Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Hi! My name is Jessi, I’m a musician from West London, and I’ve started a new solo project called Jessi Mac. As far as my childhood is concerned, I would say the most impactful influence on my decision to become a musician would be watching my mum play guitar and sing as a kid. She would play in pubs and for events and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever! She also bought me a guitar at like age 4 and I never really put it down. I was also heavily into rock bands like ACDC growing up, and my life goal was to get as close to being Angus Young as possible…but I ended up writing sad angsty songs instead.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Jessi Mac”?
A: I plan on playing lots of gigs and getting the songs out to as many new people as possible..I have a full band set up which is great as most of the songs really benefit from a fuller sound on stage. I also have lots of music in the pipeline ready to release so I’m just being consistent in getting the music out and keeping people engaged! Jessi Mac is a project that is going to be continuously evolving and changing as I keep exposing myself to new influences. I’m keen on not staying in the same place sonically for too long, so if that sounds like something you look for in an artist, then stick around and let’s see what happens!
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Right now I would say that I’m really inspired by artists like Juana Molina, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and Kate Bush…amongst others. I love the worlds these artists create, when the production intertwines with the lyrics and intention of the song, and is so unapologetically honest. That’s where my priorities are as a writer and producer, creating soundscapes and using instruments in unconventional ways to immerse the listener.
My inspiration normally comes from finding new instruments to mess around on or tuning my guitar in weird ways. It’s always been about letting my ear lead me in a direction and letting the harmony and melody created from that dictate the meaning of the song.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Still Dreaming.”?
A: “Still Dreaming” was born during a tough stretch of my time in London. I was feeling pretty lonely and anxious, dodging social events and just stuck in a rut with my routine. On top of that, I couldn’t shake this guilt about how lucky I was compared to others. You know, feeling like I had it all while others were struggling. It was a messy mix of emotions that took some time to sort through, and this song came out of that whole experience.
It was produced by Carlos Lellis who has co-produced most of the songs on my upcoming EP that this single is included in.
I also have a lyric video that will be released the day after the release.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: ouch…
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Still Dreaming”?
A: Not really, it was a super easy process and I think we recorded it all in an afternoon, it’s one of the more stripped back tunes from the EP but definitely a favourite. It felt so raw and real that it came to life very easily, it was a way of me processing all those complicated feelings.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I don’t know if there is a specific message or continuous theme that runs through my songs, but as I said previously I just want to be as honest and real as possible. It’s a way of me documenting my little experience on the planet and hopefully provides moments of relatability to the audience. I would love to see the project grow and have more opportunities to collaborate with incredible people. I love creating and expanding my creative knowledge, and to do that and somehow make it a full time career would be the dream!
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I would love to collaborate with Trent Reznor, that’s a pretty far-fetched dream, but I am just in love with him as an artist and composer and how he translates his ideas. I’d probably just chew his ear off and we’d get nothing done..
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: I would say the most important thing is to make the art for yourself, if you like it that’s all that matters. I genuinely don’t see the point in making music to appease something or someone else (unless you’re being commissioned to do so) You have to love what you create because in the turbulence and unpredictability of promoting and expanding your brand, being passionate about your project becomes the constant. If you love what you do, others will feel that and it will translate into the quality of your work.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I guess I would say keep doing what you’re doing, be curious and that there is no right way of making music. Also to keep your eyes focused on your lane, and don’t worry about getting anywhere fast, because you’re still learning and you need time to grow and understand more about yourself!
