Jesse Gold – L

By starrymag | September 14, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Acoustic guitar leading Pop/R&B… that I think you’ll really like!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) My mom played a ton of Motown when I was growing up. And my dad played classic rock. So, I was listening to a wide array of great music from Tower Of Power and Marvin Gaye, to Pink Floyd and James Taylor. When I got older it was John Mayer who made me want to write songs. And then later, I became a very big Craig David fan. He helped shape the way I sing today. So, it’s a combination of many greats that inspire me.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “L.”

 

A) I got broken up with! So that’s the story. But this song is unique in that it’s more self-reflective than my songs before it. I realized that there was a lot of blame in past lyrics, so I made an effort to look inward and out came “L.”

 

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

 

A) It’s either the relatability of the content and lyrics or the slammin’ bass line played by Brian Robert Jones (Vampire Weekend).

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) No video yet! COVID has halted those plans. But I hope to make that happen asap.

 

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

 

A) I often start my songs with music first – a guitar part or beat that gets my head boppin’. Then, I’ll sing some gibberish over that until I find a melody I like. I’ll go into the notes on my phone, where I write all my lyric ideas and start to plug them into those melodies.

 

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

 

A) A big hand! I produce everything alongside my best friend and creative partner, Jack Emblem. He’s an incredible producer and musician. He allows me to focus on what I do best. We’re a great team.

 

Q) How has life in Toronto influenced you as a musician?

 

A) The music scene here is amazing – as most of the world now knows. I’m constantly inspired by the artists I see coming out of Toronto and taking over the world. It’s very encouraging to know that it’s possible and that music from here is taken seriously on an international level. Being surrounded by the immense talent in Toronto my whole life has definitely helped me grow as a musician.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes [smiles]

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) My favorite places to perform are the ones that have the most people there to see me! The truth is that I haven’t played enough shows to have favorites yet. But that will change soon. I have some dream venues that I’d love to play in the future. Massey Hall in Toronto is definitely top of the list.

 

Q) You previously worked with Craig David and Babyface. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I learned so much from both of those music legends. I was lucky enough to be a part of a songwriting camp put on by Babyface surrounded by some other incredible artists, writing songs all day every day for a week. It was amazing to learn from such an iconic songwriter. Craig David has been my biggest influence as a singer. After being his biggest fan for years, we actually connected over Instagram DM. Long story short, we met up in Miami and spent some time together – definitely a major highlight of my life and musical journey. Some of my dream collabs would be Goldlink, Ty Dolla $ign, Daniel Caesar and Drake.

 

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

 

A) I’m in the midst of a Burna Boy obsession. I’m also loving Lucky Daye, Daniel Caesar, James Blake, Brent Faiyaz, SiR. They are all extremely musical – interesting melodies, unique production that uses lots of real instruments. I’m a sucker for that.

 

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

 

A) I’ve always used social media alongside my music. I uploaded the first song I ever wrote to YouTube. From there, I started putting singing videos on Instagram. It was always an incredibly useful tool to get my music out into the world. It still is. I also credit most of my musical relationships in my life to social media. Craig David being a perfect example. Social media is a great way for fans to connect with an artist on a deeper level than just the music – and that deeper connection could make someone a fan for life. That’s what I’m hoping to achieve through my use of social media.

 

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

 

A) Just a big thank you. It’s amazing to me that I have anyone who wants to hear what I’m making. There’s a lot more coming. So, stay tuned and let’s build this thing together.