Music has always been a big part of Justin Jesso’s life; he wrote his first original song at the age of nine, starred in several Chicago theatre plays at 14 and then at 18, caught the attention of a Disney talent scout, who soon had him booked as tour support for Jesse McCartney and Jordin Sparks to name just two. Upon moving to LA, he found himself once again putting pen to paper, co-writing the Latin Grammy nominated “Vente Pa’Ca” for Ricky Martin, and a certain “Stargazing” track for Kygo. Since then, his career has only gone from strength to strength and PopWrapped caught up with Justin to find chat about his new single “Too Good To Lose” and what he hopes to tick off his professional bucket list.
What might you say is your unique selling point as an artist? What is it that sets you apart from the many other bands and solo acts in the industry today?
This is such a difficult question to answer. I believe in timeless great music and real performance. I try to be truthful with my lyrics and say something different yet emotional. I try to put together the most high energy and engaging shows possible. A lot of artists are honest, and have great shows. But none of them are me. Really though, this is a question I want the audience to answer. Hopefully my music and my performances resonate with them on a deeper level. So what sets me apart…me.
For anyone who might not have heard of you, how would you sum up your sound and the type of music you make?
Emotional bangers. Hahaha! Well I’ve been known primarily for my work in the dance world…but I’m really not a dance artist. I would consider my music pop soul. I’m really a soul singer, but have always written pop leaning tunes.
You first came to attention as the featured artist and co-writer of “Stargazing”, the global hit from Kygo. Did you ever imagine that song would take off as it did, and give you such a boost to your own career?
I didn’t! I always loved the song when I wrote it, but never imagined it would help launch my solo career. I was a songwriter until then, writing for others, always wanting to sing the songs I was writing myself. I’m so grateful that “Stargazing” gave me the opportunity to do so.
You’ve also written or recorded with the likes of Nina Nesbitt and the Backstreet Boys among others. Of the many artists you’ve worked with, do you have any particular highlights or tracks you’re especially proud of?
Hmmm, well I’m really proud of “Vente Pa’Ca” for Ricky Martin and Maluma…we got nominated for a latin Grammy for that one which was awesome. One of my fave songs I’ve written for someone else is “I Don’t Really Want You Back” which I ended up selling to Epic records for AJ Mitchell.
Is there a particular story or idea to your new track “Too Good To Lose” and what made you feel it was the right choice to release as a single?
‘Too Good To Lose’ is about knowing that you’re being unfair to someone, but loving them so much you can’t let go. I realised I wasn’t a good match for my significant other. I was away all the time travelling, wrapped up in my work and stubborn. I realised I should let this person go so they can find happiness somewhere else, but I couldn’t do it. It’s also about being able to accept yourself and your partner for who you both are. We all have things about ourselves we wish we could change for the person we love.
I felt it was the right choice to release now because I feel many people can resonate with it in this difficult time. I felt this song was upbeat enough and happy enough with a somber message that people would dance as well as realize they should cherish what they have.
With live performances and such having to be cancelled due to the corona virus, how have you been keeping busy and creative during the last few months? What are you most looking forward to doing when your industry – and the world – finally gets back on its feet?
I’ve been writing! For me, for others. I’ve been quarantined for the past 6 months with my parents. I can’t wait to get back onstage, hopefully sooner rather than later. I miss meeting people after shows.
You’ve earned yourself more than 650 million streams and have 4.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Given how technology obsessed the industry and we as a society are today, do you think it would be at all possible for a new artist emerging today to be successful without such streaming services and social media etc?
Actually, I do. There are so many different ways for people to be successful these days, and although impossible to achieve global domination without social media and streaming services, I believe you can make a living regionally without them. Although don’t ask me how – haha- because I don’t know.
Finally then, as your career goes from strength to strength, to what extent do your goals and objectives as an artist change? What’s the one big thing you want to achieve/tick off your professional bucket list and at what point might you say “I’ve achieved everything I wanted to and more – I feel like I’ve made it?”
Haha; I don’t know if I’ll ever feel that way to be honest. I just hope I can continue to release music as an artist…as long as people will listen.
Give “Too Good To Lose” a listen below and for more information on Justin Jesso, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.
