We caught up with American Singer & Songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera ahead of her highly anticipated release of her second album Speed of Sound [15th March 2024]. An album she explains was a mix of emotions during the album’s creation. Finding inspiration through each song showcasing it’s own journey. Some are older than others, she goes onto explain. With certain songs based on experiences, the artist references other elements of her music, which have not yet come to pass.
“During the making of Speed of Sound I experienced a disturbing and disorienting departure of a father figure. Simultaneously I was nurturing a deeper connection with my biological father, who actually wound up on the album on track 11, and working with two men who could have been my fathers. I believe this was no accident. I think some divine force took mercy on my soul and decided to diffuse my heart break by giving me some healthy loving masculine energies to nurture both me and my songs during a time I might have otherwise broken down”.
Jesse Lynn recalls how from the time she was very little, maybe only 2 or 3 years old at the time, it seemed this was what she was destined to do. She explains how she was always singing and had a serious interest in the piano they had in the living room. The artist’s favourite song was ‘We Belong’ by Pat Benatar. Always reverting to the same answer when people asked the artist what she wanted to be when she grew up – “Pat Benatar.” Jess Lynn started creating and testing out her own songs when she was around six years old. Admittingly, nothing the artist would foresee including on any of her upcoming albums, but the seed was planted early on. Thus, going into the industry was a natural next step for the aspiring singer.
Looking to her music, Jesse Lynn describes her music being similar to art. Where some of her music belongs within a collection, others evolve into “one off’s”. She recalls how she listened to a lot of different kinds of music through her journey to date; having been influenced by everything from bluegrass, folk, R&B, Tejano to opera. The artist points out that she never sets out to write in any particular genre when going through the production process.
“I think different feelings and situations call for different compositions. There’s nothing analytical about it, they are just feelings that come out in songs and are translated however they want to be translated. I’m not sure what makes me stand out. There are tons of great writers and singers. I suppose I literally stand out as one of the few pianists on an endless plain of awesome guitarists”.
For those looking to follow in Jesse Lynn’s footsteps, the artist’s advice is to focus on making a product that truly pleases you and lives up to your taste, then offer it to the world if you want to. To realize that there is only one of you, and your perspective is the real treasure.
The artists points to her song Dante off her last album “Fortunes” as a story about overcoming bullying. Having grown up with some rather unsavoury characters, the artist recalls how the importance of knowing your value, is fundamental in pushing through those that would seek to stop you in your tracks, or slow you down. To that end, she goes onto highlight the importance of having a network around you that are a kin to the music your want to produce.
“it was vital and well worth the sometimes painful process it took to get there. I’ve learned a ton about myself and what systems I need in place in order to be able to comfortably communicate the ideas. I need people who are enthusiastic, energetic, and rowing in the right direction. The focus must be on the track and how we can make the track somehow reach the core of the listener. It’s not about what cool sounds we can layer on top of the last layer and the layer before, it’s ‘how can my heart come through?’”.
Whilst the biggest challenge Jesse Lynn sites as being away from home due to work, being able to rehearse for upcoming shows is living the dream. With constant ideas streaming through, some of which will make it onto her next album.
