JESSICA LYNN A ROCKET FORCE IN MODERN MUSIC
BY EBBY MAGAZINE
Discover how Jessica Lynn’s dynamic sound is reshaping modern music. Explore her unique blend of country roots and contemporary flair.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SCOTT VINCENT
“YOU HAVE TO EXPECT TO FAIL AND
CONSTANTLY THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX TO REACH THE NEXT STEP.”
JESSICA LYNN, MUSIC SINGER & SONGWRITER
Jessica Lynn is quickly becoming a household name, captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and fierce stage presence. With a career that spans international tours, chart-topping singles, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in country and rock music, Jessica has solidified her place as a unique and influential voice in modern music. Her dynamic live shows, often compared to country music superstar Shania Twain, showcase her multifaceted talents as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist.
But Jessica’s influence extends beyond the stage. As an advocate for military support, arts education, and numerous humanitarian causes, she has used her platform to impact the world positively. Invited to attend the United Nations Women’s Entrepreneurship Day and honored to sing the National Anthem at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, Jessica’s dedication to her craft and causes is truly inspiring.
In this exclusive interview, Jessica Lynn opens up about her journey, the motivations behind her music, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being, and the exciting future ahead. Join us as we delve into the life of this remarkable artist who is changing the landscape of country music and making a difference globally.
You have been described as a “rocket force” in modern music. What drives you to maintain such high energy and passion in your performances?
Passion is my driving force! Music is one of the most special things in my life, and to be able to wake up every day and do something I truly love is what keeps me going.
Your musical journey has taken you worldwide, where you have shared stages with legendary artists. Can you share a moment from these experiences that stands out and why?
My first concert, when I was about 5 years old, was with Richard Marx. I got to open for him a few years ago, and going from being that little girl in the audience to the woman on stage was a moment I will remember forever. It was really a full-circle realization of how hard I have worked and how far I have come. I will never forget it.
Integrating family into your band is a unique aspect of your career. How has performing with your family influenced your music and live shows?
Working with my family makes me feel like I am never far away from home. It is really so amazing to have them all with me. Having such a close relationship has really allowed my show to flourish because we have great communication with each other in rehearsals and in planning. I think it also radiates on stage how much we all love each other, and the audience can feel and connect with it.
As an advocate for numerous humanitarian causes, including military support and arts education, what motivates you to use your platform for these initiatives?
I have always been a big believer in that when you have a platform, use it for good. It makes me very happy to make a difference doing what I love so much. That’s what motivates me.
You’ve been invited to attend the United Nations Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. How do you see the role of women evolving in the music industry, and what advice do you have for young women aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
I think it’s been really cool, especially in country music in very recent years, that the doors have been opening wider for female artists. My best advice, although cliché, is to always be genuinely you. It is truly what sets you apart in this industry from everyone else.
Your class, “Tips and Tricks for the Independent Musician,” has helped many aspiring artists globally. What are the key takeaways you hope your students gain from this course?
It has been extremely rewarding to teach that course to students around the world. I hope that they take away that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. You pave your own path.
Breaking into the top charts as an independent artist is a significant achievement. What strategies have you employed to reach such milestones, and what challenges have you faced?
I have faced many challenges, from being too “different” to not having the resources I needed to keep moving forward. My biggest strategy is to keep going. No matter what, I get up off the ground and try again. I really think that is the key to success. You have to expect to fail and constantly think outside of the box to reach the next step.
Your singles “Crazy Idea” and “Let’s Don’t” have both achieved chart success. What is the story behind these songs, and how do they reflect your growth as an artist?
“Crazy Idea” was co-written and produced in Belgium, and “Let’s Don’t” was co-written and produced in Nashville. They were both written about my husband at different stages of our relationship. Those songs were put out at the beginning of my career, and the music has come a very long way since then stylistically, so it’s really interesting to listen to those songs now.
As someone featured in numerous industry-leading publications and media outlets, how do you balance maintaining your public image with staying true to yourself as an artist?
My public image, my artist image, and who I am as just an every day regular person do not deviate from each other. It’s really easy to always stay true to yourself when you have no desire to be or be perceived as anyone or anything else.
With your debut full-length record “Lone Rider” hitting the top of the charts, what does this achievement mean to you, and how has it impacted your career trajectory?
That was a very big moment in my career and one I will remember forever. I put out the record completely independently, which made charting in the #1 spot in multiple countries feel incredibly sweet. I worked so hard on that record, and to see all my blood, sweat, and tears turn into something so amazing was really special to me. That record helped spread my music to places I never thought it would go.
You’ve collaborated with top songwriters from Nashville and Europe. How do these collaborations influence your songwriting process and musical style?
It is so much fun to collaborate with other writers and creatives. They bring ideas to the table that you never would have thought of, and it is incredibly inspiring.
As you continue to record new music, what themes or messages are you most excited to explore in your upcoming songs?
I love empowering songs about following your dreams and songs that tell the story of where I have come from. I have a lot of new music coming, and this new batch of songs is really a reflection of who I am. I can’t wait to share it.
What has been your most memorable performance, and what made it so special?”
There have been many very special moments over the years, but there was a festival we played overseas where a fan told me that my performance saved his life. He had the worst six months of his life and did not want to go on—until he saw the joy I had on stage. It gave him hope that he, too, could find something that made him that happy. I will never forget that day and the power of music. It makes me tear up just thinking about it.
With such a demanding touring schedule and numerous commitments, how do you find time to take care of yourself and maintain your well-being?
That is my biggest challenge, to be honest, because I am an extreme workaholic. I make sure to take time out of every day to exercise, and I also am diligent about completing one meditation each day to try to put my mind at rest.
Balancing a career in music while maintaining a personal life can be challenging. What strategies do you use to stay connected with your loved ones and remain grounded?
Because my family is always with me, this is not so much an issue with them; however, this can be a very difficult lifestyle to maintain friendships in because of all the travel. I have missed many weddings, birthdays, etc., over the years. For me, I try to do my best to keep up with everyone in my life, even if it’s just with a simple text saying, “I’m thinking of you.” Since I am not always present, it’s important for them to know I care.
Mental health is crucial for sustaining a long-term career. How do you manage stress and pressure, especially with the high expectations placed on you?
This is a hard one. I think I just try to be as mindful as I can every day of my limits. If my body is telling me I need to take a mental or physical break, I have been really trying to pay attention to that and stop. I am someone who has experienced burnout and the negative physical effects of overworking, so this has been something I am actively working on every day.
Do you have any daily rituals or habits that help you stay focused and centered amidst your busy schedule?
I exercise six days a week. That is my “me” time, and when I feel good about my body and strong, the rest of my schedule and life just feels easier.
Balancing work and personal interests is essential. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of music that help you relax and rejuvenate?
I absolutely love hiking and spending time with my rescue dog, Audrey. For me, being in nature is my happy place.
Traveling can be exhausting. How do you make your travels more comfortable and ensure you get adequate rest?
One thing that I learned while traveling was to always expect the unexpected. I try to always bring food with me, a good travel pillow, and a change of clothes!
It is essential to take time to relax and recharge. What are some of your favorite ways to unwind and relax during downtime?
I really love short meditations as well as just sitting outside in the peace and quiet whenever I feel overwhelmed.
Self-care often involves physical fitness. Do you have a fitness routine, and how do you stay active while on the road?
I am very big into health and fitness, and I follow a vegan diet and exercise religiously six days a week. My favorite workout is HIIT, and it keeps me in good shape to run around on stage.
The pandemic has dramatically shifted the music landscape, especially with the rise of live streaming. How did you adapt to these changes, and what have you learned from this period?
The pandemic really was such a difficult time to be an artist, as our industry got shut down for an incredibly long time. I started live streaming like it was a full-time job, and I learned that no matter what comes your way, if you work hard and believe you can make it through, I wound up becoming a Top 25 Livestreamer of the Year on the Internet by Pollstar. It is one of the things in my career I am the most proud of.
{ MANTRA }
“Always Believe In Yourself”
