Interview with Jessica Nicole Brown
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I think I unknowingly fell in love with music when I was about 4 years old listening to Lauryn Hill’s “That Thing”. But when I finally realized I was in love with it was when the Cheetah Girls movies came out. If I couldn’t do music, I would just keep being an actor!
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
Whenever I want to take a break from music, I focus on my languages. I’m in the process of learning different languages/cultures. Right now, I’m learning Spanish. So, I would read Spanish books, watch Spanish-speaking Youtubers, or watch Spanish-speaking shows or movies. I’m so in love with it! And I guess a way it can influence my creativity is that I will be able to incorporate different languages and musical styles into what I create. I can’t wait!
How long have you been making music?
I’ve honestly been writing songs since I was about 13 years old. That was when I came across an interview of Taylor Swift saying how much better or more well-rounded a singer would be if they wrote their own music. I started writing that same day.
Where are you based and how has that influenced your music?
I am currently based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. To be honest, it doesn’t have any influence on my music. I may mention a specific place in a song if it helps paint the picture of the story I’m trying to tell, but other than that, nothing really.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
I remember performing at a local show/showcase called Breaking the Glass. I remember it so vividly because it was the first time a got a crowd of people who didn’t know me at all, hyped up! I was so shocked when I was performing lol. I hope they didn’t see it on my face lol.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
My favorite venue so far would definitely be wherever Breaking the Glass was. Obviously, I would love to play in arenas and stadiums! But, other than those types of places, I would love to play at smaller, but musically historic venues and some festivals.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the line up?
Oh, this is a fun question! I would love to create a show with powerhouse acts of different races and languages. I think that would be so fun! Literally anyone could come enjoy the show. There would be me, Rosalia, BTS, and maybe 2 other strong acts from other countries! Wouldn’t you come to something like that?
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music?
Even though I hate hearing this myself, I would tell them that it takes patience. Because no matter how hard you work, sometimes, you just have to know the right people, or you just have to be in the right place at the right time. It may suck, but I honestly believe everything happens for a reason.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
I think I would just tell her that it’s okay to feel whatever she feels and that nothing is wrong with her.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I think the most meaningful song to me right now is “Girl, I Don’t Know”. It’s from my debut EP Girl, I Don’t Know. It’s basically about not letting fear of the unknown, or fear of failure stop me from going after my dreams. Just working hard and going with the flow.
What is your creative process for writing your music and what inspires you to write your music?
I can get inspired by anything at any time. But to be honest, a lot of my songs/lyrics are just sent to me. It may sound weird, but it’s true. I’ll either get one liners or a section of a song and record bits and pieces here and there as they come. Then, I end up having most of the song if not all of it. If there are sections that are missing, I think about if I even need to add anything at all. If I do, I think about what story I’m trying to tell with the song, so I can stay on track and fill in the blanks. It’s sort of like writing a paper.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Just real ones. I want to be that non-judgmental, relatable friend to whoever listens to my music. I just feel this need to talk about things that most people may feel embarrassed, shy, or ashamed to talk about so they can know that they’re not weird; they’re just human.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I am planning on releasing my second EP some time in the Fall, so look out for that! But something that’s coming up even sooner is the release of the music video for my new single “Hoopla la la”! The music video comes out on Wednesday, August 3rd. Get ready to release the rage!
Follow Jessica Nicole Brown
https://www.instagram.com/thejnbway
https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaNicoleBrown