Having established herself as a confident and talented artist, Jessica Lynn has already been championed by media outlets and fans around the world and has proudly been using her platform to speak out about issues that matter to her while serving as a mentor to young women and children. Like many, she’s found many of her plans for this year – including a lengthy tour – having to be rescheduled, but that hasn’t stopped her from wanting to share her passion for music with her growing fanbase and last week she released her brand-new single “Now Or Never.” With the video for the track dropping next week, PW caught up with Jessica to find out just how the Corona Virus has impacted her both professionally and personally, and how she’ll be bouncing back big time come 2021.

What have you been up to in the months since your last release?

Jessica Lynn: Since “Run To” came out in April, I have been in the studio recording my first full-length studio album. This time, as strange and sad as it has been with all of my cancelled tour dates, has allowed me to be stationary long enough to complete this project which I am very passionate about. The release was originally supposed to only be an EP, but now we are almost finished with the entire 11 songs. I am really proud of the material and can’t wait for everyone to hear it. We will be releasing singles up until the new year and then release the album shortly after that!

How has the Corona Virus affected your tour/performance and other professional and personal plans?

I unfortunately had 80 dates cancelled this summer and fall which constituted my entire European, UK and USA tour spanning 11 countries. It was very devastating to me, as it was to many other artists, as this is my whole livelihood and the tour took a year to put together. It has been a strange summer, being home for the first time in 6 years, but it has also made me appreciate the simple things about living a quieter life and enjoying time with my family.

You’ve just released your new single “Now Or Never.” Is there a particular story behind it, and what made you feel it was a good choice as a single?

It is quite a funny story actually because “Now or Never” was the last choice to make it on to the album. It was a “maybe.” Because the song was so different from everything else being included on the release I asked the producer to finish it early on so that we could see once and for all if we’d be able to use it or not, and if not, possibly have time to insert something else on to the album. I was driving in my car and listening to the unfinished mixes of the next three songs for the CD to proof them and it was a beautiful summer day; lots of sun and wind in my hair with the windows rolled down. When “Now or Never” started playing, my mood immediately lifted. I was smiling and tapping my feet in the sunshine and said, “man, this needs to be the summer release. Everyone could really use something that makes them feel good right now.” 

I sent the track to a few people on my team and said, go listen to “Now or Never” versus the song that was already set to release – we even had the artwork done and everything – and unanimously it came back that, pun intended, it was “Now or Never” for this track. The story behind it was just me reminiscing about being young and in love, acting on every instinct, moment, and adventure with your heart.

The video’s due to drop at the end of the month. What can you tell me about the creative process behind it? 

I wanted the music video to feel very nostalgic. I chose an old-school drive-in movie theater and two adorable teen actors to have a spur-of-the moment unforgettable adventure together. I think we all can relate to the excitement of our first love and how every moment felt so exhilarating. We had an absolute blast filming and to get all the neon lights and night-time ambiance, we actually filmed overnight, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 a.m. It was a very long but fun day!

Finally then, with CV having put everyone’s plans on the backburner until at least the end of the year, to what extent have you started planning for 2021? What can fans and those just discovering your music expect to see and hear from you?

I already have a very full 2021 thankfully to all of my UK and European tour being shifted to next summer.  We will also be rescheduling our USA dates when we know it is safe to do so.  People just discovering my music can expect a lot of honesty in my lyrics and writing.  They will also hear in my new music, what I feel is a very unique brand of country, laced with rock n’ roll, blues, soul, and pop.  I really can’t wait to get out on the road and share it with everyone.

Give “Now Or Never” a listen below and for more information on Jessica Lynn, visit her website and follow her on Twitter. Header photo credit: ShotbyDNA.