Spotlight: Jess And The Bandits
Can you tell us more about how Jess and the Bandits came together? What drew you to collaborate with the British members of the band?
I started working with a British music producer in 2012. He brought me over to the UK to write and record my first album, which was called ‘Permanent’. I started promoting the album in the UK and developed a great fanbase here. Later, on the release of my second album ‘Loving This Day’ I was invited to go on tour as the support for The Overtones and made friends with the musicians who played for them. We all bonded over a love of country music and before long, Jess and the Bandits was born. Between their British charm and my Texas flare, I think we found something really special!
Your music blends country, pop and rock elements. Who are some of your biggest musical influences in these genres?
As a teenager I listened to everything from Garth and Trisha, Reba and Dolly… to artists like The Bellamy Brothers and George Jones, Tammy Wynette… and on the other side of things, I listened to Pearl Jam and a lot of Nineties grunge, as well as Boyz II Men, Céline Dion and Mariah Carey! My taste was so varied and I think I bring a little bit of it all with me in my music and my live shows! (Maybe not so much of the grunge… we will leave that with 90’s Jessica!)
Congratulations on your upcoming album! Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes or stories behind it?
Thank you so much. I am so excited to finally get this collection of music out there. This time around I decided to write a bit… but also go ahead and use songs that writers in Nashville have given me over the years. It feels like a huge compliment that they would trust me with some of these songs… as they write for some of the biggest artists out there. The stories vary, from love and heartbreak to the loss of my father and the ups and downs of my musical journey so far. There’s a lot in there!
What was the creative process like for this new album?
The creative process was so much fun this time around. It has always been fun but different this time. I have spent the whole of my career from Jessica Clemmons to Jess and the Bandits trying to prove myself as a writer… this time I chose songs based on what I am going to love and what other people are going to love. I recorded the album in Texas which was new for me… I normally record in Nashville and am used to a super quick turnaround. This time it was slower, more precise, more a labour of love… and I loved it.
With the new singles and album release, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?
I called the album ‘Jessica’ because I feel that this record is almost like a rebirth for me. The last album was made before I became a wife or a mother. Now I have two children and my life looks very different. My father, who was my greatest supporter and biggest fan passed away last year after a long illness and it has all shaped me. The things that mattered before matter less. I’m not concerned about pleasing people the way I used to be or willing to make the same sacrifices. I just want to make music, and if you love it, than great!
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Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine
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