Jesse Lynn Madera Come Visit Soon Interview

Poetic Country/Folk/Americana Infused Music with Her Poetic Words of Wisdom

Bright-eyed blonde singer/songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera blends her poetic country/folk/Americana infused music with her poetic words of wisdom. The Nashville based musician is hoping to catch the attention of country, soul, and jazz loving individuals around the globe with her daring EP "Come Visit Soon," which is available on streaming platforms. Having performed this year at The Key West Songwriter's Festival, the fresh-faced, bright-eye songstress has built a strong reputation for herself in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles, due to her soulful live performances.

Hailing from the rolling hills of West Virginia, Madera's love for music grew out of a family affinity for all things harmonious. With household gatherings often centering around song and expression, her unique musical upbringing aided in driving her passion for performance. Mentored in piano by renowned father of Rock 'n' Roll, Johnnie ("B. Goode") Johnson, Madera takes pride in the instrument having remained a constant in her journey as an artist and in her music. The stunning creative took up a fascination with poetry around the same time, and it is this love for the written word which led her first to theater and then to music. Following her musical education at NYU, Jesse Lynn Madera has gone on to release two breathtaking albums to date, with a third set for release this summer.

Championed by husband and versatile actor Hemky Madera ("Queen of the South"), Jesse's charismatic songs have attracted a diverse group of people who continue to seek music from the up-and-coming artist. With tracks smoothly intertwining the deep emotion of jazz with the cool, humble songwriting of American soul, Jesse's folk-tinged country melodies in "Come Visit Soon" stand as an impressive addition to a profoundly eloquent musical catalogue.

Interview with Jesse Lynn Madera

Question: How would you describe your music?

Jesse Lynn Madera: Lyric driven and down the winding road to the bottom of things.


Question: Can you tell us about Come Visit Soon?

Jesse Lynn Madera: It's a three song Americana EP, produced with fellow artist George Stanford. Writing these songs, in particular the first and third tracks, I was trying to take responsibility. "Amsterdam" is from the perspective of an ex, and "California" is written in the third person, talking to an ex about our relationship. Sometimes things really haven't ended well, and I could have been bigger, less selfish, softer and more courageous.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Jesse Lynn Madera: I prefer to write about real events. They're not always my personal stories, but they're always true. Maybe something that happened to a friend, or on the news, or something I saw in a documentary. If I'm writing about it, I have something to gain from understanding it. I don't do it just for the sake of writing, or because I found some chord changes or a melody I liked. If I feel moved or changed by the words, like I'm getting somewhere inside, that is what makes me know the song is worthwhile. In those first lines in "Amsterdam", I was asked to write a song about nothing, so I had to write about him asking me to write a song about nothing. If a man asks his ex for essentially an empty box with a bow, what does that say about his state of mind? Why wake the dead and ask for nothing?


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Jesse Lynn Madera: I used to strongly prefer performing live, but through making "Come Visit Soon", I came to love recording too. I learned more patience for the process, chiseling away. Now I'm having a great time in post-production for my next release. I've just brought on my trusty friend Paul Redel to help me refine the tracks. Fantastic producer and guitarist, and we almost always see the same bullseye.


Question: Which is your favorite song to perform live and why?

Jesse Lynn Madera: I have a song that I haven't officially recorded yet called "Ten Miles Down". It came from a clear place. When I perform it, it's easy to find north. I haven't ever had to try to remember what I was feeling. I know I'll give an honest performance.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Jesse Lynn Madera: It's a tie between Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Jesse Lynn Madera: Jason Isbell, The High Women, Robert Earl Keen, Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Jesse Lynn Madera: I've kind of always known that I would be making music, but I suppose my ex-boyfriend Joe might have helped me into the decision to put all my eggs in this basket. He had an incredible work ethic, and I caught it.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Jesse Lynn Madera: Right now, I'd love to collaborate with Brandi Carlile, I love what she's doing for music. I love that she's stayed the course. In terms of her musical output, she has always been Brandi, and she's always been great. I have so much respect for her.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Jesse Lynn Madera: Self-sabotage. I have some loose pieces jangling around. Certain aspects of my upbringing were like kicks to the head, so I'm slow or stunted in some areas. Sometimes I'm being deliberate, sometimes I'm procrastinating. Sometimes I've given up on myself entirely and have to start over. But I'm a stubborn turtle.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Jesse Lynn Madera: I wake up and make breakfast and lunch for my sweet eight year old boy. Then I make myself something hot to drink, and go sit on the bed to make some decisions. Then there's usually some communication I need to take care of or something I want to write. After that, I might take a long walk or do some yoga, and then eat. I usually develop songs while I'm moving around. Once I have one mostly done in my head, I'll write it down or sing it into my phone, then go to the piano. Anything could happen in the afternoon. Ideally I'm creating something I love, but not always. Then it's time to make dinner, and do homework with my boy. I have to sing both boys to sleep. I'm usually in bed myself by nine or ten if I'm smart. There's husband time woven in there for sure if he's on hiatus.


Question: What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Jesse Lynn Madera: Art is therapeutic if we don't allow the baggage that might come with it to destroy us. I'm much more intrigued by growth than I am destruction. I'm a better person when I'm writing, and better for being a songwriter.

Question: Can you share your socials?

Jesse Lynn Madera: @JesseLynnMadera


Interview by Brooke Hunter
Photo: Bazza J Holmes