What is your names?
Jessicka
What is your genre of music?
Indie Pop Dance Mood etc.
Give us a little bio about you.
Small town gal moves to Vancouver to be a dancer, sucks at dancing, buys a keyboard and now writes music.
What made you go in to music?
I always wanted to, from a very young age but the moment I decided to really hunker down and give it a shot was when I realized NOT giving it a try could be a major regret in my life.
Are you a signed?
Yes, to the lovely and very supportive Light Organ Records
You release your new single “Penniless Fool” tell us more about it.
It’s my ode to the working class. I saw it all my life, people working so hard to barely make it and on top of that people who did have stores and businesses get shut down by mega malls. It’s my minor political outcry.
What was the writing process like?
I was home for a long Christmas break and spent a lot of that time on my parents piano(well, the one I make them keep for just such occasions) and it started with the piano line which, in the original key, was very much based on a visual experiment. Once that was down the words started coming and from there producer Bradley Ferguson co-wrote the chorus and bam!
What was the recording process like?
Recording for me is usually pretty smooth although I struggled to get the right feel on the piano part. This is one of the more bombastic choruses to sing so I might have felt a little nervous going in but got it done pretty fast. Bradley always has the demos so tight by the time we hit the studio everything goes by like clockwork. We’re use to having to get whole albums done in three days because we can’t afford to be there very long so it was nice to have some extra time for this one. Also Pedro Dzelme, the engineer, is a wizard on the board, that never hurts.
Who did you work on the Single with?
All star dream team! We had Chris Gestrin come in for synths, Ryan Guldemond on guitar and Ali Siadat on drums.
What message are you trying to get out?
With this song in particular it’s meant to be a comfort, a reassurance that you’re not alone.
You also released the video to the track, what was the making process like?
Shooting this video was so awesome. It was the first one where we were outside and in a town I love, the sun was out, it was really relaxed and fun.
Any favourite memories from the shoot?
We shot it the day after Kanye released that Scoopity Poop song so when we needed a pick me up that was our go to. We must have heard it 20 times that day
Can we expect an EP or album this year and if so can we have a teaser?
You can expect both! I’m not clear on dates yet but there’s an EP coming in the next month and full length later in the year.
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
I’ve got a couple dates in Ontario one of which is Hillside Fest in Guelph. As for touring I’m hoping to have something together when the full album comes out.
If so where are you thinking of heading?
Most likely it will be across Canada but it would be dreamy to do Europe and the states as well.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
I play in a couple projects. I’m currently writing new material for Gentle Party, an avant chamber pop group that I sing in. I also play in the band Hunting, we’ll be releasing a new album soon.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I would like to co-write more though so hit me up if you have ideas! jessickamusic@gmail.com it’s that easy.
What else do you have planned this year?
Musically I’d like to start remixing other people’s music so I’m going to brush up on recording software and get to it. I also love photos and costumes so it would be nice to collaborate with some local photographers and designers.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano for writing and when absolutely necessary in the live show.
Who are your influences?
Fiona Apple, St. Vincent, Patrick Watson
Which TV channel would you like one of your songs to be played on?
HBO
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
It totally varies, the themes on the upcoming album range from violent rage to this to the apocalypse so it’s all over the place. Usually it’s a confessional of some sort.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully on permanent tour, that would be prefect.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m really into photography so I’ve been spending time getting better at that. I also spend as much time in nature as possible, my inner granny likes bird watching(a lot) so you can find me out in the forest poking around.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
To narrow it down to one song is really hard but I think the way that Joga by Bjork moved me was a big one. I would listen and imagine what it would be like to perform a song like that.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
At one point I worried a lot about writing songs that would get on the radio or be “successful” and the owner of Light Organ just said “why would you worry about that? Write in your style, no one is interested in a replica of what already exists”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
You do you because no one else can. Your voice and ideas are unique. That being said it’s great to keep an open mind and work with others, sometimes an outside perspective can bring something to your music you didn’t know you wanted.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
This will sound silly but just stay happy. Stay relaxed and have fun, there’s no point in doing it otherwise(for me)
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Othello Tunnels in Hope. Go before dark otherwise it’s terrifying.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Fave restaurant within walking distance
2/ Who do you see first?
My cats
3What do you eat first?
The biggest, freshest salad with a piece of Pacific Salmon
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Keyboard, sustain pedal, makeup, something sparkly, tequila
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
