Jessica Lynn – It’s Just Not Christmas

By starrymag | December 25, 2020

By: Maggie Stankiewicz

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as unique.  It is definitely country, but has very heavy influences of rock and blues as well as pop and soul.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences, both in and out of the country genre?

A) My main influences ever since I have been a little girl have been Richard Marx, The Temptations, Shania Twain, Neil Diamond, The Beach Boys and Phil Vassar!

Q) Please tell us about the story behind your festive yet melancholy single, “It’s Just Not Christmas.”

A) My little sister has been apart from my family for several years because life has, sadly, taken her in a different direction.  My family misses her very much and wishes more than anything that soon she will open her eyes and reconnect again with the people that truly love and care about her.  I had written this song last year around the holidays when I was thinking of her often, but it was too late to release it.  I saved it for this year and, little did I know at the time, how extremely relevant it would become with the pandemic.

Q) Your new single was written over a year ago but resonates with audiences now more than ever. Did you have any idea how impactful the song would be when you wrote it?

A) I had a feeling that people were really going to connect with it this year, considering the state of the world. But, no, at the time that I wrote it I really did not realize.  It has been so beautiful to read the incredible messages coming through social media telling me the stories of what the song means to them. It really has made this release so special for me.

Q) What is your songwriting process? What comes first, the melody or the lyrics?

A) I write everything all at once! I hear each song totally completed in my head from the start.  That’s why I learned how to play so many different instruments.  I wanted to be able to relay what I was hearing clearly to my band.

Q) You’ve released acoustic and studio versions of songs like “Run To” and “Now or Never” and more. Is there a style that you prefer over the other?

A) I absolutely LOVE stripping down a song and changing it up.  It is very fun as the writer to see how many different directions you can take something.  I don’t necessarily prefer one style over the other.  I love them both equally because they each bring out different sides of me that can be both very challenging and creative.

Q) Do you have any pre-performance rituals that help you get ready to deliver such high energy shows?

A) I have a very difficult exercise regimen that I keep before shows.  I start about three weeks prior.  I like to run around so much on stage that if I am not in good shape cardio-wise, it REALLY affects my performance!

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

A) I have my first full-length studio album coming sometime in 2021.  Right now, it’s only available for pre-order through my website.  If you pre-order it at JessicaLynnMusic.org, you will get it this January (several months before anyone else) and it will come signed.

Q) Live shows have been put on hold, but you’ll be streaming your annual Christmas special later this month. How has the planning and preparation been different from other years?

A) It has been a lot easier.  Last year, there were over a hundred people in the show!  It takes a very intense amount of planning and preparation to put a show of that size together.  This year it was interesting to just focus on the music and the music alone.  It made me appreciate the songs in a whole new way actually.  I am very excited about the show and am so happy that we could continue my tradition somehow.

Q) You’ve shared the stage with a lot of incredible performers. Are there any others on your wishlist?

A) Being a huge Neil Diamond fan my whole life that would really be so amazing to get to perform with him.  I know he has stopped performing since he is not in the best of health right now, but that would definitely be a dream.  He really inspired me a lot growing up.

Q) What are some of your favorite places to perform and write?

A) Anywhere!  My best writing comes when I am totally uninhibited and unplanned.  I’ve written songs at the gym, in the car, in stores, etc.  My favorite places are when the song is the most natural!  However, my least favorite place is on tour.  I am always so exhausted from all the travel I find it very difficult to be creative in that way.

Q) You’re active on social media. Do you feel it’s important to connect with fans and listeners?

A) I think it is the MOST important thing. Being able to have feedback and communicate with your fans and the people that are actually consuming your music is the biggest gift you could ever ask for.  It is what has really kept me going on the hard days; looking through nice comments or hearing how much someone really enjoys my music.  I think social media is truly the greatest asset for artists these days.

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your work?

A) Thank you.  Words could never really express how grateful I am for you and all your love and support over the years.  I would not be where I am without you and I’ll never forget it.