JESSIA is a songwriter who writes to share from the heart and start a conversation. The Vancouver-based artist definitely started a conversation at the start of 2021, when a clip of her singing the hook of her song “I’m Not Pretty” went viral on TikTok. The song’s message of the reality of eating disorders and insecurity is indicative of her honest and thought-provoking songwriting. She’s able to turn organic candid moments and turn them into art. Now, with her debut EP How Are You, JESSIA is looking to share more of her personal songwriting and fun instrumentals with the world. We sat down with JESSIA at Outside Lands to discuss how she’s feeling after this whirlwind of success.
Melodic Mag: How was being the first act of the second day?
JESSIA: So fun! so so fun.
Any nerves or was it all just excitement?</strong
I was nervous last night, because I saw Glass Animals playing on this stage and it was insane. So, yeah I kind of had that moment of like “that’s going to be me tomorrow”. It was exciting and nerve-wracking and everything but as soon as I got on stage it was like “hey, what’s up!”.
This is your first time here, right?
Yes! First time in San Francisco, first time at Outside Lands, everything. It’s crazy. I really would love to go explore the city while I’m here.
On that note, you have just released your debut EP and you’re already here. Do you think that was sort of an overnight thing or it was a long time coming?
I mean, I’ve been working on this for a while. I kind of got put on the map January 1st of 2021 with like, a 15-second TikTok. So we created “I’m Not Pretty” in two days and then three days later we released it and I mean, that song is what kind of put me on the map. But coming out with the EP it’s kind of nice to be like, I also have this other side of myself. Having people singing back to be already is just so cool!
So what’s next?
Well, I’m writing right now and I’m super excited. Just kind of figuring out my next sound, because I don’t want it to be like “this is my sound and I’m going to stick to it” I really want to have different eras and personas and things like that. Yeah, just writing a bunch! There’s also new music coming sooooon. It’s crazy, I just released my EP like two weeks ago and I’m like “there’s still more music!”. More music and more live shows now that the world is opening up is definitely on the agenda. I really want to be able to talk to the fans and really connect with them.
You played a cover of “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance during your set. Anybody you’re listening to right now?
Well, I mean Alanis Morissette, I’m SO into Alanis Morissette. I also just saw Jeremy Zucker in LA a couple of days ago, and I’ve just been listening to him. He was like my hype up before I went on stage today.
Before we go, is there anybody at the festival who you’re excited to see now that you’re done with your set?
I need to see Melanie Martinez, I need to see 24kgldn, and I need to see Lizzo. Those are my top 3.
