Inspired #279 - Jessica Luise
Manchester based singer Jessica Luise has just released her debut EP ‘Going In Blind’ - which is filled with summery indie pop gems for fans of the likes of beabadoobee, Pale Waves and Arlo Parks. She took a moment to talk to us about how the release came together.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
I’ve always had my music taste influenced by the music taste of my parents so my music is heavily influenced by The Sundays, they are my mums favourite band and I always feel inspired when I listen to them. My parents in general inspire me quite a bit, I don’t live with them anymore so I’m finding myself writing a few songs about missing them without even meaning to! I will always be inspired by people like Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell too, brilliant lyricists, that’s the most impressive part of songwriting to me, a song that tells a story.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
I have a whole song about one of the characters from Withnail and I! I watched it for the first time in lockdown one and wrote a song immediately. I think the feeling of love and heartbreak in romcoms inspires me, that’s probably my genre actually ~ romcom soundtrack music!
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
I moved to Manchester to pursue music, I love the culture here, it’s a city that has crafted a beautiful music scene. I feel at home here and find myself romanticising my time here quite a bit.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
I know it’s cliche but my mum and dad and my little sister. I couldn’t choose between any of them, my sister is so talented and I hope to make music with her in the future, my mum has a gorgeous soul and my dad is one of the most generous people I have ever met. They push me to be the best and to be independent and successful and I am thankful for that everyday
What were your inspirations when writing your new EP?
'Going in Blind' pays homage to all the relationships good and bad I’ve had in my life, it really is a love letter to love and I am extremely proud of it. It is cathartic to me and only the closest people to me know all the little stories behind each song which I think is very special.
How would you like to inspire people?
I just want people to be able to have the confidence to pursue what they want to do, I often struggle with imposter syndrome and anxiety, I am far too hard on myself and I want people to know that you can always overcome those little demons in your head telling you aren’t good enough. I want to inspire people to be more open with their emotions and make something special out of that purge. I want to inspire people to find their creative outlet and run with it. Music is the only thing that I truly feel myself doing.