When did you decide that a career in music was for you? 

 

When I was in college, I entered my school's beauty pageant.  Initially, I thought I would do a dramatic monologue, but it turns out, everyone was doing that and the pageant director was desperate to change up the program.  He came to me and said, "I've heard you sing, that's what you're doing now!" I was terrified.  But I ended up winning.  After that, all these different opportunities started popping up for me to sing.  It was almost as if a new level had been unlocked in the video game that is my life.  And I answered the calling. 

 

Who are your musical inspirations and why?

 

 My mom used to play a lot of Jazz growing up.  My first influences were Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn. I loved how they evoked so much emotion from their phrasing and tone.  As I got older, I started listening to alternative rock and indie artists.  I was drawn to the visceral angst of Chris Cornell and the melancholy drawl of Scott Weiland.  I loved how raw it felt and sounded.  I also really connected with Gwen Stefani, Fiona Apple, and Alanis Morissette's bare boned writing styles.  As far as performances go, no one can touch the queen of rock n soul - Tina Turner.  She leaves every bit of herself onstage, vocally and with the way she danced.  And like her, I always give all of me to my audience, no matter what kind of music I'm performing.  

 

Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know? 

 

 I graduated Summa Cum Laude from college. I was a pharmaceutical sales rep. Halloween is my favourite holiday because I love to play dress up.

 

What song of yours best describes you and why?

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 Great One.  It taps in to the insecurities I have to face down as an artist.  I, like many of my peers, suffer from imposter syndrome.  That song is about wondering if I'll ever truly be the artist I want to be. 

 

What has been the best gig you have done to date and why?

 

 The best gig for me has been performing with Little Steven and The Disciple's of Soul.  If it weren't for that gig, I wouldn't have gotten my record deal. 

 

If you could perform a gig at any venue where would it be and why? 

 

I would love to go back and perform at The Montreux Jazz Festival under my own name.  I've done it four times with Chic.  It's one of my favorite places to play, not to mention, you're practically in what feels like a movie simulation of the most beautiful place on earth. But it would be the icing on the cake if I could go back with The Jessie Wagner Band. 

 

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Tell me a story from backstage or after a gig?

 

 There was a time when we, the background singers, had to do a quick change in the middle of a medley.  We had half a song to come out in track suits and sing Back In Black before going back to our dresses that we wore for the rest of the show.  The quick change area was a tiny cubby hole under the stage with minimal coverage.  And of course the crew is wandering around doing whatever it is they do during the show.  So each night, we'd have shimmy out of our sweat soaked dresses, put on Adidas track suits with high heeled boots, belt out AC/DC at the top of our lungs, and run back to change into our sad little wet dresses. All the while, we were trying to keep our kibbles and bits hidden from peek a boo passerby crew guys. It was fun, but chaotic. 

 

What do you like best about being a musician and why? 

 

 I love interacting with the audience.  There's no better feeling than getting that energy from the crowd and letting it wash over you. There's no other job in the world that can give you that kind of high.   It's also amazing if you're a traveling musician.  You experience different cultures and see sights you'd only dreamt of. It's the best job in the world. 

 

If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing? 

 

I would probably be a history teacher.  I'm a bit of a dork, and I love stories from the past.  I imagine I'd pretend to be Dr. Who, as a teacher, and  we were traveling the universe while learning about ourselves and our collective past.  I'm certain it would be a lot more difficult than that though!

 

What has been the best gig you have been too as a fan and can you tell us about it? 

 

I got to see No Doubt from the side of the stage.  They were playing the same festival as Lenny Kravitz, and I was singing backgrounds for him at the time.  So, we got backstage passes and could walk around and be right there on stage as they performed.  I nearly lost my voice that night singing along to all the songs.  Fortunately, I had enough left to sing at our show the next night! 

 

What things make you happy and what things annoy you? 

 

I love hearing from new fans that discovered my music in a round about way. It gives me encouragement to keep going. But I hate that I have to be so reliant on social media.  I get anxiety when I can't think of something to post.  If you go a few days, are you completely forgotten?  I wish I had released music before social media became the crux of an entertainer's career. 

 

What things do you like to do when you are away from music?

 

 If I'm on tour, I like to seek out castles (nerd alert).  I'm the person on tour that gets up and visits the museums and checks out classic architecture.  I love renaissance fairs and going to IMAX movies.  If it involves swords, fairies, magic, and/or explosions, I'm usually down for the cause. 

 

Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?

 

  I realize how it can be an effective tool if utilized wisely.  And I'm also very aware that Pandora's box is open and there's no going back.  But I think those in charge of these platforms know that it has to be part of our business model, and they aren't really looking to help us effectively grow our audiences unless they get some kind of compensation.  It's all touted as a medium "for the artist" but it sure doesn't feel that way. I wish i could just book gigs and sell CD's from the back of my trunk.  The hustle is different now.  It's a lot easier to get your music on a platform, but a hell of a lot harder to get people to listen to it in the quagmire of streaming services. 

 

How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?

 

 It's extremely important.  It can either pull people in or be a hindrance.  I don't think that will ever change - especially now that everyone and anyone can be a critic.  People always say be yourself, but for most, that just leaves them the space to attack everything about you.  In the end, you just have to be authentic to what you are comfortable with and hope your tribe finds you. 

 

What would your ideal day consist of? 

 

Waking up in one of my favorite European cities, doing two or three interviews for a show that night, having a trouble free soundcheck, playing to a responsive and favorable crowd, hopping on the bus with my band and some sushi to celebrate another great show, and waking up the next day in front of our hotel for a day off and site seeing. 

 

If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?

 

 Thank you for taking the time to listen to my music.  I know there are thousands of other options, but for whatever reason, you connected with my sound, and I'm grateful for your love and support. 

 

How would you answer the question Who is Jessie Wagner and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?  

 

Jessie Wagner music is the best mix of pop, rock, soul, and country.  I'm the product if Tina Turner, Roberta Flack, and Joni Mitchell had a baby.   Unlike many artists, there's probably a little something there for everyone. 

 

What was the first record or song you purchased and why?

 

I think the first album I bought was Three Feet And Rising by De La Soul.  I loved their look and sound.  It was a bombardment of color and rhythm. Me Myself and I was my favorite track. 

 

What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?

 

 This is not an easy industry.  I realize that statement might be considered obvious, but no one really understands the challenges of being an artist until you're knee deep in frustration, insecurity, and hope. You have to want this more than anything.  It can't just be about fame and fortune because the odds are stacked against you.  But if it's a part of your soul, and it feels like a calling, then you can't fight it.  Be smart.  Get an education on the business side of this industry and hold on tight. 

 

If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why?

 

 I would love to collaborate with Yola.  I think our sounds are similar and I love her vibe.  I think we could come up with something magical. 

 

What has the rest of the year got in store for you?

 

 My sophomore album War Within comes out April 25th.  I'll be doing shows and playing the new tunes from the album.  You can catch my album release show at The Bitter End, May 29th.