Jessica Andrews – Interview

Talking life with Jessica Andrews!

What are you doing?

Radio shows, appearances, mall shows. All sorts of things.

Looking forward to Christmas?

I actually have to work almost up to Christmas, but I can’t wait to go home. I have a week off and then my birthday is right after that.

How old were you when you got signed?

I was thirteen when I got signed to Dreamworks. Actually, I met my producer when I was twelve. Well, I worked with him almost two years before I got signed, so I was almost fourteen. His first choice was Dreamworks because he had a great relationship with them. I signed with them and it’s just been amazing. We’ve always been on the same page and it’s been great.

Were your parents involved in music or was this a new process for everyone?

My mom was involved in music. She used to sing in bands and was a part of music my whole life. My dad was too. I grew up with it all around me. I was ten when I decided I wanted to do it and entered into a school talent show and then I started performing in my hometown. My family has always been supportive and just wanted me to move to bigger and better things.

What changed going into record the second record?

The second record is a lot more mature. I feel like this is a step up from the first record. The musicians were awesome, it is more energetic, aggressive, and has more attitude. I can’t wait to do these songs live.

How much do you take from the demos in the studio to adding your own flavor?

I listen to the demo maybe once and understand how the phrasing goes and then you do your own thing. You have to try different things. One person will come up with another idea and we just all feed off each other. That is what the creative process is all about.

Do you feel like you can do what Shania has done and crossover?

This album is great music and something I love, and whatever format they choose to put me in, I just hope people can enjoy it. It’s music and it’s songs I absolutely love. That is the bottom line. You have to have music you love and I think fans can relate to that.

What did you grow up listening to and what do you listen to now?

I grew up listening to everything and still do now. I was raised listening to everything. I have a sister that is seven years older than me and she was a big influence on me. So my house had lots of different formats playing and I still listen to all those different formats today.

Was there any single person you’ve looked up to and wanted to be like?

Whitney Houston. I love the way she sings. I wanted to be on her record label. I wanted everything like Whitney Houston. She still is. I think she is amazing. But I also look up to my mom, Reba McIntyre, Wynona Judd. They’ve all been big influences on me.

I think something curious about country singers compared to pop singers is that they have longer careers.

I think anyone can have a long career if you learn to balance everything out. I think if people get sick of you, then it’s time to take a break and do some soul searching and work on a new record. You have to find yourself time and again and not burn out. Look how long Whitney has been around.

What things about your career have been exciting and what has been scary?

Well, when you are in the public eye that can be scary. You have all these people staring at you, which that doesn’t really happen to me, but you can get uncomfortable. But I have to understand that is what happens when you are in the public eye. But there are so many exciting things that happen to me all the time that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world, like winning awards, touring, traveling the country. It’s amazing. All the good and the bad, I wouldn’t change anything.

What do you still want to achieve?

I’m telling you, I feel like I’ve just begun. I’m still in the early stages of what I want to do. I want everyone in the world to hear my music. I want to have my own headlining tour one day. I have so much to accomplish and I’m driving really hard to make that happen.

Is it tough being away from home?

My mom travels with me so that is really a comforting thing. I do miss everyone at home. We miss them a lot. When I go home we are together all the time.

How is touring?

It’s a different life. It’s something you have to adapt to. Some people love it, some don’t. It can be really tough. We don’t do it extensively where we can’t even function. We try to get breaks. I love the people we travel with, so it can be fun.

What is 2001 going to be like for you?

It is going to be my busiest year yet. I’m going to be touring a lot, lots of tv. It’s going to be crazy, but I’m looking forward to everything.

+ charlie craine