Jesse Roper – Way Down in the Valley

By starrymag | August 21, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Your music is often described as “Americana” or “blues,” but how would you describe your sound?

A) It’s rootsy bluesy folky rocky country groovy dancy bouncy swingy with a hint of heavy metal snuck in sometimes

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) AC/DC, [Jimi] Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Elmore James are a few but I get influenced by everything.  I’ll hear the milkshake song and find myself going that direction sometimes.  I like a bit of everything.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Way Down in the Valley.”

A) I live in a valley that has fertile soil and beautiful trees and nature all around.  I feel stupendously lucky to live here. I found myself singing about it one day and it became a keeper track.

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

A) Jeepers, I don’t know.  You’d have to ask the fans that question I’d say!  It’s an easy one to chill too but also a fun track to party to as well maybe.  This is my best guess.

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

A) Well as the alien comes down from the planet Zerg and discovers the valley, he falls in love with it instantly.  I’m basically portraying myself in the alien.  The alien finds an earth girl lover and decides there’s no other place in the galaxy better than the valley.  He settles his little valley farmstead with his earth girl and builds their forever home. Happy ending!

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

A) It’s always different.  Sometimes it’s a riff first, sometimes it’s lyrics.  I think my best stuff tends to be when I get the lyrics first.  It gives me a direction and I do less guessing

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

A) It varies song to song.  Sometimes I have a lot of input and pre-conceived ideas and other times I just leave the production to my producer Gus. I find sometimes if I just play him the tune and let his head get wrapped around it, it turns out more cohesive. I bring a black and white sketch, and he pulls out the paintbrush and colors it. I trust him a lot.

Q) With “Way Down in the Valley” out now, is there a full album or an EP coming in the near future?

A) I wouldn’t say near future, but ya for sure there’ll be a vinyl at some point.  I find that with most folks digesting their music digitally these days I’m having more success just putting out one song at a time. It’s more like going for the slow play at the gambling table rather than dumping all your chips on red.

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

A) Well, nothing beats playing in my hometown of Victoria. The crowds come out in larger volumes which is exciting, and I’ve gotten to know and chat with so many of these people now that I feel like I’m just parting with friends. It’s the best. Outside Vic, I’d say the Neat Cafe in Burnstown is high on the favorites list.  The folks that run it really care and it’s a real treat playing there.  The food is awesome too! And there’s a river to swim in right behind it. Ya the neat cafe is a hidden gem.

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

A) Ooooooooooo so many people. Darek Trucks maybe?? Adele?? That’d be amazing.  Jack Black, for sure.  I’d love to write some crazy stuff about dragons and elves and whatnot.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Charley Crockett.  I wish I’d written his songs.  There just so darn cool.

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

A) I just recorded five of the best tunes I’ve ever done. For the first time I feel like I’ve got some recordings that represent my energy and sound like something my heroes might have recorded.  I’m massively stoked to show them off to you.  Stay tuned!!

Also, I appreciate and always will appreciate the encouragement and excitement you folks surround me with.  I feel like a very lucky human to live this life and receive this love.  You’re the best and I hope your day is beautiful today.