A Dirty Dozen with JESSIE G – May 2021

According to a recent press release: “Sometimes true musical talent just cannot be denied, even when it’s found in the sleepy fishing town of Brookings, Oregon,” says GRAMMY-winning country artist Gretchen Wilson about Jessie G. Jessie’s heritage spans across four generations of commercial fishermen, and she spent much of her childhood aboard the hand-built family boat; searching for Dungeness crab and Albacore tuna, and  selling their catch at the market and in their family restaurant. Hard work runs in her blood. It’s doubtful, however, that Jessie knew that entering a Battle of the Bands contest, through which she won an opening slot on Gretchen’s Portland tour date, would literally change her entire trajectory. Upon hearing her sing, Gretchen invited her onto her tour bus and urged Jessie to begin the journey that every young country singer-songwriter must embark upon — she moved to Nashville. The budding artist immersed herself fully into songwriting, teaming with some of Nashville’s best and spent countless hours in the studio working on her sound. Discovering the true art of songwriting under the watchful eye of Gretchen and her multi-talented friends and collaborators, Jessie realized the true depth of what she wanted to say.” We get Jessie to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

There is definitely a hidden nugget at the very beginning. The engineer that mixed the track threw in this ticking clock that is so cool and makes it timeless! My diehard fans that hear this track will love what we decided to do with the bridge. We made it way more epic than it was! When I was in the studio recording it was late and the chorus took a different turn too, in my delirious state I hit a big high note at the end and we all lost it!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Growing up I always wanted to be a musician for a living but I didn’t know if I could be that and provide for a family. It wasn’t until after college when I was considering going to law school that an opportunity of a lifetime came my way when I met Gretchen Wilson and she believed in my music enough to help me get a good start as an artist!

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

My musical taste is all over the map! I grew up rockin’ out to Aerosmith and Metallica with my dad working on the boat, Singing all the words to Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain songs with my mom in the car and then I really started honing in on my own craft of singing with competing in jazz competitions, county fairs, and then started my own rock band in middle school and high school. I love all types of music, but when I write my own music I love it to sound like a rock song and the lyrics are usually kinda country!

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I would love to write a song with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm! Because she rocks harder than any chick I know!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I am a workout freak. I love to take my dogs on a long run or a bike ride. Running on the beach is definitely where I find my Zen. I grew up on the ocean so I love being close to it.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would like to think my voice is pretty distinct. I try to right lyrics that mean something to me and my life. I also like to rock out on stage and make people get out of their seats! I never really get offended when a fan compares me because it’s always out of good intentions. But when people say things like “I think you would be great on American Idol” I just laugh. But hey you never know!

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I’m the mommy of the band for sure. I usually make sure everyone is good and fed. But I’m also the first one to start drinking and the singalong haha!

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Getting drunk with Lzzy Hale at a bar in Nashville when I first moved to town was pretty epic for me and getting to party with Kid Rock at his camo wrapped trailer home and singing that night with him was pretty cool!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Helping others and doing what I love is the best part of being a musician. I get to wake up, be creative and invent what my career is everyday. I get to create music that moves other people and inspires. Sometimes even helps people out in hard times. This is the only dream job I’ve ever had!

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Question I like – Where is your next show at? I would answer Whiskey Jam on June 7 in Nashville, TN. Question I don’t like- Is Jessie G your full name? Of course not haha!

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Yes and no. I think everything happens the way it is supposed to or you learn lessons you need to learn when you mess it up real bad. So I wouldn’t change a thing.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would choose so many, but I would say a top choice would be Sheryl Crow’s self titled album. She played almost every instrument on there and produced it. I would love to be a fly on the wall for that! I love every song on that album and how original her sound was at that time. She is a badass!

JESSIE G LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

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Category: Interviews