American cross-country star Jessica Lynn has returned to European shores to complete a grueling tour schedule that has been extended from 2020. Bringing her powerful shows across the continent, she has had the pleasure of bringing together fans from far and wide. Her music.
I caught up with her to discuss touring, stage presence and Kissel’s guitars…
Hi Jess, thanks for joining me today. how are you?
Thanks for having me! I’m great, thank you.
You are at the end of your rescheduled UK tour. I know it was a long process as the first tour of 2020 but how was it?
It was truly amazing to be back on the road. To be honest, he felt confident. There have been so many days over the last few years that I thought I would never visit or play again so it’s been a very emotional journey so far.
What is the biggest challenge after returning to the road after a long break?
Being on the road is very physically taxing and I think the biggest challenge so far. My body is definitely not used to very late nights and very early mornings yet. We’ve finished our 10.Th Show in 11 days and I’m beyond exhausted. It feels so easy when you keep this kind of schedule, but I feel like I’m starting to adjust!
Is there a particular country or city you’re looking forward to playing in when you come to Europe? I know you have some big fans in Germany at Bickerfest.
Each place has a different atmosphere and it’s really hard to choose because each area has amazing features. I really love Switzerland so far because I love being outdoors and we’ve enjoyed so much amazing hiking and scenery since we’ve been here. The holidays were all very enjoyable.
Your set for this tour includes new songs from the ‘Lone Rider’ album as well as some covers including an acoustic version of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’. What was the purpose when you put it together?
The purpose of putting this show together was to show every side of myself as an actor. I absolutely love the high energy rock part of our concerts, but I wanted to be able to be very vulnerable and raw with the audience. I spent months choosing the best songs to write a dynamic, yet emotionally inspired playlist.
Your live show is always full of energy. Would you say that having such a strong presence on stage has always come naturally to you as a performer, or has it been a learning process over the years?
It was my confidence that took me a long time to find. I have always been the actor I am today but I was afraid to show it. Being on stage and putting yourself out there can be scary because the world is judging you. Especially after the pandemic, I wanted to relax and do what I love to do again. I never think when I’m on stage, I’m so happy to be there and what everyone sees is a very authentic version of me, really enjoying every second of it.
There are some new guitars on the tour, can you talk a little bit about the brands you’re using now?
I am now a proud Kissel Guitar Artist. I have my custom white retro solo with me which is my favorite guitar, as well as my McPherson carbon fiber acoustic. Traveling with carbon fiber is great because it’s durable and keeps my mind at ease since we’re constantly changing locations and weather conditions.
Contact me about new single ‘Mixed Signals’. It has different musical styles and influences.
Growing up as a New Yorker, I didn’t have the traditional musical influences that many other local artists have. I grew up on a lot of soul and rock and roll and I think that really comes through in this track. These days I don’t worry about what my voice is like, it’s just fair. cool Music that makes me happy.
The video also looks like a fun shoot. How did you decide on that concept?
When I write and create a song, I see all the vision for it. Every production, music video, etc. is created in my head from the second the song is made. I knew from the beginning that I wanted a video with a retro, fun and mysterious feel. I knew I wanted a gold dress. It was a video I really enjoyed working on because it was so much fun to collaborate with all the extras and be behind the camera and not just in front of it.
What are your further plans for 2023? I know they have a new single or two coming out..
I will be very busy in the future. Aside from a busy touring schedule, I have new singles as well as a huge Christmas tour in the pipeline. My next single is this July 14th.Th And it’s called ‘not done with you yet’. I am very excited for all that is to come.
Jessica Lynn’s new single ‘Mixed Signals’ is out now. Listen to it below:
