier sound from the first two records," Jake explains to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"That’s where I feel most natural and probably strongest. I thought if I was going to try and get the message across the way I wanted, that was probably the way to go."

Now 32, Bugg approaches the recording process with a level of patience and discipline that contrasts with his teenage entry into the music industry.

While some tracks on the new album came together effortlessly - such as 'Day By Day', whose melody and chords were written in ten minutes - other arrangements required painstaking refinement.

"I’ve become a lot more disciplined," Jake notes. "When I was younger, working with great people, the most exciting part was always that initial spark when you get something. Then would come the time to actually put the song together and arrange it, and I’d lose a bit of attention.

“Now, that’s the bit I enjoy the most. It’s like a puzzle. It can be frustrating, but when all the elements combine and you're left with the finished product, the satisfaction you get is just amazing."

To bring the record to life, Bugg reunited with producer Jimmy Hogarth (Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini), alongside Steve McKewan (Chris Stapleton).

Despite having known Hogarth since he was 17, Alamo marks their first formal album collaboration.

"I've known Jimmy for a very long time, but anything we did back then never really made it onto a record," Jake reveals. "15 years on, I thought I'd go see him again. He brought Steve in, and we realised we loved a lot of the same influences. Jimmy brought the best out of me.

“He added a warmth to the record, but also this feeling of lonely isolation around the music, and the bass sound he gets just has so much depth."

Returning to Leeds for Jumbo Records In-Store

To celebrate the release of Alamo, Bugg is embarking on an extensive 20-date UK record store run, including a visit to Leeds independent institution Jumbo Records.

The tour will feature stripped-back acoustic performances and signing sessions, offering fans a rare opportunity to hear the new material up close.

"The record in-store run can be a little bit brutal - sometimes three in a day in different cities - but it's a great opportunity to showcase the new stuff," Jake explains. "I really like the personal, intimate shows. In a way, they're more nerve-wracking than bigger crowds because people are listening so attentively.

“When it's so quiet, you become much more conscious of what you're doing, but there's something really special about that closeness."

Looking ahead to his return to West Yorkshire, Bugg adds that Leeds remains a highlight on his touring calendar: "Every time we play in Leeds, it's always a good gig - the crowds are always really up for it.

"It's a town with a lot to offer, and I'm just really excited to come back and play some of the new stuff."

Jake Bugg performs an intimate acoustic set and signing at Jumbo Records in Leeds on Thursday 19th November 2026. Album and ticket bundles for the event are available through Jumbo Records’ website. His new album Alamo is released on November 13 via Thirty Tigers.