The world ain’t ready for JESSIKA. Since making her debut just this year, the UK-born and New York-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer has had a whirlwind of a year, and it’s just the beginning for her. With a handful of singles, including her debut, “Her”, the inspirational “Fuck Our Fears” featuring GASHI and the powerful “World Ain’t Ready”, JESSIKA is quickly making a name for herself, all leading up to the release of her debut album, World Ain’t Ready, coming September 1st. Written by JESSIKA and co-produced with Kyle Kelso (Kygo, Aloe Blacc, Galantis), the album is a testament to JESSIKA’s resilience, passion, and extraordinary circumstances that shaped her artistic vision.
JESSKA had quite the unique start, too, as the album notably came to life while JESSIKA covertly inhabited the BMG Nashville office. After being entrusted with a key card to access the office and studio, she swiftly discovered its extraordinary privilege: unlimited 24-hour access. Seizing the opportunity, JESSIKA spent the next two weeks secretly writing in the middle of the night, dancing around conference rooms, making long-distance calls home to London and creating demos that would eventually form the foundation of her debut album. We recently caught up with JESSIKA to talk about the new album, her experiences in the BMG office, and plans for the future. Read more and get ready for World Ain’t Ready now below.
Prelude Press: You made your debut on BMG with the release of your single, “Her” in January and since then, have been busy as hell releasing new music and gearing up for the release of your debut album! What has the highlight of 2023 been so far?
JESSIKA: I would say the highlight of 2023 was attending the iheart music awards in LA. It was my first time on the red carpet and was a lot of fun!
Your debut album, World Ain’t Ready is out next month! What are you most excited for fans to hear on the album?
I’m excited for fans to hear all these stories that I tell in my songs. My favs are ‘Fuck Our Fears’ and ‘World Ain’t Ready’
It being your debut album and some of the first music that many people may hear from you, what would you like for listeners to take away from the album?
I just want people to relate, connect with the music and the storytelling. It’s a very honest raw album. Sometimes it will make you dance, sometimes it will make you cry.
Was there anything in particular that you set out to accomplish when you first began working on the album?
I just aimed to make an album that people will connect with. I wanted to be as open and honest as possible with my stories.
The original demos and the story behind the start of World Ain’t Ready and your relationship with BMG is quite a unique one. Can you tell us a little bit about what brought you here for those who might not be familiar?
Yes! It sure was a journey. I turned up in Nashville with one bag, a guitar and needed to find somewhere to stay. I managed to get my hands on a 24 hour key card for the BMG Nashville office which was given to me so that I could write from 9-5. However, when I realized it was 24 hour access, I decided to move in and make base there. I slept on nearly every sofa in that office and made it my home. I eventually got caught on camera, and had to leave. The most important part of this story is that i didn’t stop writing in those two weeks. I wrote my album and called up a meeting with the head of my label and he signed me shortly after.
Did you learn any important lessons when working on the album?
I learned a lot about production. I produced my album with Kyle Kelso. I learned that less is more and in music, it’s really true. I like to keep my productions quite simple and not take away from the storytelling.
Recently, you released your track, “Fuck Our Fears” – can you tell us a little bit about it?
‘Fuck Our Fears’ is a very personal song. I wrote it about mental health and anxiety, The verses are somewhat dark covering issues such as OCD, drinking, social anxiety and loneliness. However, the chorus is empowering and hopeful saying we can fight our demons together.
With World Ain’t Ready out soon, do you have any other big plans coming up? Any upcoming shows or tour dates?
I am heading to the UK for the album release to play some songs live on BBC Radio London. Tour dates we are working on. I can’t wait to get this show on the road!
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for your support and love on my music and to everyone who is on this journey with me.
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