Jesse Kinch – I’m Not Like Everybody Else

By starrymag | April 4, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Jesse Kinch’s live performance in Durham, North Carolina is at Rhythms Live Music Hall on Friday, April 5

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) My sound is passionate blues rock that can range from edgy to melodic.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I have been greatly influenced by so many from the British Invasion of the 60’s , some Motown, for sure the Seattle scene of the 90’s and even classical crossover. These influences ooze from my original music.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) For me, the music and melodies almost always come first and inspire the lyric. Lyrics are very important to me and they can be inspired by social awareness, movie scenes, reading, life experiences, love, hate, relationships and more.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I was blessed by the love and confidence my label (Curb Records) had in me to give me full artistic and creative control over my music and all that appeared on my debut album. I was actually co-producer of the album.

Q) You were on ABC’s Rising Star. What advice or lessons did you take from the show that have carried with you?

A) Rising Star on ABC television was a great experience for me. I had personal conversations with host Josh Groban, judges Kesha, Ludacris and Brad Paisley. Some of what they revealed of their own journeys included the good, the bad and the ugly. Some of their experiences paralleled my own. Enough said!

Q) You’ll be performing at Rhythms Live Music Hall. What can fans expect from a live Jesse Kinch performance?

A) Fans at Rhythms Live Music Hall can expect what I have always given on stage since age eleven. An all-out assault on their senses and emotions. An artist who will rock them, an artist who will make them think and question, an artist who will make them feel love and emotion, an artist who is REAL and an artist who respects his audience and comes fully prepared.

Q) What makes this location so significant to you? 

A) The location of North Carolina is significant in the sense that many fans from North Carolina have asked me to please find a way to play in their state. I was fortunate enough to have a fan bring to my attention a brand-new venue in Durham, Rhythms Live Music Hall. My team followed up on it and forged a great relationship with the Rhythms owner Victor Graham and his staff, and now, game on. The band and I are super excited and appreciative to play at Rhythms and in North Carolina.

Q) What inspired the name for your debut album Not Like Everybody Else?

A) The inspiration for my debut album came from a B-side recording done by the great British band The Kinks. It was titled “I’m Not Like Everybody Else.” I really took a liking to the song and completely revamped it Jesse Kinch style. My label and team took a real liking to it and they decided it would also make a cool album title since they felt my music and style being presented on this album was not like anybody else. We also had the coolest video made to it.

Q) What songs off the album are your favorites or that you’re looking forward to performing at RLMH?

A) Honestly, I love every one of the songs on the album from my originals to the covers requested by my label to have on the album. I don’t believe in doing “filler” songs. To me every song is meaningful and counts. I love my two original ballads “How Do I Reach You (The Last Veil)” and “After All These Lovers.” “Masami (The Elegant Beauty)” could be my favorite and there is talk of going to Japan to do a video shoot of it there. “Rain On The Dog” is just way cool! I’m very proud of it and the lyrical content.

Q) Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

A) [laughs] No pre-performance rituals at all.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?

A) What I want people to take away from my album is that they are listening to a REAL artist. There is not or ever will be an auto tuned note or vocal on my work. This album is the truth! There are no multiple co writers on this album. This album is me! I have said it before and will say it again, if I don’t paint my own canvas then how can I call myself an artist? I want listeners to know that I understand them, their daily lives, their hopes, their fears, falling in love and the heartbreak of love lost. I also want listeners to know that I have heard them loud and clear before, during, and after “Rising Star” as to what they want and hope for in music. I am proud to represent them and all the truly great musicians and writers of the past who paved the way and influenced my debut album. I am forever grateful.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform?

A) I love performing on all kinds of stages from great well-known clubs and locations to seedy dive bars that cry out we are rock and roll. I have been there!

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) As for collaborations, I am a big fan of Duffy from Wales. Would love to get her out of hiding and do a song or two with her. I have covered a few of her songs. A collaboration with Bruce Springsteen would be killer. And Sarah Brightman …Call me anytime.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) Currently on my hot list of listening to is Stevie Ray Vaughn and Rage Against The Machine. Damn, powerfully dynamic stuff and super cool.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media has it’s plus and minuses for me. Undoubtedly, it’s great to reach many fans and share music but I feel mystique and mystery are lacking in today’s music scene. Over saturation of an artist’s personal life’s is not a good thing. There should be a feeling of wondering and anticipation about an artist. It’s glaringly missing at times.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) What I would like to say to my fans and supporters is that we are a team and that together we can change the landscape of music back to its glory days.