Last month we showcased ‘Just Believe‘, the new single from singer songwriter JES and Australian producer, tyDi. We’ve written about JES and her music a number of times over the past few years, but we’ve never before had the chance to ask her those burning questions – until now. We hope you enjoy reading what this incredible artist has to say, as much as we did.
Hi JES, thanks for speaking to us!
Thank you for having me!
The video for your new single, ‘Just Believe’, works on the premise of finding your perfect match through a shared love of certain types of music. Do you feel this is the case, and if so, have you found love with someone who shares your music taste?
When I was introduced to the app and met the developers, I immediately thought, this is such a great idea! Having similar tastes in music plays a big part in a relationship. It is a huge part of the bonding process. Being a musician, I have experienced relationships where we weren’t into the same music and it did affect things. Going to shows together, sharing your favourite songs, and discovering the music you each grew up with creates a part of the mood and foundation you have with each other. It is important for me and yes, I have found someone who shares my musical tastes!
‘Just Believe’ sees you in collaboration with Australian producer tyDi. How did that come about, and do you anticipate having further collaborations?
Tydi and I have been friends for a long time. We first met when I was on tour in Australia, and he had remixed a big song of mine called ‘Ghost’. After that, we collaborated on a song with BT called ‘Tonight’ for BT’s ‘A Song Across Wires’ album. Before the pandemic, TYDI was living in LA, and we managed to get into the studio together. Our first song was called ‘Say the Word’ and was very successful. We wanted to follow that with something great when we started working on ‘Just Believe’. I am sure we’ll keep making music together. It’s a shared passion and we have a great creative connection!
We seem to be coming out of the Covid-19 Pandemic, thankfully. How has it affected you, and what impact has it had on your music? Are there any lessons you’ve learned from this time that you’re definitely taking into your post covid life ?
Well, I have to say it has been a very challenging time, and thankfully we are starting to come out of it. It has brought a lot of changes to everyone’s lives. It has changed how I live and work, some of which have been positive. It has been very frustrating at times, but it has made me stop and reevaluate what is truly important. I kept myself very busy during the pandemic.
I started streaming with a two-hour live version of my Unleash The Beat radio show each week. I am still doing it now, so it has been running most weeks for over two years now. Live streaming has brought me closer to my fans. It gave us great strength and support for each other and created a whole new community.
I wrote a bunch of new songs and released new material and videos. Things were slow, but I kept myself busy. I focused on my health and was very careful during that time. It taught me to be a bit less of a workaholic and take a more long-term view.
Being apart from everyone made me appreciate my friends, fans, and family more. I feel ready to get back into full swing again, but with a more grounded head on my shoulders.
Who or what have been your greatest musical influences, and why? What about those things that have had most influence on your life in general?
This is always a fun question! My love of artists is wide-reaching in styles and genres. I truly appreciate a good song, a great songwriter, and a voice with attitude and vibe. I listen to pop, rock, RnB, blues, country, soul, electronic, and more. I love everyone from Elton John to The Clash, Madonna to David Bowie, Jay Z, The Weekend, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Ed Sheehan, Beyonce, Adele, Tom Petty, Ella Fitzgerald, The Rolling Stones, Majid Jordan, Glass Animals, Prince, Pink, Alicia Keys, and even Billy Joel!
In this day and age of streaming, and in light of the difficulties that have been faced the past 2 years with touring, what are your top tips for anyone wanting to get into the music business?
You need to believe in something and have a product that represents that clearly to the world. If you are authentic and can convey that to the audience, you will be able to go out there and find your fans. Focus on building your tribe because they are the most important people. They will be your inspiration and your support. You don’t have to wait for the radio or a record company to discover you. You can make your path using the social media tools available to everyone.
Music is a team sport, and you need to build the right team. The best way to do this is through attraction. If you have good practices, a good work ethic, and a great product, people within the industry will be curious. Reach out to people every day, and don’t be afraid to collaborate. Build your mailing list and make quarterly, six-month, and annual plans. Think long term and work through the short term tasks to get there!
What’s next for JES?
JES has some really compelling new music coming soon. I have a double album called Memento that I am releasing around the middle of the year. I am also releasing a follow-up to my last artist single, ‘Lay Down’ which is a pop/RnB project I have. I also have some new collaborations coming, with some exciting and surprising new partners that I can’t wait for you to hear.
What question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview but nobody ever does, and what is the answer to that question?
Q. Is the music business really as biased against women as everyone says?
A. No, it’s worse 😊.
You can watch the video for ‘Just Believe’ below, and catch up with JES online on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
