JUNO Award Winning Artist, JESSIA, Goes Independent And Releases New EP, ‘Okay with Every Part’
JESSIA has faced highs and lows and can safely say she’s ‘Okay with every part’
July 23, 2024 | Written by Christine Bradshaw
Photo Credits: Chase Hanssen
JESSIA, the JUNO award-winning singer-songwriter, who you may know from her breakout viral song, “I’m not Pretty”, has just released her new EP, ‘Okay With Every Part’. This past year she parted from both her label and her long-term relationship, leaving her to learn how to lean on herself both personally and professionally. Through the process, she’s created beautiful art from the experience, which can be heard through the powerful vocals and sharp lyricism present on her new album. We chat with her all about it below ~
What inspired you to create your new EP, Okay With Every Part? Can you share some personal experiences that shaped the music?
I became an independent artist last year and it definitely shook me. I turned to songwriting to try to work through the stages and emotions of last year, but now that I am out of the storm I can confidently say that I’m ‘Okay With Every Part.’ I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t gone through everything I did last year.
You’ve recently transitioned to being an independent artist after parting ways with your label. How has this change impacted your creative process and your approach to making music?
I feel like I have a lot more freedom and creative control now that I’m an independent artist. If I like a song, I can just release it without needing anyone else’s approval. I feel like I’m in full control of my career now and that’s really liberating!
Your viral hit “I’m not Pretty” brought you a lot of attention and success. How have you managed to navigate the pressures and expectations that come with such a breakthrough?
It’s always a game with yourself. I find that putting too much pressure on myself just leads to writer’s block because you end up feeling like nothing is good enough. I try to block out the pressure, just make music I love, and hope it resonates with other people too.
With your first-ever headline tour on the horizon, how are you feeling about performing your new EP live for your fans? Can you spill any secrets about your upcoming shows?
I’m so excited but also nervous! Fans can expect to hear the EP and even more new music that I have in the works!
You've amassed a significant following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. How do you balance maintaining an authentic connection with your fans while managing such a large audience?
Authenticity is key! People can see when you’re being fake, so if I create something and it doesn’t feel like me, I won’t post it. I love going live on social media as I get to just chat with everyone in real time and it makes me feel closer to my community.
I like that your music often touches on themes of self-acceptance and growth, two things I am trying to work on myself. Are these themes that you continue to muse on in your new EP?
YES! Big time! This past year was all about change and growth so you can expect a lot more songs about those themes.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are considering going independent? What have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards for you in making this transition?
I would say drop the word “aspiring.” If you write songs or sing or play an instrument, you are already an artist. As soon as you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too. I would also say that being independent is more popular and feasible than it’s ever been before. With the help of social media, you really can do it by yourself and only sign a record deal if it’s 100% what you want to do. The biggest challenge I faced was losing the massive team that I’d had around me at the label, but it ended up becoming my strength. Now, I have a small but mighty team that goes above and beyond and are proud to be independent.
