Q&A: JESSIA on Resilience, Reinvention and Her Anthemic Rise in Pop
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY DANIELLE HOLIAN ☆
Photography Credit: Chase Hanssen
FRESH OFF THE HEELS OF HER FIRST HEADLINE TOUR — and the release of her latest single “I’m Not Gonna Cry,” Luna catches up with pop sensation JESSIA, the powerhouse singer-songwriter that crafts relatable lyrics and infectious melodies.
Known for her ability to turn life’s challenges into relatable, empowering bops, the Vancouver-born, LA-based artist has struck a chord with fans around the globe since her viral breakout hit “I’m Not Pretty.”
From the resilience celebrated in her music to the creative processes that fuel her sound, JESSIA delves into her artistic evolution and personal growth. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of touring, the meaningful connections with fans, and the freedom she feels in this current chapter of her career. With an optimistic and grounded outlook, her passion for authenticity and storytelling shines through as she continues to shape her musical path.
JESSIA takes us behind the scenes of “I’m Not Gonna Cry,” a celebration of strength and positivity in the face of adversity. She reflects on her journey as an independent artist, the creative process behind her sophomore EP Okay With Every Part and the transformative experiences that shaped her headline tour. With over 400 million streams and accolades like the 2022 Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist, JESSIA’s rise is a testament to her fearless authenticity and boundless talent.
Join Luna as we dive into JESSIA’s world, exploring the stories and emotions behind her music, the lessons learned along the way, and what’s next for one of pop’s most dynamic voices.
Photography Credit: Chase Hanssen
LUNA: Welcome back to Luna. How has life been since we last spoke?
JESSIA: I’ve been so good! I just got back from touring, so my heart is feeling full right now!
LUNA: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind “I’m Not Gonna Cry?” What message do you hope fans take away from it?
JESSIA: “I’m Not Gonna Cry” is about the will to keep showing up for yourself, even when life gets tough. It’s about choosing to celebrate the good things instead of dwelling on the negative. It’s a bop, so I hope fans play it whenever they need a little pick me up. I want them to feel like the glass is half full when they listen to it!
LUNA: How does this track reflect your personal journey or growth since “I’m Not Pretty?”
JESSIA: There have been many times in my career where I’ve needed to show up and show face, no matter what else is going on. I think “I’m Not Gonna Cry” is a reflection of the strength and resilience I’ve found while working my way through this wild industry.
LUNA: The song blends resilience and self-empowerment with infectious melodies. Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the idea for this anthem?
JESSIA: It was actually inspired by a trending TikTok sound of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson saying “don’t cry, don’t cry” and it was all over my For You Page! I was going through a pretty rough time and was barely holding it together, so I took that concept and just kind of ran with it!
LUNA: What was the creative process like for this single? Did anything about its development surprise you?
JESSIA: I originally just had the chorus written — it didn’t sound like much initially, but my producer Jason Parris heard it and saw my vision too. I think together we were able to turn it into an amazing song. It’s definitely one of my favorite songs I’ve released so far.
LUNA: How do you approach crafting feel-good tracks while maintaining your signature authenticity?
JESSIA: That is such a good question. It’s really finding the balance. There are so many times I come into a session and say I want to write a full-on happy song but then it just doesn’t feel right to me because I don’t think we are ever one hundred percent happy. I think it’s important to feel the lows in order to recognize and appreciate the highest. I think finding the happy aspects of a whole bunch of other complex feelings makes for a way deeper song. That’s always what I’m chasing.
LUNA: Your sophomore EP Okay With Every Part is such a bold title. What does it symbolize for you?
JESSIA: 2023 was the year of change for me. I felt like my life just pressed a full refresh and it was really hard. 2024 was all about building a new life. With that, there were a lot of good and bad things and now looking back on this new life I have, I am okay with every part. I would not be here had I not gone through it all.
LUNA: How has working on this EP pushed you creatively or emotionally as an artist?
JESSIA: I have finally found a sound that I think is completely me, and I found a producer who sees the same vision. It’s really great to have such an incredible creative partner.
LUNA: The EP marks your transition as an independent artist. How has that change influenced your music and approach to the industry?
JESSIA: You definitely see who your true friends and supporters are when you become independent. It’s just me and my small team running it all now. I am so thankful to everyone who has stayed with me on this journey, but it definitely is downsizing for sure.
LUNA: Are there any specific tracks on the EP that feel especially personal or meaningful to you? Why?
JESSIA: I love “Care About Me.” The whole writing process was unforgettable. “The Woman You Are” will always have such a special place in my heart too. I’d say those two are my faves!
LUNA: How do you hope this new chapter in your music resonates with your fans?
JESSIA: I hope people have a better grasp on who JESSIA is as an artist. I think Okay With Every Part is a lot more conceptualized than anything I had released before.
LUNA: You recently wrapped up your Fall North America headline tour. What were some of the standout moments for you on the road?
JESSIA: At my show in Toronto a fan made these paper hearts that the entire crowd held up while I was singing “Care About Me,” it was incredible!
LUNA: Touring as an independent artist must feel different. What challenges or triumphs did you experience along the way?
JESSIA: I’m so thankful to Canada for supporting their artists with grants. It made touring as an independent artist comparable with being signed. I love that Canada supports their artists so much!
LUNA: What’s your favorite part about performing live and connecting with your fans in person?
JESSIA: Performing live and connecting with audiences is what it’s all about at the end of the day. Numbers and plaques are just a bonus. It’s all about the songs and the fans and how we can create a community.
LUNA: How does touring influence your songwriting or perspective on creating music?
JESSIA: I love looking out in the crowd and wondering what that person needs to hear and then going back to my hotel and writing it. I find touring very inspiring.
LUNA: How are you feeling in this current era of your career?
JESSIA: I feel like I have a lot of different paths I could take right now and that’s exciting! I don’t feel locked in or trapped in anything. It’s very freeing.
LUNA: If you could sum up the energy or message of this era in one sentence, what would it be?
JESSIA: I would say I’m calm but also really excited for the future and the new music I have been writing. Get ready!
Photography Credit: Chase Hanssen
