Jessie Wagner – I Just Can’t Today

By starrymag | October 10, 2024

By: Alejandra Gil M.

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?  

A) It’s a hybrid of so many things.  But I think the best way to describe it is the intersection of pop rock and soul.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?  

A) I think the first artist I tried to emulate was Nancy Wilson. My mom is a huge fan of her music, and she would be the “go to” on road trips. I also love singers like Phoebe Snow and Joni Mitchell for their folky/jazzy interpretations. As I started singing more, I wanted a little more fire in my sound.  I started performing more rock music. I added bits of Tina Turner, Alanis Morissette and even some Gwen Stefani.  As my tastes evolved, so did my sound and writing.  But I still look to these artists for inspiration when writing and phrasing.

 

Q) Your new single “I Just Can’t Today” is out. What is the song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) This song came from not being able to write a song! I was frustrated and needed a break.  And that’s when the moment of creativity hit.  The song pretty much wrote itself after that. With most songs, I hear the melody first, but with this one, it was definitely the lyrics first.

 

Q) A music video was also released with the song. How involved were ou in the creative process? 

A) I love coming up with concepts for music videos.  I think I was a director in a former life.  And I have been so lucky to work with people who let me run with my wild ideas.  I usually write out a treatment and then discuss it with my videographer. And then they reign in my mad vision!

 

Q) You describe “I Just Can’t Today” as a song about giving yourself the courtesy to start again. Have you received any feedback for the song from fans that has stayed with you?  

A) So many people have said that they can relate to this song!  And it can be applied in many different scenarios. It’s really touching to know that this song speaks to the fans.

 

Q) Not only did you release “I Just Can’t today” the is another single called “The Unknown.” Tell us the story behind it. 

A) This song is a little darker.  It deals with the choices some of us have to make with this type of career. I would love to have kids, but it’s not easy as a woman who’s constantly on the road. I always told myself that there would be time. “The Unknown” is a love letter to what may never be. I may not ever know that joy that comes with having children.  It’s a song of regret for always thinking there will be more time.

 

Q) What do you hope people take away from “I Just Can’t Today” – either as an emotion or message?

A) I hope people will sit back, relax and accept that sometimes it’s ok to do absolutely nothing. Regrouping is the key to survival.

 

Q) What has it been like getting more recognition for your music as a solo artist? 

A) It’s exciting!  I love it when people reach out and say, “I heard your song on the radio and now I’m a fan!”  It’s a rush of satisfaction to know people are connecting with what you’re doing.

 

Q) Do you have a favorite song or one that was more emotional to perform for you? 

A) I really like singing “Lover’s Lullaby.”  It’s a quiet moment in the show.  We make it acoustic so you can really hear what I’m saying.  It’s tender and touching. And then we kick it up with “What You See Is What You Get.”  So, it goes from a really intimate setting to one where you can get up and dance. That’s one of my favorite parts of the show.

 

Q) You will be on tour with iconic trio The Three Degrees (“When Will I See You Again”) in the U.K. and Netherlands all of September and the first half of October. Which of your songs are you looking forward to performing live? 

A) I’m actually touring as one of Three Degrees, singing their songs, which has been a lot of fun so far.  But if you want a vinyl copy of I Just Can’t Today or of Shoes Droppin’, they’re available at the shows!

 

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

A) I would really love to write something with John Mayer. I think we would come up with something thoughtful that would tug at the heartstrings.

 

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

A) I really like Durand Jones and the Indications. They have a soulful throwback sound. I put their song “Witchoo” on whenever I need to get hyped up.

 

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

A) I want to say thank you for continuing to hang in there with me through the years.  I appreciate all the messages of anticipation for the upcoming album. I hope you like it and next year, I might be playing in a town near you! Come see me!