Jesse Terry -Nashville- 21-03-2009

Jesse Terry - Nashville USA

We love finding people who's music speaks volumes and Jesse Terry does just that.  We are excite to have found him and we hope you enjoy his interview. 

How did you get started?

Well I was always around music..  My mom and dad were professional musicians and always had great records playing.  I sang a bit growing up but mainly was into painting and fine art.  My mom gave me her old guitar when I was eighteen and I was instantly hooked.  Something clicked inside of me and it has never turned off.  It was the outlet for my emotions that I was
desperately searching for.  Music and writing songs saved my life.

Where you musical at school?

A little bit..  I played drums until I was thirteen or so.  Honestly, in middle school and high school I was entirely focused on chasing girls and partying as much as I could.  I got most of my hard living out of the way real early!

What is your favourite venue to play?

For acoustic, intimate stuff I love playing the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.  It's a world famous place that always attracts great, attentive crowds and has vibe just dripping from the walls.  There's some magic in that room. For a rocking, full band show I love 12th and Porter in Nashville.  Great sound, killer lights and energetic crowds.. It's a fairly small club but
when you're up there it feels like you are playing Madison Square Garden.

Do you have a favourite band/arists living or dead?

It's impossible for me to like a band more than the Beatles.  They were the most perfect band ever formed..  I'm convinced that some divine force brought those four young men together.  I love so many artists and bands, but for me it will always start with the Beatles.

What has been the best gig you have played?

I played a show a couple of months ago at a local Nashville club that was magic.  I've put this great band together here in town and they are just fantastic players and guys..  very musical and tasteful cats. When everything is working and you are totally connected with your audience that is the greatest feeling.  Of course, it all starts with having a great song, but once you have that song and a band that kicks ass on top of that.. well, that is pure bliss for me.  It makes all of the bullshit that you have to go through in this business totally worth it.

What city-country would you like to visit?

I'd like to go everywhere in the world..  That's one of my big dreams.. to be able to tour internationally.  I'd love to experience Europe..  I'd like to backpack around for a while and write some songs.  Someday I need to meet my family over in Ireland!

What would you say about the music scene now?

Well, obviously it's in great flux..  great transition.  It's apparent to me that the current music business model is not bringing in enough money to compensate all of the worthy artists/writers out there.  On the flip-side of that I think there are more spots for indie-artists in the marketplace now. There are so many different ways to discover new music now, I think it's easier to get exposure as an indie artist.  Several decades ago an artist needed a major label to invest in them to make a record.  Now we can make a record so affordably, it's crazy.  I wish major labels were still nurturing artists like they did in the sixties and seventies but that time is over.  If Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen or Jackson Browne were to come out today as brand new acts I don't think they would be signed to major labels.. and that's pretty sad to me.  There was a time when the major labels sought out truly unique acts.  I feel like that rarely happens today.  Most of my favorite current artists are on indie labels.  This is the way it is now though and we have to embrace that.  I think the majors will continue to fail and the music business will evolve.  I think some great, exciting, things are on the horizon for the music business.

Where does your music fit in?

I'm not sure..  I'd like to think that my music will carve out it's own niche in the music business.  I'd like to be the kind of artist that can release a rocking record one year and an acoustic, folky record the next. Hopefully my music will appeal to a large, diverse audience.

Would you allow your music to be used in commercials/TV?

Absolutely!  I actually have some TV placements coming up very soon here in the states..  That could be a game changer for me.  Artists are getting broken by Old Navy Commercials these days.  Getting your music  placed in film, TV and commercials is the number one way to gain mass exposure as an artist these days.

If there was one person you could work with who would it be?

Probably Jackson Browne..  I'm such a huge fan of his work.. his lyric writing, singing, melodies and playing.. all superb.  Plus I'd love to hear his stories about the Southern California scene he was such a huge part of in the late sixties/early seventies.

What would you say the worst thing about toring is?

I haven't done a huge amount of touring since I've graduated college.  I signed a publishing deal right out of school and have been writing songs full time for the last four and a half years.  What I do know about touring is this; it is not glamorous!  You have to leave your comfort zone behind you so you can go out into the world and play your music.  That's the sacrifice.

What are your worst habits?

I stress out too much about things I can't control..  I stay up too late writing songs and then I feel like garbage the next day.

What drives your music and your passion?

Necessity.  Music is not a choice for me.  I need it to be a functioning, happy human being.  I write songs to heal..  It's a way of expressing myself that I never get tired of.  Part of that passion is to connect with other people.. perfect strangers who you can tell your life story to.  That's a beautiful concept to me.  I've found the more real and personal my songs are, the more people can relate to them.  People have a pretty accurate truth-meter and they know when an artist is not authentic or not letting go.

How do you write your music?

It depends.. I like to get up every morning and do my work.  I'm open to the muse and the divine creative process.  if the chorus wants to be written first so be it!  All of that being said, I'm dedicated to the craft of songwriting as well.  I like to study the masters.  That's how I started writing music in the first place..  I slowly absorbed all of these great cover songs that I was learning.  Those songs became a part of me and continue to influence my writing today.  I try to be as organized as possible.  I've learned to recognize potential magic and when I feel even a hint of it while I'm writing I record that idea or melody.  I always have a
recording program on the ready as I'm writing.  I'm a mess without my laptop.

What have you go planned for the rest of the year, you playing any festivals?

I don't have any festivals on the books as of yet..  So far, I've only booked shows at top local venues.  I have a small team of folks who are helping me to shop my record "The Runner" and these shows are serving as showcases to labels and publishers.  My live show is so important because labels are making most of their money on touring and they want to see that I can deliver on stage.  Nashville is a great place to get a record deal if you can create a big buzz around town, which is no easy task!  This town is completely saturated with uber talented writers and artists.

What advice had you been given before you started this journey and what advice would you give someone just starting out?

My parents have always encouraged me to seek truth in my art.  That is great advice.  I was also advised to keep my costs as low as possible and to not get anyone pregnant!  That advice came from my father and that is also great advice..  I would tell someone just starting out to work as hard as they can on their craft.  You will know it if music is something that you have to do.  I would advise people just starting on their journey to stay humble and to listen and learn.  It is a wonderful journey but it is also a rocky one.  It almost always requires a great deal of patience, perseverance, love and sacrifice.  You have to believe in yourself and love what you're doing for this career to even have a fighting chance.  That's my take on it anyhow.