After spending the year last year building and developing her sound, US singer and songwriter Jesse Brady is now ready to introduce herself to the world as she unveils her brilliant debut single 'Transformations'.
Channelling a rich and uplifting aesthetic throughout, 'Transformations' makes for an incredible introduction to her sound. Filled with euphoric tones, breezy production, and her own lively vocals layered from start to finish, we can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano. I gravitated towards it, after hearing it played in musicals such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the opera, as well as, Disney movies and The Laurence Welk Show. I was inspired by its quiet strength, and its ability to convey so many different emotions. When I was seven, I had saved up enough birthday money, to help contribute to a Yamaha electric piano. I loved sitting on the piano stool next to my mom, as she played. There aren’t many instruments that two people can play at once effectively. We played heart of soul, sang hymns, and when I was a little older, we wrote a song about our dog, Mandy.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I listened to Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Ingrid Michaelson, ELO, Mama Cass, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Lady Gaga, Ray Charles, and so many others. I loved any song that transported me, that I related to, or that taught me something. I’d listen to music when I couldn’t sleep, when I needed a good cry, when I wanted to feel like a rock star and dance around my room, pretending I was on a stage somewhere, etc…
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I wish I could have written, “I can’t help falling in love with you.” It’s simplicity, honesty, and beauty make me cry and captivate me. Every line feels meant to be, and the melody flows effortlessly.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Organisation has never been my strong suit, but I’d like to try to implement a habit or ritual to help with productivity. I tend to be a writer who waits until I have an idea or a strong emotion to sort through. I write most of my songs in my room, but one time, I sang on a mountain in Vermont. I find that fresh air is good for creativity. My ideal routine would be taking a walk-in nature, finding a secluded area, and writing about what I’m feeling at the moment.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I’ve been listening to Elton John sing Yellow Brick Road on repeat. The chord changes are beautiful.
If you could open for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for The Killers. Brandon Flower’s showmanship and artistry deeply inspire me. I’ve been performing in writer’s rounds around Nashville, and accompanying myself, but I dream of having a band and creating performances that are larger than life. However, my next song I’m planning to release is actually very simple, and I love it that way. Some songs seem to shine more stripped down, while others call for drama.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part about being a musician is creating something that’s never been made before, sharing it with others. A song is my favorite place to put emotions and ideas that I don’t know what to do with or make of. I love surprises during the creative process, like interesting lyrics that don’t make sense right away or production accidents that end up being really cool. Connecting with others and sharing my music is also very rewarding.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is being on a budget and working another job. I can’t wait until I am able to do music full time.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
My songwriting mentor, Jodi Marr, told me to be myself 10 feet tall. This advice solidified my conviction to always strive to be authentically me, while also letting myself grow and change. As I continue to pursue music, I find myself facing new difficulties that require me to be a stronger person than I was years ago, but at my core, I’ll always be a girl who loves art, and who just wants to connect to people, no matter how big my bell bottom jeans get.
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Jesse Brady's debut single 'Transformations' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.