Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess White.
Hi Jess, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started off making music when I was in third grade– from throwing together little sound loops I found online, to eventually recording my own tracks in my bedroom. Now, I have a little, portable home studio I pack around with me.
I’ve been releasing my music under “common occurrence!” since early high school, around the middle of my Junior year. I never meant to keep the project going, but eventually I found a dreampop / indie rock sound that I really liked– and decided to keep going. The original idea of “common occurrence!” was just to make music that I liked, and I’m glad it turned into something more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been rocky, but I can’t say it has been smooth. If anything, it has been a quiet road. I really struggle with promotion, and the confidence to really get my stuff out there. There’s been minimal feedback for most of my career. It’s only recently that I’ve started to get a little traction rolling, which I am very thankful for.
I’d say I had some trouble finding my sound in the early days, but now I embrace it more than anything. I think it’ll lead me to some interesting soundscapes. I’ve faced a bunch of personal hardships, from breakups to losing my father, but I feel like those things have only made my music more personal. And, after all, you get the hand your dealt.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make indie rock! I really like getting into harmonic, melody driven walls of sound. I think people really enjoy my use of synthesizer and guitar distortion– but to be honest– I am not really sure. I’d say I am most proud of my most recent album, “Second Guessed.” It felt like what “great timing” was meant to be– a seven track sound exploration with themes on grief and self doubt. I felt like I really honed in my production and made some excellent tracks.
The final track, “second guest,” is by far my favorite. I feel I got the hook down with the perfect amount of energetic, dreamy indie rock to drive the lyrics home. I hope on having more to release this spring!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Keep going! It is painful at times, but remind yourself that what other people think should not be your basis of value for yourself. We all want to see big numbers, and when we don’t, or even lose listeners, it stings. I know from experience. Just keep making art for you. (I know it’s easier said than done.)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Jyj2jVR5qGHVsROQBla5a?si=4ywrawiYSFKfxGmLc1IU_Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/common.occurr.ence/?next=%2F
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jesswhite-0331
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-872814566
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jess.whi.te?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
Image Credits
Jess White