In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jessica Gerhardt about her latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m originally from Santa Monica, CA and I now live in South Pasadena, CA. My musical style is singer-songwriter with indie pop vibes. I play ukulele and I’m backed by an arrangement of drums, guitars, keys, and bass, sometimes with some trumpet, cello, and other fun sounds sprinkled in. My voice and sound has been likened to Fiona Apple or Florence & The Machine.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I went to college in Portland, Oregon and while there I was singing in the chapel on campus one night, alone, around 2 in the morning. There was no one there who could hear me so I could sing as loud as I wanted and in the middle of that I felt/heard this voice within me saying “I want you to do this.” I responded, “Do what? Sing at 2am?” and the voice clarified “I want you to pursue music.” I argued with the voice, because there were about a million reasons I wouldn’t want to do that. I struggle with jealous and comparing myself to others. Pursuing music is risky and it’s not a career where you are guaranteed success or financial stability. I was fearful of the idea of being successful and the idea of failing. But the voice pressed on, “Look at the doors that have been opened in your life with music, the people who your music touches, the voices that encourage you. Can you lean into trust?” So, I decided to trust that regardless of where it leads, there is something deep within me that calls to me to pursue it. To perform, to write… all of it. I try to come back to that moment of tremendous clarity whenever I’m doubting or wavering in my faith in this path.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
My latest single release, “Be My Hands” is the title track off of my forthcoming EP which arcs the experience of growing more deeply and authentically in love. The song and video in particular portray the movement from distance and trepidation to expression and vulnerability. This song fits in the 5-song EPs narrative from shallow to deep. My first EP release in 2014 was a collection of 4 songs I’d written that didn’t necessarily correspond to one another. It feels good to have a collection of songs that intentionally go together.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
One challenge is figuring out the best ways to help my music arrive in people’s ears. There are so many different media outlets, but the algorithms for some of them don’t always help the music I post or share to be heard by my audience. So I have to try a lot of different things to get it out there. Technology makes it possible to try a lot of these outlets myself, and many of them are pretty affordable.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Rush of Wheels” by Johanna Samuels
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I’m mainly a CD gal. I have a collection in my car and I like using my CD player, when I wanna save data on my phone. 🙂 But I do like to treat myself to vinyl from time to time. There’s something really wonderful about the ritual of putting on a record. It’s like making french press coffee or something.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I like that I can sell merch in Bandcamp and that people can buy music for whatever they feel like giving, versus just a set price. I enjoy Spotify for being out and about. I love being able to put together playlists easily and that it features new artists all the time.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I’m pretty active on Facebook and Instagram @jgerhardtmusic and Spotify or BandCamp are great places to catch my latest releases. 🙂
Anything else before we sign off?
Stay tuned for a few more singles in the next couple months, as well as an EP release in the Spring!
