Jessica Willis Fisher – Brand New Day

By starrymag | April 13, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

A) I would say it’s acoustic-driven “Americana” (especially when I’m playing live!) and I frequently show my strong influences and love of Celtic, Bluegrass and Folk.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

A) Alison Krauss & Union Station, Nickel Creek, The Corrs, Solas, Lunasa, Liz Carroll, Dolly Parton and so many more!

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Brand New Day.” 

A) This song is my reminder that every day is an opportunity and invitation to begin again. I left an extremely abusive situation when I was twenty-three years old and basically had to start my life over. Sometimes it’s surviving our hardest moments that helps us see what we are truly capable of!

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

A) I hope they feel encouraged to lean into life’s challenges and take a risk on love and adventure. I know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but it’s worth the work. Every day that we’re alive has so much potential!

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

A) We made a lyric video that tracks a special sunrise my husband and I shared. The full (upcoming) music video is inspired by all the outdoor travels and trips we regularly go on together and highlights a special area we love in our home state, Blount County, nicknamed “the peaceful side of the Smokies.”

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

A) I’ll write any way I can and LOVE to try new things. Sometimes I start with words, a title, sometimes just a melody, or even a single chord.

Q) Ben Fowler lent a hand with production on the single “Brand New Day,” but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I felt like I was able to fully share my vision of what I wanted to say and how I wanted things to sound. But I had plenty of areas I was looking for input from Ben and the amazing band he brought in. It felt like the perfect balance of collaboration for me; lots of examples where my specific expectations were met (and exceeded) and plenty of surprises too!

Q) Your upcoming album Brand New Day is out in April. What are some themes you explore on it?

A) It’s all about exploring renewal and what it means to begin again. Each song shares a different way I’ve lived this out over the last few years. Sometimes it’s risky and dangerous to start over = “Fire Song.” Being grateful for the simplest things in life gives us new eyes to see = “Slow Me Down.” The vulnerability in love is what makes it precious = “Hopelessly, Madly.” Go on the journey even though you don’t know what awaits you = “River Runaway.” I had to own and integrate the pain of my past to move forward = “My History.”

Q) What tracks on the album hold a special place in your heart and why? 

A) I can honestly say I’ve lived each word of every song on this record. All the songs are each special to me in their own way and balance each other out. I loved taking them as a whole; this is a record of songs that are meant to go together.

Q) What songs on the album challenged you the most creatively? 

A) I would say “My History” and “Hopelessly, Madly” were the hardest to write, just because they were coming from the deepest places of vulnerability for me and I had to take a lot of breaks, getting sometimes just a line or two at a time!

Q) Will there be a tour coming to promote this new album? 

A) I hope so! I have some gigs lined up, but not too much traveling has been nailed down yet. I feel really lucky to begin playing with some great musicians and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from checking out Brand New Day the album?

A) Ultimately, I hope everyone feels excited about life and its possibilities. I’m sharing my honest self and my most personal stories on this album, and I’ve gained so much confidence and community from the process. I want to make music for the rest of my life, and I hope that if people like what they hear they will come along on this journey with me for the long haul!

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

A) I love playing anywhere I can connect with the crowd and get to share these special songs with people who are there to listen, so a lot of times these are small, intimate venues. I also really love the energy and inspiration of festivals where I get to see fellow artists and just hang out with folks.

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

A) Oooo, this is a super hard one for me. I have a long list of friends I would love to work with, but I know those plans are really going to happen because I’m going to pursue it! Dream scenario that I don’t know would happen would be to do a duet with Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton or Vince Gill!

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

A) I struggle with it sometimes to be honest. I think I’m healthier and happier when I’m not on a device or looking at a screen all day. I think I try to ask myself whether my time on social media is truly enriching and benefiting my life and the lives of others. It’s a great tool to share art and spread positivity in the world, so I always intend to use it that way.

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

A) Thank you for following along and there is so much more to come. Music makes me happy, and I hope you feel that too!