Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
I'm 16 years old and live on Long Island, NY. I'm currently writing and
recording for my debut album expected to be released Summer 2004, which I'm
really excited about! I also have a new limited edition CD now available
through my website at www.jessiedaniels.com. On my free time when I'm home,
I like to spend time with my friends, go to the movies, go to the mall or
just to hangout at someones house and laugh all night!
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?
My music is definitely ROCK! Rock with heart and attitude!
Who are some of your favorite bands and musicians?
Some of my favorite artists include Michelle Branch, Mandy Moore, Stacie Orrico, Paul Wright, Detour180, and Across the Sky.
What inspires you the most musically?
God totally inspires me everyday by showing me His pure love.
On you Limited Edition 6-song EP which song is your favorite, and why?
All the songs on the EP have their own special meaning to me. I don't think
I could pick a favorite. However recently, Long Before the Sun is climbing
the charts in my head! hehe
What do you hope to achieve most in your career?
Above all things I hope to touch many hearts and have a great impact on many
lives. I hope people are able to see the positive message of my music,
identify with it and apply it to their lives.
What's your best experience working in the music industry so far?
I have seriously learned so much from experiences I have had so far. Some of
the best though are after performances when you hear back from the audience.
It's great when people give you great responses! But I'm sure that there
will be tons of other experiences that are going to blow my mind! I'm
excited for them!
Is there anything about the music industry you've found since entering it
that you really didn't like?
Everything has been so great! But the whole piracy issue totally bugs me.
Being an artist myself I understand how it effects the artists career and
how it effects not only the artist personally, but everyone who works around
them. It makes you feel like the people who download have no respect for
your music and that's upsetting.
Tell us about a typical day in your life?
Well, when I'm not on the road, this is what a typical day looks like for
me. Wake up at 9, have what I call "God time" where I read my bible and pray
for about an hour. Then I do school work for 3 hours, then career work for
about 3 hours which consists of practicing my guitar, vocal work, writing,
and doing interviews such as this one. Then I go to the gym and after that
my day is free!
What specific countries do you hope your career may take you to in the near
future?
Wow, I really want to travel the world! I think traveling to different
countries will open my eyes to so many new things. As for specific countries
I would love to go to Italy since I have family there, Spain, and anywhere
in Central or South America!
Not music related, but what is your favorite TV show?
I rarely watch TV now just because of my hectic schedule but I used to be
addicted to "Dawson's Creek".
Do you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
Currently I play a little guitar and piano but I'm working on that!
You co wrote all the songs on your EP, what do you enjoy writing about the most?
With each song the writing experience is different. I enjoy writing about
anything that identifies with me. I like writing songs about my faith and
the lessons that I learn from experiences that I go through.
The song 'Single Word' really stood out to me on your EP, could you tell us
a little more about the meaning and story behind that song?
We all have people in our lives who are endless complainers. They complain
about their unhappiness and how they feel unloved. What the song offers is
an escape from that. The song speaks about the peace and happiness you find
in having a relationship with God. The line in the song that gives the song
it's title is "You're not listening to a single word I've said" meaning
that, if the "complainers" would just be quiet and listen, they would
realize I'm telling them that the escape from their problems is Jesus
Christ.
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions. One last
thing. Is there anything you'd like to say to our readers?
I just wanted to encourage everyone to "Be yourself and do it on purpose!"
Keep the faith! Follow your heart! Trust in God above all things!
Thanks so much for all your love and support! Please check out my official
website at JessieDaniels.com! God Bless You! Portrait ROCKS!
