Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesse Fox. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jesse, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
When I was a little kid I was always fascinated by music in general, but specifically the guitar. My dad played a bit, there was always music on in the house, I grew up in church and would study the people playing.
When I was 8 I got my first guitar, from the scratch and dent section. They had no left handed guitars, so I learned how to play right handed.
I didn’t put it down except to eat and sleep. When my dad saw I was obsessed, he introduced me to some of his favorite artists. Jim Croce, James Taylor, Bill Withers, Billy Joel, etc.
I remember listening to Jim Croce and feeling sad, or happy, or laughing at a witty line, without really even understanding the context because I was so young.
I saw such beauty and creative freedom in being able to create something new, where nothing existed before, and have that thing be able to connect and create an emotional response from someone that may have no idea who you even are or what the song is actually about.
I knew that I wanted to be an artist. And I knew that I wanted to be a songwriter.
Jesse, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started playing music when I was very young. But I didn’t start my first band until I was 18, and that is the project I’m still carrying on.
I was only supposed to be the guitarist, but the band split at our first rehearsal before our first gig.
I was the only one who had written a handful of original songs, so it was decided that I would play guitar and sing. I had never sang in front of really anyone until our first show… it was rough haha!
But over time I began learning and strengthening my voice until I could carry a tune and be confident.
The writing was something I became obsessed with.
I would try to play a 2-3 hour show of just originals for strangers at a dive bar, not tell them I wrote the song, to see if I could win them over with solely original music.
I set myself a goal of writing at least 2 songs a week no matter what. And I’ve kept that going for the past 6+ plus years.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I think my story is one that probably a lot of musicians and creatives can connect with. There was no one in the area that could or would give advice or help us along when we first started as a band.
We accepted every opportunity, played for free, played all the time, traveled wherever, created shows in spaces that weren’t venues.
We hustled for years, and a lot of those habits and thought processes are still a part of me in what I do, and will hopefully always be.
I’m grateful for the journey, as hard as it was at times. But I’m learning that it’s okay to work hard and hustle while allowing myself to be proud of what I’ve done, and enjoy the moments along the way.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I don’t really know what else I would do in life that would scratch that same creative itch.
My goal from the beginning has been to get to a point where I can support myself solely doing music, and be able to travel and tour and play my songs for new people in new places.
It’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve been able to have so far in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.jessefoxmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessefoxmusic/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/loveandvalormusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjHWjLQslInB_w3zeSC5hfg
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3x1FCuVUC5SJuwBwRZyu7T
PBS show: https://www.pbs.org/video/jesse-fox-8rjteb/
Image Credits
Todd Mcphail
Josh Collins
Melissa Allen