Jess King: New York City's Sarah Brightman
One musician in New York City is on the verge of "superstar status"; catch her while you can...
Looking over the career of England's cherished contemporary vocalist Sarah Brightman, she has acquired 150 Gold and Platinum records/awards and has sold over 26 million albums. I suspect New York City's Jess King will eventually trump Brightman's feats.
According to the official Website, "Jess King has been featured in Biography Magazine's print and television ad campaigns as an up-and-coming artist. She was also selected to be a part of VH1's Rock and Roll Music Mystery Tour and has performed The Star-Spangled Banner at Shea Stadium several times. Jess' performing has led her to various major cities in the US, as well as abroad to London, Hong Kong, the Caribbean, and Tokyo."
Here's what's so amazing, despite being just seconds from superstardom, Jess King can still be seen performing from time to time at various New York City venues. I was amazed to learn that a talented musician like King remains so humble, especially in what seems like an industry that quickly heralds elitism as the preferred attitude.
Perhaps it just goes to show that when one truly has talent, esteem and drive, Britney-behavior isn't necessary.
And talent, by the way, is something there is no shortage of with King. I recently had the opportunity to review her 2007 EP "Love Me Back", produced by Steve Addabbo (Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Sonya Kitchell.)
The album moves with an organic sophistication, which can only be derived from composition truly straight from the soul.
In my opinion, it's only a matter of time until Jess' recent accomplishment, Your Deep Dark Eyes REMIX, becomes a mainstream hit.
I was stunned at the incredible diversity within King's music, as the she seamlessly moves through multiple styles with brilliant resonance.
Rumor has it; her voice even lured the famous Stevie Wonder into on of her venues in Tokyo...
Jess King was nice enough to take a break from her globetrotting super-singer schedule to sit down with me for a brief interview. Of course, all of my questions were strictly "music-intellectual" types, as you are about to read.
Thank you so much for the interview Jess King; you are an amazingly talented woman. I have a few serious questions I would like to ask, if you don't mind...Foremost, have you hit that place of stardom yet where you request "only green M&M's" in your hotel room yet?
(Laughing)
Okay, so I'm kidding a little, seriously though, what's it like to be on your way. Do you wake up some days thinking, "Wow, I'm on my way?"
(Smiling) You know, I wish I felt complacent enough with where my career stands at this moment to be certain that things will "just happen" without my constantly pushing things forward and seeking new opportunities. I have had several moments in the last few months, however, where I felt an amazing rush of "can this really be happening" -- which is what I think you're getting at -- but after a few seconds, I seem to step back into the mode of "Okay, now, what is the best next step -- and let's do it." I am lucky to find so much satisfaction in the actual songwriting, and having those moments of personal satisfaction that is so separate from any feeling of being "on my way". That said, that is absolutely the goal -- and things are going great, and I am extremely optimistic about the future -- and particularly after the last several months, where I've experienced some wonderful developments from a music business standpoint.
Very insightful! Tell us a little about the reality of being a young woman edging higher in the music world...Have you met some gross people, or is everyone on the up and up and supportive?
Unfortunately, I have had some horrible experiences within the music business; however, I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone involved in the business who has solely found people to be genuine. However, there are also a lot of amazing people working in the music industry. I have had fantastic support from a lot of people, and this positive energy has carried me a long way. At this point, I've learned a lot, and I'm even grateful for some negative experiences for the lessons they taught, and the strength they have given me as an artist and as a person.
What about the music itself, does everyone have an opinion about songs, "small changes", and/or your broader career? How do you deal with it and how do you weed out who's real and who's not?
I have also learned so much about myself in the process of writing music and in collaborating with others. For me, it has taken time to trust my musical judgment and to have 'found my voice' when working with other people. This directly collates with my growing up, and now knowing who I was as a woman and as an artist. At this point, I am very secure with this, but it did take time to "find myself" as an artist. The music I am currently working on represents, stylistically, how I see myself as an artist. My earlier work shows an evolution to where I am now, but the producer with whom I am working with now really understands who I am, and we are collaborating to create a sound that shows who I am. This has been a work in progress, and it's really exciting to finally feel I am in a place where it is all coming together.
So of course, as this is a Wall Street publication, I have to ask about the money side of things. Are you a bazillionaire yet? Like, I mean, do you have your own jet? If not, when do you think that will happen? And also, what color would your rock star Jet be?
As you probably guessed, no I am far from a bazillionaire. But I am doing well, and things are moving in a positive direction. I am optimistic with the work I'm creating, and especially the new song productions I've been working on with a new collaborator of mine. I've also been working on several songs for film soundtracks, and this has been a very interesting and appealing opportunity for me. Although this is a Wall Street publication, I will have to refrain from numbers and suffice to say that things are going well and improving by the week. I'll keep you posted, if you check back with me in the future. As for a Jet, I have no interest. I'm much more easygoing and a big fan of public transportation and saving resources.
Gottcha! Well, on another note, in general terms is it tough for musicians to get their first few albums rolling and where do the big bucks in music come from? Like, I mean, is it from touring, album sales, promotions and endorsements, or products?
Without a doubt, money comes more and more -- and mainly -- from touring. Particularly with the many changes within the music industry and record companies, touring is the biggest source of income for artists. And of course product endorsements as well.
What is your most crazy music business story?
You know, it is too crazy to print -- truly.
You are going to hate me for asking this question, but I have to...Are there dude groupies?
Well...I mean… I love all my fans. Though I'm not sure I'd call anyone a "groupie", I'm thankful for anyone who enjoys my music and performances. And I would have to say my music may be higher on women's lists than men's. But who knows.
Okay, back on track, what's the plan from here? If you had life on silver platter, what would the next "opening" be that allows you to take your career to the next level?
I am working on a promising project with an up-and-coming major label producer that is going wonderfully. I'm not certain which next door will open, and my manager and I are exploring all of the options out there -- but it will surely be an interesting opportunity. I'm reluctant to say definitively what will follow, as we are still figuring out whether we will seek major label representation, independent representation, or -- you know, there are so many possibilities here -- but please stay tuned. The coming months will be interesting and exciting to say the least.
When I listened to Your Deep Dark Eyes REMIX, it seems like the tune could easily become a mainstream "club hit" and vault you higher in terms of recognition… What are your thoughts?
That would be fantastic. It's interesting you mention this remix because I just posted it today on my MySpace page; my manager suggested I hold off, as it is a dance remix, and he is probably right. However, I am really excited about this song and wanted to share it online -- at least for a few days. The style represented here does reflect who I am as an artist, keeping in mind it is a remix. The original song is a ballad and is very strong on its own; we just hadn't found a production that seemed to be "just right" yet. So when a producer friend of mine sent me this version a few weeks ago, I was thrilled. I am aiming to be mainstream -- I have nothing against success. I want to create great songs and music that connects with people. There is no reason I can't write songs that are meaningful and reach people with them. This would mean they are "commercial" and, for me, that is part of the goal. This would mean the song is reaching more people than the number of people who fill a venue where I'm playing. When you mentioned earlier my 2007 recording, I have to admit that -- although it contains some good songs, I never felt "at home" with it -- in terms of how the songs were produced and how they reflected who I am as an artist. The Remix you mention, although definitely a remix, shows more of the direction where I'm going. I have a few other new songs posted on my MySpace page now that I believe are equally as hit-oriented.
How about a record deal? I've heard that the smartest musicians in the world are the ones who stay away from signing with a label early on? I can't reveal my source for this, but I've heard musicians who sign with labels will get sucked into flying around and whatever else seems totally bling, then the label will bill them like, three times the price for the ticket. Is it true?
There is absolutely truth to this. However, the industry has changed a lot in the last few years, and will continue to. It is far from a black and white issue but, as I mentioned before, my manager and I are exploring all of our options. I am deep enough into things now that I'm less concerned about making a poor judgment call -- thankfully, I have a great "team" of advisers at this point.
Any plans for a new album or music video anytime soon? How about television and/or print stuff?
Yes, I will keep you posted. Right now, we're getting a few live videos done from my new EPK (Electronic Press Kit).
Sounds good. Well, Jess, thank you so much for your time here; I really think the next time we chat it will be while you're on your satellite uplink phone in your jet to Monaco...at least, I wouldn't be surprised anyway. Just promise me one thing okay? Stay away from Britney, rumor has it, she is trouble with a capital "T". One last item, can you please tell readers when and where they can see you this Friday?
Thank you so much for your time and interest. And don't worry, I have my head on straight. For any readers who may be interested, I am performing this Friday night, October 17, at the Knitting Factory Old Office room at 74 Leonard Street, in Tribeca, Manhattan. Doors are at 9pm, Show will begin at 9pm. It will be a great time and it's an intimate venue -- so if you come out, hopefully we can say hello. Also, my newest songs are available at: myspace.com/jesskingmusic.
Thanks and All the Best, Jess
Mark Whistler
10/17/08
