Rising US recording artist and songwriter Jessica Nicole Brown has returned with her new single, “Single Forever”. A South Carolina native based in Tennessee, Jessica made a mark on the music scene in 2020 with the release of debut EP, Girl, I Don’t Know, which received rave reviews for her bold and refreshing take on young adulthood. Her boldness continued as she focused on restoring self-love in the black communities with the release of “He Don’t Date Black Girls” and “My Sista, My Girl” last year. And “Single Forever” continues Jessica’s momentum and gets her year off to a flying start.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jessica about the music, the challenges, surviving a pandemic and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I am from Dalzell, South Carolina. The best word to describe my style of music would be “expressive”. I think it’s better to classify it that way instead of trying to fit it into a genre box.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Honestly, when I first saw the Cheetah Girls movies, I knew I wanted to be a singer. Did I know anything about writing songs or the whole business side of it? Absolutely not. But I knew singing and music was fun, so I was and still am willing to go for it.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
I think my latest project, “Single Forever”, is similar to my previous releases because it is an expression of my true thoughts and feelings – no matter how embarrassing it may be. I think this song is different because of its genre. I haven’t done a song with this sound before, like a contemporary R&B/pop vibe with ‘80s pop accents. It was very fun but very challenging to make. I am extremely hard on myself, but I am proud of the finished product. I want to get better not only as a lyricist but also as a composer. I am nowhere near where I want to be with my skills, but I wrote and composed both songs! Yeah, there’s an extended version too. It ends on a more positive note.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
Thankfully, there weren’t really any challenges for me in the creative sense. A little info about me – I’m a germophobe. So, whenever I go to the studio, everyone wears masks, has hand sanitizer and wipes everything down. We’re being more than safe over here. But to answer your question about keeping the creative fires burning, I have just had to accept the fact that song concepts, lyrics, melodies, chord progressions, etc. will just make their way to me when it is time. Now, is it possible to just muscle through and create something? Yes. But I feel like, most of the time, if you force something too much, all you will end up with is a headache.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Mmmh” by Korean artist KAI… I love that song.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I love the sound of vinyl but streaming platforms are the easiest for me because I don’t have to keep track of where everything is, like all the CDs, cassettes, etc. Everything is just on my phone, and I usually have it with me.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I think my website, www.thejnbway.com, will be the best place. It has my Instagram page tied to it and a phone number for anyone who supports me to reach out.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Well, first, I want to thank you for this opportunity, and I’d like for people to check out “Single Forever” and “Single Forever – with a hopeful ending” with the music video. I hope that me and whoever chooses to listen to or support me can grow together. Stay safe and healthy.
