Jessica Vines
Interview conducted on September 20, 2020
By Dan Locke
Fargo’s Jessica Vines wraps her way around the listener’s attention. Swinging from soul to jazz to pop, Vines’ distinctive vocals bop their way above the all.
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in Southern California and moved to the Midwest when I was 17. I’ve stuck around in Fargo, ND for the last 8 years.
How did you discover music?
I started singing when I was 12 and really discovered music at my church. I sang with the worship band most Sundays and Wednesdays.
How did you start to write music?
I went to college for Jazz and had to do some arranging/writing for my degree. It wasn’t until I was out of college that I really pushed myself to write music for myself.
You are about soul, jazz and pop. Which one do you prefer?
I would say I’m pop that is heavily inspired by soul and jazz. The more that I dive into music, the more I am trying to narrow down “my sound” and what exactly that entails.
What was your first performance at like?
Very nerve-wracking!! It was at my church and I remember I was incredibly nervous, but the feeling after was indescribable and I’ve been searching for that feeling after shows ever since.
What makes a good songwriter?
A good songwriter is someone who is able to make you feel what the song is about. They take you with them into their experience that either gives you a better understanding of the world around you or makes you feel connected through a similar personal experience.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
On the Edge! It is on my album Moving Too Fast.
Last year you tried out for NPR Tiny Desk Contest. How did you do?
It was a great experience! Even though we didn’t end up winning, it was still a really fun time to make the video.
Tell me about your upcoming EP Company?
I released a project with my friend Joey, a rapper based out of LA, back in July! We called it Stay Home Summer Lovers because we really wanted to create a fun summer vibe that you can enjoy, even though we all had to stay in.
What is your favorite track on the album?
My favorite track is Summer Lovers. The chorus is so catchy and I get it stuck in my head all the time.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
Good technique and enough rest! It can be easy to get into the music while performing live and push too hard, but it’s super important to sing correctly, hydrate, and get rest afterward.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I think it’s great! It’s a bummer that you can’t really make money off streaming music, but more music is accessible to people, the better. Everyone needs good music to get through a rough day!
Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital. Vinyl is cool, but you can’t put it in your pocket.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Right now, I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to what’s coming out currently and hearing how people are saying/how they are feeling with everything going on in real-time.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I’m hoping that once life returns to a more “normal” state, people will be super hungry to get out and listen to live music. With live streams, people were able to connect to artists in a new way, but I’m hoping everyone is ready to get back in-person shows.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I’ve been spending a lot of time practicing and writing. I’m hoping to use this time to make more music, but I’ve also been taking the time to slow down and appreciate some of the quiet moments I don’t normally get.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve been reading a bit more! It’s been nice to have time for that.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I’m a big fan of YouTube right now, a bunch of cool shows and ideas have come out during this time.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
I’m assuming people will use Facebook a little less and mostly for personal posts. Once more in-person events are happening, it’ll come back, but I’m anticipating it’ll take a step back for the time being.
You have been playing again. How was it the first time you played?
It was SO weird to get back to playing in person. I’ve been doing some outdoor, socially distanced shows and it felt amazing to play again, but I’m still a bit on edge to make sure I’m doing everything I can to keep my band, myself, and those around us safe.
With no real live music (mostly virtual shows) expect for things like Drive-In Theater shows with crowds for the past 6 months, what do you think will be the future of music?
I’m hoping that people will be anxious to get back to shows once things return.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
I think the artists that are really trying to engage with their fans via social media will be the ones to keep their fans. If they are putting out new content, responding to their fans, and interacting with them, I think that can take the place of in-person interactions for a little bit.
Live Nations just started Live Nation from Home. Which are concerts from artist homes. An all-new virtual music hub keeping fans connected to their favorite artists featuring daily live streams, performances, new music, and more. Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I don’t think it will be a long-term way of making a living. Personally, I’m craving the live aspect of music and live streams are getting less and less appealing. For now, it’s been filling a void, but I don’t think that’ll last forever.
You just did a virtual tribute for John Prine. Do you have any words about John, you like to say?
He is an amazing songwriter who will be missed dearly.
For smaller bands who do not play large crowds, this is not really an issue. How do you see bands going back to smaller venues and doing things like play for the door, with no guarantees?
I’m sure that’ll happen and it’ll be a really cool way to encounter artists who are used to playing larger venues. Hopefully, it’ll be a refreshing change for the artists and fans.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it may be the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?
Maybe! There really is no way to know what the future holds. I hope not, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
Are you thinking about doing a Christmas song again this year?
Definitely! I love Christmas music and it’s always a fun time of year.
Are you going to vote by mail or in person? Did you know that Live Nation Activates Concert Venues as Polling Places and Promotes Voting Engagement among Fans and Employees?
I didn’t know that, but that’s awesome! I will be voting by mail.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
That’d be sweet. I’d love to have Lizzo in my living room!
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Making more music and playing more shows! I hope I look back on where I’m at now and see a lot of growth.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thanks so much for having me!
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