Jerrica Alyssa – Feelin’ New

By starrymag | August 17, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

 

A) My description might be different than yours, but many people can agree that there is a unique balance to my sound.  Start with my Polynesian dance background stepping up on occasion to say, it’s time to dance.  Then, mix in my Asian Pacific ballad loving self, add in the classically trained chops, then stir it up with vintage R&B, emotional Soul and a generous dash of current Pop perfection.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’m not going to even try and hide my 80’s and 90’s influences.  I grew up in a music, dance friendly Filipino home in Vancouver where my parents played music non-stop: Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston to name a few.  My musical and personal respect for Alicia Keys is at the top of my list, along with Bruno Mars, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “I Get To Know You.”

 

A) This is one of those songs we cut three different ways until we were all happy.  I usually prefer to give a song lots of love and let it grow, if I have the time.  That means that rather than say the first time I cut it was flawless, I just might wanna take another look and switch some things up. So, “IGTKY” was a journey over a few months.  Though the song is about our excitement when we meet someone new, there is a specific balance of music feels from the past.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) My fans have told me they connect to the positive energy of the song and groove!

 

Q) What made you decide to create an acoustic version of this track?

 

A) Most of my songs have acoustic versions with me at the piano, singing. For sure, that’s where they get started.

 

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

 

A) Many times you will find me singing gibberish as I play and sing melodies.  I record all of my writing stuff then go back and decide how to finish my original topic for the song into lyrics.

 

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

 

A) I am all in when it comes to getting the work done.

First, I’d like to be honest about this question, straight up.  Prior to moving to Nashville, I experienced toxic masculinity surrounding my music.  Unfortunately, there were plenty of male producer types taking control and subsequently changing the direction of my musical career.

But I was so lucky to meet people in Nashville who were industry pros, more than happy to help me speak up and get deep into production. I am now hands on, 24/7.  I have Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro, Lightroom and Photoshop chops.  So, I am involved in the visual design and execution as well as the musical.

I really owe huge kudos to the musical community in Nashville, which has embraced me and helped me feel right at home.

 

Q) Your album Feelin’ New is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?

 

A) Feelin’ New is inspired by my quest to be better at self love and our mutual, primal need to just let go with a new feeling. A positive, wild feeling to help shake the isolation of the pandemic. Then one more inspiration must be mentioned, my fascination with Soulful Disco.

 

Q) What songs challenged you the most to create for the album?

 

A) I think “Let It Take You Over” was a turning point for me.  That was my first song, where my Soul Disco self-started peeking through.  The “Feelin’ New” followed suit. Uh oh, look out!

 

Q) What tracks hold a special significance to you and why?

 

A) “Over It” was the first time I released a song from my Filipina heart and the first release with my Nashville team.  It gave me the confidence to express myself as a songwriter.  A complete game changer for me.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

 

A) I started dancing as a little girl and became part of a touring dance group.  We toured throughout Canada, the US, Japan, the Philippines, Polynesia and more. This left me with a love to travel and perform live.  In addition, my Filipino community in Canada had me singing and playing piano, at a very young age, at every function.  So I’m looking forward to going back to performing live, travelling and most of all, playing my new songs.

 

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

 

A) Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak are at the top of my list. H.E.R. and Pink Sweats are way up there, too!

I also have a growing list of women in music, doing production and songwriting.  Besides being supportive of my sisters, I want to find ways to work together.

 

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

 

A) I have been a part of social media from day one.  I feel a deep connection with so many people, on a daily basis.  So, I try and keep the connections in my sights, not the numbers.  I know many indie artists coming up, just like me, who feel the same way.

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

 

A) Hey, I see you! I love you all! I appreciate every comment and moment folks spend listening to my music, checking out my videos. Please stay tuned, for there is a whole new batch of songs in the works for my Sophomore EP.  I wanna sing with you, so don’t forget to come to Tik Tok and sing with me. Let’s duet.