Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jess Wright. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jess, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope to leave a trail of kindness when I go. Specifically, I hope that my memory is lived out in the kindness of others. I think that kindness is powerful, constructive, loving, and supportive – something that can change anyone’s life even in fleeting doses. While I know that all history fades over time, the promise of helping to make the world around me a better place drives me as both a person and as a musician.

Looking back, it all started when was bullied as a little kid. Around that age I started thinking about the impacts of kindness (and the absence of it), while struggling with feelings of isolation, anger, and even hopelessness. But as I learned to lean harder into the love from my family, and to appreciate little gifts from the world around me, I began to see how much of an impact small acts of kindness or understanding can have. Even a song that said exactly what I was feeling could turn my day around. And I began wondering how I could do that for others.

Fast forward to today, and I now see that every day is full of choices and opportunities to be kind to others. When I found songwriting and performing, I realized that I could take something that I love to do and use it to create a space for others where they can be themselves and unapologetically feel the full breadth of their emotions. Music has the power to help people feel understood and, in live music settings, connected with complete strangers. I feel that energy as a performer, too, and I believe that an open heart is a kind heart.

To me, the choice to be kind is obvious, even when it’s not easy. I am still learning how to do it well and I don’t always get it right. But just like I am learning how to be a kinder person by noticing others, I hope that the good in my actions will ripple out slowly by example and effect. I hope my words make people feel at ease and my songs give people a space to feel and connect. I hope to contribute to a world where people feel seen and cared for, and then I hope they have the strength to treat others that way, allowing everyone to be and become their best. If I am remembered, by name or by memory for anything I do, I would like my legacy to be realized in the kindness and thoughtfulness of others.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up on an island in Maine and lived in the same house for the first 18 years of my life. It was (and still is) one of the most beautiful places on Earth to me. There were a lot of trees in my town, but not a lot of people. I grew up slow and steady on my family’s love, a love of nature, and a general fascination with life. Music and singing were early passions of mine thanks to car karaoke with my Mom. Looking back, so many roaring currents that carry me through life today quietly began in my young life there.

When I became a singer and songwriter, everything clicked for me. I originally decided to pick up songwriting in San Diego after college as a private hobby; I wanted to rediscover joy in my life, and knew no better way than music. I would spend full weekends writing and playing guitar in my room, and after about six months I began going to open mics. From then on, it felt like I was a part of something that was much larger than myself. Within a few months I started playing full shows thanks to an incredible community, lots of encouragement, and the dedication of a newfound passion. As people started reaching out to me to say that a song made them happy or was helping them through something, I realized that I could give to others what music so often gave to me: a safe and positive space. And that is exactly what I strive to do every time I step on stage.

As a working musician, my engine runs on live music and gratitude. I love meeting people through music, and I look back of my career to date with so much love. All the people close to me and all the people I’ve met have led me to this point, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. It motivates me to keep working, keep improving, and keep doing hard things. I want to do and be my best for all the people who believe in me.

I am now based out of Nashville and work as a songwriter, recording artist, and live performer. As a songwriter, I love to write classic sounding songs (think James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Amos Lee, etc.) that invite people to feel things that are big and/or hard to describe. As a recording artist, right now I am exploring acoustic sounds and stripped arrangements. And as a performer, I love being a juke box. I like to hit all genres, play great songs of every kind, and connect with people in real-time. Music and friendliness always come first with me, and that’s reflected in my shows. My goal one day is to headline shows with my original music.

Great songs, great performances, and connecting with people through music are not just my skills but my passions. I love what I do, and I don’t take that for granted. I feel so lucky for all the amazing friends, fans, and mentors that I have propelling me forward. I have some exciting releases coming up that I can’t wait to share with everyone, and most of all I’m excited to see how far this thing can go.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love connecting with people through music. I can think of so many times where someone has come up to me to talk about a song that I played, and every time it makes my day. It means so much to me! Not just because I get the chance to learn something about someone who I otherwise may not have met, but because I get to fall in love with music all over again through them. Music is so engrained in our lives that it becomes saturated with our memories and emotions. But somehow, our favorite songs also connect us with other people across every kind of division. Music is so tightly woven with our lives that it can help us vividly remember things we’ve forgotten. So to be a part of that recollection, or to be a part of a new memory being made, hits me so deeply. I get to zoom in with that person in that moment and connect with them. And in the moments where someone has shared something with me about a song I wrote, I feel like it’s the greatest gift I could be given, because it reminds me that everyone’s voice is important and no one is truly alone.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In the music industry there’s a lot of talk about talent, but I think talent is pretty common nowadays. You can learn to do almost anything well with the resources that are out there, and even then talent isn’t always the most important factor. So I have leaned on being an open and kind person, and working hard for people. I think that ends up setting me apart sometimes. I’ve sat in a lot of rooms where people are in a constant game of comparison and there’s this stiff silence when someone plays a song. But I think there’s a place for everyone’s unique style and sound, including mine, and there’s no use in being judgmental about things. I feel like I’m always learning from other people and my fellow musicians.

I try to approach everything with curiosity. I’ve met a lot of amazing people that way and made some wonderful lasting connections just by asking people about themselves and following through on my commitments. And then when it comes to the businesses and people I work with, I always want to give them my best on and off the mic. I am constantly practicing and I continue to develop my skills and knowledge to make sure I’m giving them a better show every time. I know that nothing is a given in this world, and I have found that when you treat people well and put in the work, they treat you well in return.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jesswrightmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesswrightmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesswrightmusic
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Candice Wright, Romi Rossell (Various Images)