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Stylinzine.com: What do you think is the toughest challenge every
new artist encounters during their debut?
Jessi Hamilton:
Being taken seriously, having the audience and the
industry see them as an individual artist rather than a clone of other
artists that are already on the scene. Another challenge for new artists
is building a team of people who can help them realize their dreams. I
been very lucky in that regard, and now I have a pretty strong team that
includes my producer, management, attorney, and design people. The team is
important, but the main thing is you have to have people who believe in
who you are, as an artist.
Stylinzine.com: Which current recording artist (if any) do you
think you vocally resemble?
Jessi Hamilton: People have told me there are similarities to
Evanescence, which is cool because I love their sound. I am focused more
on trying to be someone who has their own sound, though, if that is
possible.
Stylinzine.com: You've done a bit of modeling so tell us about the
transition, and the difference in media exposure and involvements?
Jessi Hamilton: Both industries are very connected. My modeling
experience has come in really handy, improving the outcome of my photo
shoots for the album and giving me more confidence in my stage presence.
My main focus has always been music, but having experience in other areas
of the entertainment industry is definitely helpful. Everything is
intertwined.
Stylinzine.com: When will your Debut album be released, and what
can you tell us about its collaborations, creative process
and so on?
Jessi Hamilton:
A limited edition of the album should be released
sometime this summer. It will be for sale on my website (www.jessihamilton.com)
and possibly a few select stores. I have one song left to record and then
it has to be mastered before the pressing of the CD’s. All but two of the
songs on the album are ones that I wrote or co-wrote. My co-writers
include my producer, Chris Stevens, my manager, Bruce Pilato, one of my
friends, Johnny Orr, and my dad. The two non-originals were written by
Randy Newman and Al Green. I actually got the chance to meet both of them
recently and they both gave me their blessing to do the songs. It was a
really cool experience! On most of the original songs, I came up with the
chord progressions and the melodies at home and then Chris helped me
arrange them in the studio. I usually write the lyrics after the music was
done.
Stylinzine.com: When it comes to penning your own lyrics, what do
you look for?
Jessi Hamilton: I look for lyrics that fit well with the music
rhythmically and visually. I also try to write from a place of experience
and I try to incorporate a sense of hope into the lyrics. I try to always
write from the heart.
Stylinzine.com: Do you play any instruments?
Jessi Hamilton: I’ve played the piano since I was 4. I know a
couple of chords on the guitar and would like to become more proficient at
it.
Stylinzine.com: Do you aspire to explore other creative arts
fields like dancing, acting, etc.?
Jessi Hamilton: I love photography. I’ve been messing around with
it for a couple of years now. I would also love to explore acting.
Stylinzine.com: What would be your idea of a perfect concert?
Jessi Hamilton:
My idea of a perfect concert would be one where the
audience and I both come away feeling very positive. It would be nice to
have the audience be totally familiar with all the material and to have,
all the technical issues go smoothly.
Stylinzine.com: Who do you think would be your toughest
competition?
Jessi Hamilton: I guess I could fall into the Michelle Branch,
Vanessa Carlton, Avril Lavigne group.
Stylinzine.com:
Well thanks for hanging out with Stylinzine.com,
before we wrap up what would you like to say to our readers?
Jessi Hamilton: Thanks for reading the interview and, if you get a
chance, please check out
www.jessihamilton.com ! |
