Having transitioned to an independent artist last year, today, March 8th, sees the release of JESSIA’s new single Care About Me on all streaming platforms, which she wrote when touring in the Philippines with OneRepublic. In 2023, JESSIA featured on Spencer Sutherland’s single Everybody, and she was part of two tours throughout the year when she supported Dean Lewis on his The Future Is Bright Canadian Tour and opened for OneRepublic in Asia. JESSIA’s single I’m not Pretty had viral success in 2021, and she went on to release a remix version with Bebe Rexha, and in the same year, she released her debut EP How Are You?, and in 2022, she was announced the winner of Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the JUNO Awards. We spoke to JESSIA about her new single Care About Me, seeing the viral success of her 2021 release I’m not Pretty and being announced as the winner of the 2022 JUNO Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
How long have you been working on your new single Care About Me, which is released today, March 8th, and what can you tell us about the song?
I wrote this song a year ago while I was on tour in the Philippines! It was about me seeing my relationship lose its spark but still trying to fix it. As soon as I wrote it, it felt as if a weight was lifted. It was when I realised I deserved better.
What was it like writing Care About Me?
It was very therapeutic! I wrote it over a silly piano loop I made in my hotel room and wrote it alone overlooking Manila. It was a really cool experience. Asia is so inspiring for songwriting.
How was it hearing the completed single for the first time and who do you think it will appeal to?
This song has been through so many different revisions and when we finally cracked it it was incredible. Hearing the finished song for the first time, I got chills. I think it will appeal to my OG fans as it’s like a sister song to Next Time and that is a fan favourite. But, it’s also been resonating with a lot of new people, so it feels like a good introduction to my music as well!
You transitioned to releasing music independently last year, what have you enjoyed most about being an independent artist?
I really like owning my art and my words. I feel so much closer to my project now and every bit of success I have is all coming from me and my small but mighty team. I feel a lot more at peace and in control.
In October, you were part of Spencer Sutherland’s single Everybody, how did the feature/remix come about?
Spencer was one of my first friends in LA. He is such an incredible artist and person. I love the song I did with him. I’m all about chasing what excites me and making cool art!
Can you tell us about working on your 2021 single I’m not Pretty, and what it was like seeing the viral success of the release?
That was the craziest week of my life and such a blur! I moved back home in the pandemic so I wrote and recorded the vocals in my high school bedroom. It was wild because on my phone I was blowing up but then I would turn my phone off and my mom would be like “do the dishes”, haha.
You also released a remix of I’m not Pretty with Bebe Rexha, how was it having her feature on the single?
Bebe was the perfect person to have as a feature! She has advocated for body positivity for years so it was an immediate YES!
What was it like releasing your debut EP How Are You? in 2021?
It was really fun! I love all of those songs to this day and different ones have been my favourite through my phases in life. I am really stoked to release my next EP.
In May last year, you supported Dean Lewis on his sold-out The Future Is Bright Canadian Tour, what was your touring experience like?
Dean and his team are THE BEST!! It was really cool because it was my first time going across Canada after COVID, so it was amazing seeing all my Canadian fans in person! My favourite part of touring is being able to meet and talk to so many new people!
How did you find the experience opening for OneRepublic’s Live In Concert Asia Tour?
That was such an unforgettable tour. The people and the cultures I got to see in such a short time was incredible. I love touring Asia and I’ve got to go back!!
Do you remember how you felt being announced as the winner of Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2022 JUNO Awards?
I didn’t think I was going to win so I had no speech prepared, haha. I felt like I blacked out completely when I won. I had to watch the show back to see if it was real, haha!
How did you get into music and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?
I grew up singing and songwriting but I didn’t know if I wanted to keep it as a hobby or not. It’s scary to make your creative passion your job as it can take the creative freedom out of it at times. I’m so thankful I did take that jump and make it my career. I really don’t see myself doing anything else. I think I always knew I wanted to be an artist, I just had to hype myself up a bit.
Who are some of your favourite music artists?
Right now I’m listening to a lot of Reneé Rapp, Radiohead, and Coldplay.
How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not working on music?
I love going to the beach and hiking and hanging out with friends. I feel like when I’m not working on music I like to go and do inspiring things for songwriting. I guess I’m always working on music in a way.
What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any releases or live shows coming up that you can tell us about?
I am SOOO excited about all the new music that I have coming! Care About Me is one of my faves for sure! And I can’t announce any tours yet but I’ll keep you posted on my socials.
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