A Dirty Dozen with JESSE DANIEL EDWARDS – October 2025

According to a recent press release: “Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jesse Daniel Edwards returns with Requiem Mass / Catechism En Masse, his boldest and most incendiary release yet. Split into two digital EPs – Requiem Mass (June 27th) and Catechism En Masse (July 25th) – and combined as a physical LP to be released on July 25 via Cavity Search Records, the project represents a searing, spiritual, and political reckoning. It is not an album meant to passively stream in the background. It is a work to be confronted – lived with, wrestled with, and ultimately answered. Born in the mountain town of Cuyamaca, California, Edwards was raised in a strict religious household before busking his way through America and Europe. His early music, rooted in Americana, evolved over time into something more theatrical and sonically adventurous. His 2023 release Violensia brought sweeping, piano-driven operatics to the forefront, while 2025’s stripped-down, self-titled LP Jesse Daniel Edwards was recorded live to 2-track tape in Memphis and offered a raw, emotional counterpoint.” We get Jesse 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?

Some sounds of saws and axes.

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

Didn’t have TV growing up, so it was the main entertainment.

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

Not really, I was pretty isolated and it was pre internet.

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

Hm, I’d have to think on that.  No one comes to mind.

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 like taking walks around the neighborhood when the weather cooperates.

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 don’t mind comparisons, music is so subjective.  I’m bad at describing my own stuff!

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?

These days I’m pretty much a one man show.

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

Can’t say I’ve felt this honestly.

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?

Learning new things.  Probably something like renting out recreational snow equipment, with a hot cocoa stand too.

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?

This one!

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?

It’s hard to see how it’s all connected, I have no regret.

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?

Maybe “We are the World,” that even was so goofy!

Category: Interviews