Coming off her tour with Truth & Salvage Co. and now working on her anticipated spring record, Kentucky-bred Jesse Thomas is, for lack of a better phrase, kicking ass and taking names. “I don’t take breaks”, says the folk-pop singer who is in the midst of writing and recording her third album. After a chance encounter that led to a MySpace discovery (how old is she again?), her latest full-length record, “War Dancer,” debuted at #3 on the iTunes singer-songwriter chart and charted in the Top 25 on Billboard’s, “Heatseekers”, “New Artist”, and “Folk” charts. Thomas brings us a refreshingly honest perspective on touring, her roots as daughter of a Blues singer, and the future endeavors that lie ahead.
What was your earliest exposure to music?
My dad has always been passionate about music. He started a band called The Blue Ravens and they played a lot around my neighborhood growing up. He was always practicing and learning, so there was always Blues music echoing through our house. I was 8 years old singing Mustang Sally like a champ. My dad never broke out of the local bar scene, but he’s never lost his love for it.
What or when was the turning point (if not always) that you wanted to pursue the career of an artist?
Surprisingly, I didn’t head to Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a musician…it happened very randomly. I fiddled around a bit on guitar prior to moving from Kentucky and had written a few songs. When I got to LA, a friend told me to go sing at an open mic at the Rainbow Room on Sunset Blvd. When I was there, I met a guy who I exchanged MySpace profiles with, because that’s what the cool kids did. Rainbow asked me to come back and play an actual show, so a few days later I wrote my new friend on MySpace to come. Meanwhile, a producer named Jim Roach was sent to my new friend’s MySpace page to check out his music, and Jim randomly clicked on my [own] profile. He heard my voice and crappy recording, loved it, asked me to coffee, and the rest is history. As soon as I had someone interested in my talents as a musician, I started to take myself seriously. Not to mention, I was new to Los Angeles, with no friends, and VERY bored. It was exciting to have something to chase.
Who are the artists you feel had the most influence on your musical and writing style?
Brandi Carlile has always been one of my biggest influences. She’s raw and powerful without losing pop sensibility. Her songs are catchy, but deep. It’s the perfect combination. I really love Fiona Apple and Bonnie Rait too. I love strong female singers that can handle their shit.
Who are some of your current favorite artists?
Brandi Carlile, Jim Hanft, The Young Romans, The Belle Brigade, Bon Iver, The Milk Carton Kids, NSYNC, Queen, Laura Marling, Tom Petty, Patty Griffin, Gillian Welsh, John Prine, Fleet Foxes, Paramore, Carrie Underwood, and Elton John.
How would you describe your style or sound?
My sound is a little bit folk, a little bit country, and a little bit soul. My music is raw and my voice is unique, but my melodies are catchy and fit radio format.
Do you enjoy going to shows, even though it’s what you do?
I love going to shows. I enjoy watching my musician friends on a local level, and my favorite artists when they come into town. I find nothing more inspiring than watching someone crush their show. I find something so magical about live music…the vulnerability is sexy.
What’s one of your more memorable shows? Any favorite venues?
My two favorite shows were opening for Bonnie Dune and Lights. They both have a young and crazy fan base, and both shows sold out. Bonnie Dune was at the Roxy on Sunset. There was a line wrapped around the outside and I got a little taste of rock stardom. I signed autographs, and took pictures… I even stage dove. I opened for Lights early on in my career; I had yet to even release a record. I played solo to 150 kids jammed into Hotel Café in Hollywood. I was overwhelmed with fear and excitement. I played my last song unplugged and I remember thinking. “I want to do this forever.”
What are the less-obvious downsides to performing?
This early in the game the most challenging thing is making money. Many of my fans think I am making all sorts of money because they see my on an iTunes banner, or on the Starbucks Pick of The Week cards. It’s simply not true. I work my ass off because I believe that one day I won’t struggle and that’s what keeps me going. There are a lot of misconceptions to being a musician. People see you on stage as the center of attention having the time of your life without ever realizing how many man hours and hundreds of dollars went into providing that 45 minutes of entertainment.
How about the downsides to being on the road?
Don’t even get me started on touring. I just got back from a month long tour and everyone wanted to know where I partied, who I hooked up with, and how many records I sold. I laugh because the reality is I spent 90% of the time in the RV with 7 other guys, and the other 10% sitting in a green room in a city where I didn’t know a soul. Don’t get me wrong though, I love this life, and I wouldn’t change it for a thing. The journey is where it’s at…I’m soaking it in, and smiling through the struggle.
Do you have any rituals before performing?
I get horrible anxiety, so I have to go find a place to be alone. I get really chatty and shaky. It’s an awful feeling. I typically take a shot of whiskey to sedate myself. I also usually do laundry the day of my show so my jeans are nice and tight.
What inspires you? Art, travel, etc. Inspiration to either your writing or just on a personal level.
Everything inspires me. Love has the biggest influence on my music, but I can hear rain on my window and write a whole song based on the sound it makes, and the effect it has on my body. Watching people love, whether it be a person, place, or thing, makes me feel alive. Seeing what effect art can have on people makes me want to write great songs and contribute to the movement.
What are some of your current projects/ things that are “on the horizon”? Writing? Recording? Taking a break?
I just got off tour with Truth & Salvage Co. I am now writing for my next record, which will hopefully be released in late spring, early summer. I am always looking for a good tour to hop on, and I don’t take breaks.
What’s your ideal vision for the future of your music career?
I want to make a living, gain more and more fans, tour the world, change lives, make a difference.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what do you see yourself doing?
I would be pursuing acting and writing. If not that, I would be an interior designer.
Stranded castaway time…pick the 5 albums you want with you?
Queen, Greatest Hits
Brandi Carlile, Bear Creek
Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago
The Young Romans, Tiger Child
Patty Griffin, Living With Ghosts
Do you consider yourself a good dancer? Truth time….what’s your staple move on the dance floor?
I’m actually a great dancer. Once I saw Sisqo’s “Thong Song,” I wanted to be a back up dancer. I stood in front of my wall length mirror in my parent’s house for years learning how to slide, pop n lock, and whatever else was trending at the time. I won local dance competitions and was the head coyote at a Coyote Ugly themed bar one summer. Most people don’t know this, because I rarely dance while I’m out. I prefer posting up at a hole in the wall where there is no chance of hearing club music. I’d say my go to is flailing around like an idiot because that makes me feel much more comfortable than actually dancing well.
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?
The 60’s.
Interview & Editorial by Allie Krummel
For more information on Jesse:
Angry Mob Artist Profile
Jesse’s Website
Jesse’s Facebook
www.angrymobmusic.com