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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, songwriter Jess Casinelli talks about her music career, and the inspiration behind her new single, Ugly Feet.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Jess Casinelli about her life and career, what inspires her music, and her creative process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Jess Casinelli, I am a 25 year old singer-songwriter originally from Stamford, Connecticut. I come from a pretty big American-Italian family and moved out to LA at the age of 18 to attend college and pursue music.
When did you first WANT to write songs?
I was one of those kids that “made up” songs constantly from a very young age. Once I started learning how to read and write, I began writing down my lyrics in notepads to have some type of recordation of the songs.
When did you take a step to start writing songs?
I didn’t get serious about it all until I was 16 years old. I began teaching myself piano and guitar to add instrumentation to the lyric and melody. I’d spend hours and hours every day just pounding away on the piano. It became my new favorite after school activity.
What was your first song released, and what was it about?
Technically the first song I ever released was for a previous project I was apart of called “Not That Great” (hence why it no longer exists haha). It was a sweet cinematic love song.
The first song I released off my current artist project is called “What I Want”. It’s about all the distractions, obstacles and excuses that prevent you from living the type of life you want.
What was your latest song released, and what was it about?
My most recent song release before “ugly feet” is called “It’d Be Me”. It reflects on the feeling of a new relationship and having to share problems and let someone into a space that feels haunted or unfixable.
Focusing on your latest song. What were your biggest challenges with Ugly Feet?
My biggest challenge with “ugly feet” is honestly releasing it. It’s about the parts and habits of me and my life that I’ve worked so hard to get better from. So it’s kind of weird to allow people to see me in that light since it’s not something I’m proud of in any way. Which is a good thing since it was a part of my journey, just scary to publicize. It’s kinda dark haha.
How many songs are you working on right now?
I have about 8 songs in the works. 2 of which are in the process of being recorded / produced and about 6 + that I’m finishing writing or editing at the moment. I’m super excited for the new ones.
Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?
I very much go where the mood strikes. I would say if I did have a theme it’d be “sad” or “emotional” which sounds basic but it’s really the most natural way of writing for me.
What is your favourite song you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?
My favorite song I’ve ever recorded is definitely an unreleased one called “Little Me”. I wrote it at 19 and recorded it at 20 but it’s my most personal song for sure. The recording days were so intense I felt like I had gone through hours of therapy afterwards. It meant so much to me. Also the harmonies were sooooo sick. So much fun to record.
Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?
Yes, a huge reason I started taking songwriting seriously was because of the way other artist’s lyrics had inspired me. At 16 I was extremely into Sia’s old work and Demi Lovato. Both of their music spoke to me in a way I’d never experienced before. Nowadays I’ve been having Gracie Abrams, Sasha Sloan, Conan Gray and SZA pretty much on repeat.
Do you write your own music, or do you have musicians you work with?
I always write my own music but a lot of times I’ll have my music partner (Producer/Engineer, Javi Cruces) help adjust the chords to make the song more impactful and unique.
Do you play any instruments?
I play piano and guitar but both mainly to accompany my vocals. I’m not as much of an instrumentalist as I’d like to be.
Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?
I started gigging around LA and NY/CT (when I’m home visiting) a few years back. I was terrified at first but now I’m really really happy when I do it. It’s become kind of exhilarating for me now that the fears died down.
– I’ll be playing The Mint in LA on April 8, 2023 at 9:45pm!!! You can check out my website for more dates as well 🙂
Is your music available online, and where can people listen to it?
Yes, my music is available on all streaming platforms along with frequent clips posted to Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok. You can find me everywhere as “Jess Casinelli”.
Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?
As my day job I work at an entertainment law firm, which has actually been pretty fun and very helpful for my musical knowledge.
Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?
100%. I’ve been very blessed in that department. Almost all of my friends here in LA are musicians as well, so it’s really nice to be able to support them within the same community.
What’s something you never expected about being a songwriter? What have you learned that surprised you?
I guess I’ve learned to try and focus on all different parts of the songs. I am such a sucker for lyrics that I would neglect the musical aspect of the song without meaning to, but I’ve been really trying to make sure all needs get tended to.
Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your songs?
I’ve had some intense realizations because of my songs. I sometimes accidentally write about things I’m avoidant of or uncomfortable speaking about so it comes out subconsciously I think.
Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?
The Mint!!!! 4/8 @ 9:45pm 🙂
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write songs?
Don’t get discouraged. You can write 10 songs and feel they’re all wrong but then the 11th one becomes your best one yet. Take the small wins. Also, always make sure you have a safe space to create.. I find that to be extremely important.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I’m proud of my progress. The songs I was writing in college were my best ones at the time but I can quite literally hear the maturity of my new ones when I compare them all now. It’s a really cool feeling. Definitely worth it.
Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5QvjVWRkPZNRNvynQMAGMO?si=L1XSqRqLRLGF1op_ETefPA
Instagram: jesscasinelli
Website: https://www.jesscasinelli.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesscasinelli/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jesscasinelli
Website: jesscasinelli.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yungweirdo.97
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jesscasinelli
Spotify: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jesscasinelli/ugly-feet
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