[2] Prior to being signed by a major record label, McDell used various social media outlets to gain exposure, posting YouTube videos – including original songs and cover songs, Twitter and Facebook to get her music out to the masses.

[6] McDell's debut studio album, Six Strings and a Sailboat, was released 16 November 2012 and was certified Gold in New Zealand.

[1] She was introduced to the music of Jimmy Buffett and John Denver and learnt to play the guitar by watching her parents perform these songs on the boat.

Jamie McDell on songwriting:[7] I write songs about a lot of different things depending on what's happening in my life at the time.

[13] The cover art, release date and title for the album, Six Strings and a Sailboat, were revealed on her official Facebook page.

It was released on 26 July 2013 on the iTunes Store with all proceeds going towards helping those living in extreme poverty.

[18] She performed "Ode to the Lines" with Anika Moa at the Global Citizen Concert, held at the Auckland Town Hall on 4 August 2013.

In late 2017 Jamie travelled to Nashville to record an album, solely written by her, with award-winning Australian producer Nash Chambers.