Jessica Medina – Rosa

By: Sammi Turano

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) New York meets el Caribe. Tropical sounds with a hint of Soul and Jazz from a woman’s perspective.

Q) Your EP Rosa is inspired by the women who played an important role in your life. What is the most important lesson these women taught you?

A) To fight for what you believe in and do it yourself, even if that means having to leave your comfort zone or doing it without the support you expected. If you follow what feels right to you all, success will follow.

Q) Each song on your EP has a special meaning. “Amame” in particular has the beautiful message of reconciliation and realizing what is important in life. What inspired this particular song?

A) It comes from watching my grandparents – how they worked together in their family business and at their marriage. Accepting that relationships are worked on and nourished and that we can grow together.

Q) “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” has a mélange of Elton John’s song of the same name. Did you talk to him while working on this song and are there plans of collaborating with him in the future?

A) I wish! No, I have not reached out to his team. It would be a dream come true to collaborate with him and welcome him into the Latin music world.

Q) “De Raiz” is one of my favorite songs on the EP, as it deals with the heavy topic of dementia. In what ways do you hope it can help people who are impacted by such a horrible disease?

A) Thank you. I had doubts about releasing it since it’s such a personal and deep message. My hope is that others can feel a sense of understanding and acceptance and as a Latin culture to be more open to speaking about aging and caretaking.

Q) Most of the songs on your EP were recorded during the pandemic. What was the biggest challenge in making this happen?

A) Health for all was our priority. Janina Rosado, the producer, did a great job in coordinating the recordings so that every musician could express themselves in the safety conditions.

Q) You have made videos for “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” and “Loucra.” Are there plans to make more music videos in the future?

A) Yes, I would love to record a live session video with acoustic versions of a couple of the songs. I love the rawness of duos.

Q) What do you hope lingers with audiences who explore the music you’ve made for this new EP Rosa?

A) The notion that perfection doesn’t exist. That all things must be worked on, our health, love and happiness is a choice we make every day.

Q) Who are some people you plan to collaborate with in the future?

A) I love Mexican music especially rancheras and boleros. It would be wonderful to collab with a Mexican artist on a bolero.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and followers of the wonderful music that you make?

A) Thank you for opening your hearts and ears to these songs that came from a place of self-reflection and love. Hug your mom a little longer today.