Jessie James

Let’s face it, today’s country music is not the country music of our fathers or grandfathers. Today’s country music is sexier, smarter and even a little bit stronger when it comes to the roles that women play. Of course, that’s not to say that sexy, smart and strong haven’t always been there in some fashion (Hello? Dolly! Reba! Dixie Chicks!). I’ll admit right up front here that I have never been a huge fan of country outside of the aforementioned ladies (and the occasional physical lusting after some of their men folk) but for a couple of months now I have had the latest CD of a up and coming country star on heavy rotation in my car, my house and anywhere else I can play it.
 
Her name is Jessie James and she is a Country Diva in training. This true daughter of the south was born in a military field hospital in Italy but grew up in Georgia knowing that music was in her soul. She started writing music on her plastic guitar at age nine and spent weekends during high school traveling back and forth from Atlanta to Nashville where she had the opportunity to hone her skills alongside of some of Music City’s best and brightest.

Well, all of her persistence and hard work seems to have paid off with the release of her debut album back in August and more and more people are becoming familiar with not just her name but her amazing voice as well. Luckily, my favorite publicity gal in NYC hooked me up with the chance to do a little bit of email correspondence with Jessie and although it was short and sweet it was also very insightful…

BW: You have been writing since a very early age. What was the title and subject of the very first song that you remember writing?

JJ: It was called "It’s Gonna Be Alright" and it was exactly what the title implies... looking on the bright side of things.

BW: You wrote the majority of the songs on your album. Which of these songs is the most personal to you and why?

JJ: Guilty...because it’s a very true story and very personal.

BW: Sometimes young artists like you are criticized for writing/singing songs that some people think are dealing with subject matter that they couldn’t possibly know about or that you have to have more life experience to sing about love, sex, heartache, etc. How do you respond to attitudes like that?

JJ: I think they are ignorant whoever makes that sort of judgment. I have lived all of the things I write about and I feel very passionate about them. Lots of kids go through things at a young age and need to hear someone else singing about it so they know they aren’t the only ones.

BW: Who are you a fan of musically? What one song could you just listen to over and over again?

JJ: I love Bobbie Gentry and I could listen to Ode to Billy Jo over and over again

BW: Country music has changed in so many ways during the last decade. Do you think it has the potential to become gay-friendlier? As a Diva in training with an amazing vocal talent, are you ready for the gay fan base you will undoubtedly amass?

JJ: I WOULD LOVE TO BE THE GAL TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. I am very passionate about my gay fans and love them dearly, I have so many already.

BW: What would be your dream duet , both male and female?

JJ: Christina = female, and Chad Kroeger or Kid Rock

BW: What three words would you say best describe you?

JJ: spicy, prankster, tiny