We recently spoke with musician Jessica Carter Altman about her new music video for “Missing You,” out now. We also discuss her sound, musical influences and performing live.
Image credit: Matt Beard
When people listen to your music, what are you hoping they get out of
it?
JCA: I make music that explores some deeper feelings and perspectives. I hope it makes people feel something, gives them a different perspective, or lets them know they are not alone. The music I’m writing now illustrates loss, elation, love, frustration, and anxiety. Beyond that, I hope that young women and men see through my music and my journey that anything is possible and it’s never too late to change things up.
How would you describe the sound of your music?
JCA: Amy Winehouse meets Elliot Root meets I’m With Her
When did you decide that storytelling was something you had to do?
At an early age I watched my Dad weave stories together at the dinner table – and later saw stories come to life through his video games. Additionally, I watched my Mom create stories with her acting and singing. I knew I wanted to tell my own stories and share my perspectives. Initially, that was through my work as an attorney, helping to tell others’ stories. Now it is through my music, telling my story and perspectives.
Who would you say are some of your musical influences?
JCA: Music was always playing growing up, and we listened to everything – classical, jazz, classic rock, country, pop. As a result, my musical influences tend to be all over the place. Some vocal influences of mine are Etta James, Nina Simone, Norah Jones, Christina Aguilera, and Amy Winehouse. I love the emotion in their voices. They really tell a story. Some other musical influences are Kacey Musgraves, Bad Suns, John Mayer, Peter, Paul and Mary, and HER. I’m also loving Griff right now.
Did you always know that music was something you wanted to pursue?
JCA: I have wanted to be a singer/songwriter for as long as I can remember. Growing up I was joining every group I could to be on stage – chorus; show choir; musical theater. My brother and I would put on these elaborate plays and musicals. Whenever our parents would go out to dinner or to an event, we would be home practicing. My parents often comment on how I was always singing and dancing around the house. It has always been my form of expression.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
JCA: Jump. Just make the jump into music and make it for yourself. Nobody else. Make music because you have something to say and share with the world. And while it’s easy to compare yourself to others, try to remember to run your own race. It’s great to be inspired by other musicians and artists but make sure to find your own voice. If you already have your own voice, that’s even better. Don’t look around and don’t look back. Keep going.
What is your favorite song to perform live?
JCA: I think it changes every time. Anything the audience seems to enjoy and engage with is always a blast. I can honestly say that the music I wanted to sing publicly before the pandemic is drastically different from what I want to sing now. I just finished opening for O-Town in New York and Boston and I think there were two standout favorites for me. The first was a surprise mashup of an original song of mine called “Cherry Blossoms” – coming out later this year – and a classic oldie. The entire crowd joined in for the chorus. It was great. The second was my last song of the night called “Unlived Life”. I was an attorney at a law firm before leaving to pursue music full time and the song is about the moment when you become tired of asking yourself, “What If?” I think a lot of people can identify with that, particularly when people have started to question a 40 hour work week and a return to the office. People are starting to wonder what else they can or should be doing with their time.
Can you describe your creative process when you’re writing new music?
JCA: The very unsatisfying answer is that it depends. Sometimes I start with a melody. Sometimes I have a few lyrics or phrase. More recently I have been starting with the title. I carry a journal with me and write down thoughts, lyrics or song ideas whenever they pop into my head. Last year, my producer Jason Lehning introduced me to Palmer Lee, an amazing songwriter down in Nashville. She and I have been writing regularly together ever since. She is actually the co-writer on my next EP coming out later this year. And we’ve started working on a new album that will come out sometime next year. For that project I am working with Palmer, Jason, and a few other writers. So excited to share everything we have been working on.
What can we expect from your video for “Missing You”?
JCA: I’m so proud of our video! I think it really makes the song come alive in a new way and the visuals are stunning. Our director, Matt Beard, had a great vision and worked tirelessly with a team of people over multiple days to create a beautiful product. Jake Sammis did a phenomenal job styling us for eight (yes, eight) different outfit changes. The video is romantic and soft, and you see all the happy moments this person is longing for. When you’re missing someone, everything reminds you of them. Your mind fills with memories of that person – and sometimes it feels like they’re still there.
_
Follow Jessica Carter Altman: Instagram|Twitter|YouTube
Keep up-to-date with us on all of our channels and social media accounts:
YouTube: http://youtube.com/Popternative
Instagram http://instagram.com/popternative
Twitter: http://twitter.com/popternative
Facebook https://facebook.com/popternative/
Spotify: https://goo.gl/nWtNHP
Apple Podcasts: https://goo.gl/y6tbA9