Jessica Paige

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How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?
When my song "I'll Grow Up" was played on Triple J (because it was a finalist in The RockIt competition) I was very excited (OK I admit I screamed and ran around looking for someone to hug). It's just great that some DJ thought it was good enough, original enough and catchy enough to play. It gave me a real boost.
Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?
Well, my father is a professional muso - and has always struggled financially despite a fair amount of success and a huge amount of talent. So I know some of the pitfalls - but I am taking a different business path and have more hard- headed business ideas.
Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?
I have about 40 songs that I have written. Early on when I was busking, I wrote about things I saw on the streets, the ruined lives and the unfairness of it all. I still write issues songs as well as relationship and love songs. Recently I wrote a song called "What For" about war and another song about Janice Joplin after I watched a documantary about her life. I also have a song called "Sam" that a lot of people have commented on - that was inspired by a character in a book who died from leukemia.
What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
Johnny Lang - a great rock/blue player in the US, Eva Cassidy - a Canadian who sang standards in her own beautiful way, Silverchair - Diorama has great songs and production, and some earlier artists ( I have to learn and perform songs in the original form for my Year 12 solo voice exams - Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holliday)
What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
This year I will finish my VCE exams and then in February 2004 launch my CD (so I'll record throughout this year). I'll have a single from that album which gets radio play. My manager and I agree that I should start off with some small regional tours where I know some other artists- like Geelong and Kynton area and see what it's like. Then next year I could go up the East Coast, through Wollongong, Sydney and the Central Coast.
Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
No - Melbourne has been great - so many venues offering to have me perform, lots of other artists to work with. It's been great.
Do you prefer performing live or recording?
I enjoy both aspects- performing live has been a great way to learn, to improve, think on my feet, judge an audiences tastes and mood etc. Recording has been wonderful especially as I've had the input of Nick Lovell, a great musician and producer, who really understands my songs and what suits them and me.
What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Well, it was a natural conclusion really - I love people, music, singing and have the support of friends, teachers and family.. I had the encouragement of winning some songwriting and performing competitions and getting better gigs, so I figure I should go for it....
What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Having the confidence to keep going - even when I knew I sucked at the start (and for a long time afterwards.)
What's a typical day like?
Drag myself out of bed, go to school, come home - rehearse, practice, write, sing, practice, organise stuff for gigs...
What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?
Meeting a lot of different people and co-writing songs with some amazingly talented musicians. The biggest buzz was that all these great muso's wanted to play with me, and now we're in a band. There's nothing like having musicians play with you, when you're their biggest fan.
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Stevie Wonder, for his great rhythms and arrangements, or Billy Joel, for his ability to write lyrics, and the structure of his songs.
Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?
I am single, but I'm also shallow, I want someone who's a great musician. Either that or on the same wave length. Really you look for someone who has a passion, I like people who talk about what they're doing a lot.
Do you have a website fans can visit?
www.jessicapaige.net
Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?
Self love (for when no one else is there) friends, a passion, goals, and a cute little puppy ....aaawww
What message would you like to say to your fans?
"Where are you?"

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Jessica Paige
Nickname(s): Jess
Star Sign: Cancer
Favorite Food: Thai
Favorite Film: Oh Brother Where Art Thou?
Favorite Actor: Jack Black
Pet: Gizmo - Mitsubishi Cross (Maltese, Bichon, ShiTsu)
Describe yourself in 3 words: food-loving Earthling
Best Feature: A happy person who likes people
Worst Feature: Not a morning person
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Tony Hawkes- skateboarding hero- (OK my little brother made me write that)
Hobbies/Interests: No, I will not write skateboarding, Josh!
First Job: When I was 12 I had the "Paw Print Pet Minding Service" in the neighbourhood.
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: More the coffee shop type - or better still, hot-chocolate shop type.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: My guitar
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: How late am I?

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Jessica Paige

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