We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jess Helios a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jess, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When I moved to Austin, I came with a lot of preconceived notions—ideas like needing a stable job, a steady income, and the belief that work should come before ‘hobbies.’ Initially, these concepts led me to a job in tech, a role I honestly quite liked. But over time, that job took more and more from me. My ‘free time’ was often spent decompressing and resting. I was making more money than I knew what to do with, but something inside me was dying. It didn’t take long for me to realize I needed a change.

That said, I didn’t exactly know what that change would be, so I saved up some money and went against everything I’d been told about the ‘real world.’ I gave up my stable income and comfortable life in search of something more true to who I was. Over the next year, I focused on meditation and spent time in nature. I found harmony within myself and discovered just how deeply deprived the musician in me had become.

Now, I play shows of original music in Austin almost every two weeks, and I’m in multiple bands. While I may not be as financially comfortable as before, things continue to improve, and I’m much happier than I was in my previous state. I’ve only been doing this for a few years, but I’ve made great strides. Jess Helios is recording an album set to release early next year. We’ll see where things go from there.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name’s Jess. I’m just another human here on Earth, looking for meaningful experiences. In one sense, I’m playing rock shows and stepping onto stages shared by my heroes, but in another, I go home to my dog. We play, and I take him swimming. I don’t have the best eating or sleep habits, and I run sound at a local venue. I haven’t sold my soul at the crossroads or lived out some story people make up for those we’ve put on a pedestal. I’m just like everyone else.

I think it’s important to recognize that when you see people up on stage or doing the ‘thing’ you want to do, you’re just as capable as them. It doesn’t mean it’ll be easy, but you can do it. When I was 18, I decided I wanted to write songs and play them for as many people as I could. I didn’t know a lick of guitar, and I couldn’t really sing at that time. A lot of well-meaning people told me it wasn’t going to happen, but with consistent effort, reality changed. You have to be willing—that’s what’s most important. Willing and adaptable. Whatever your heart sees as true, you can make it so. It’s a power we all have within us, whether we acknowledge it or not. You wouldn’t have those dreams if it weren’t within your ability to make them real.

That’s what this ‘project’ is about. If anything, I hope that’s what my life stands for: believing in yourself. My songs revolve around the internal dialogue that unfolds when you move toward your truth. Your past will come for you, and the future will loom overhead. Your humanity will be questioned, and your spirit will sometimes show weakness. As I said, choose your truth, and it likely won’t be easy, but it’s the most rewarding choice you could ever make.

I recognize that this was a little more than just about myself, but this whole thing is about so much more than me. I’m Jess, just another human on a walk home through reality.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, I believed doing everything on my own was better in every way—faster, more efficient, and easier to steer. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand the importance of involving others in my vision and helping others to achieve theirs. Not only is it essential, but it’s also more fulfilling. Sure, sometimes the ship doesn’t turn as quickly, and people may occasionally let you down. Yet, each of those moments is a valuable lesson, teaching you about yourself and how to set realistic expectations.

Additionally, friends and peers bring perspectives you simply can’t have on your own. They reveal facets of reality that you might never explore alone, which is priceless. Bringing others on board enriches and colorizes life in unimaginable ways. Learning to love and work with people different from yourself teaches you more about who you are than you’d expect.

Lately, I’m very grateful to have collaborated with Austin Independent Music, The Electric Church, The Oven Empire Control Room and Garage, Parish, Vancerts, Rivian, Vinyl Beauty Bar, Austin Sound Machine and more. I’m also deeply thankful for my bandmates—both in my own band and in others I’ve been fortunate to join.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

For Austin musicians, the answer is HAAM. HAAM has been absolutely essential in allowing me to do what I do, in the way I do it. For those who don’t know, HAAM provides health insurance to musicians who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. I have some health complications, and without HAAM, I don’t know where I’d be.

But they offer much more than just health insurance. HAAM provides resources for therapy, food stamps, rent support, dental care, and more. If you’re ever asked to donate to HAAM, please know that your money is going to an amazing cause, supporting musicians who rely on these essential services.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jesshelios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesshelios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jess-Helios-100092343562443/?_rdr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jesshelios
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jesshelios
• Other: album updates: https://jesshelios.com/apollo-95

Image Credits

Reilly Pagel

Sheridan Aguilar

Devin Carillo