Jerry Jean is a fantastic artist with a lot of soul, as displayed in his latest release Pacific Coast, also featuring Elia Esparza on vocals. If you liked the track, then make sure you read the interview below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a song titled Pacific Coast, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the track?
Pacific Coast is a heartfelt song about commitment through thick and thin. It was inspired by the relationship I have with my wife, as well as the perennial beauty of California’s Pacific Coast, which is our favourite place. I wanted to convey a timeless vibe and capture the coastal spirit. It’s a keepsake for when winter keeps us bound in our New York City apartment.
The track also featured Elia Esparza on vocals. How did the collaboration come about and what was it like working with her?
Working with Elia was fantastic. I wanted to expand the network of singers that I knew personally, so I put out a call for recording artists on Backstage. I viewed hundreds of singer submissions and was smitten by Elia’s vocals. Soulful, soaring and with a touch of country. We connected on Instagram and collaborated on the song completely remotely. I emailed her the track along with some general notes, and she sent me back her recorded vocals from her home studio. She had the right sensibility from the start and the process was super smooth.
Can we expect more collaborations from you in the future?
Absolutely. When collaborating, I always ends up with something that surpasses what I could do alone. I’m continually on the lookout for artists that may be a good fit. A collaboration brings things out of each other that otherwise might not be explored, and I love seeing how the synergy can elevate a song.
Do you plan to release any more singles soon?
I try to release a single at least once every 3 months. It’s a relatively glacial pace in today’s culture of constant content, but it’s a pace which suits my temperament. I’m quite deliberate in my approach to music-making and I definitely need ample time to hone things down, listen with perspective and tweak the sonics and visuals to taste.
Have you started writing for an EP or an album?
Yes, Pacific Coast is part of an album that I’m stacking together with singles, one at a time. The songs will comprise my second LP. It’s a long time coming since my first LP, Do We Reach Home, was released back in 2017. But I’m in this for the long haul and not in a race. Measure twice and cut once.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
Music-making was already partially remote before the pandemic. But since Covid forced more musicians than ever before to set up home studios for remote recording, it actually expanded my world of self-sufficient collaborators. Besides creating my own music, I have, for many years, coached and worked with singers on vocal training and music production in my studio. The pandemic kickstarted the rise of Zoom sessions. Though this has its benefits since it geographically expands my client base, I certainly miss the subtle but profound nuance that’s felt with in-person music-making.
You’ve also released a solo acoustic version of Pacific Coast. Why did you decide to release two versions and how do they differ?
One of my goals when making songs is to have them work both dressed up and stripped-down. The duet version is quite lush with a full band and string arrangement. The solo acoustic version is just vocals and guitar. If the bones hold up in each of these configurations, that’s a good barometer to gauge whether the song’s sturdy. Doing two versions was a challenge to myself, but also a convenient way to make another solid recording without having to start from scratch since they both share the same songwriting. Each version ultimately has its own vibe and would be appropriate for different listening moods, playlists, etc.
Your music sounds very unique, as it features elements of multiple genres. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I believe music’s best when it doesn’t pay attention to genre. Same with most activities. For example, I’m very much into fitness in my personal life, but I don’t ascribe to purely cross-fit, yoga or organized sports. Those are all variations on movement, and I find that it’s better to ignore dogma and blend different forms for holistic health. Similarly, musical styles are variations on emotional expression, and there’s no need to draw artificial lines.
I’m most influenced by my actual life situations: The trials and tribulations of building a family (I have two young children at home). Nostalgia and the fleeting nature of time. My home base, New York City, is also a significant muse. These things inevitably work their way into my music. As for artists that I listen to, I often come back to classics like Stevie Wonder, Pavarotti, Aretha Franklin, Chopin. Current artists on my Spotify recent searches include Jacob Collier, Monica Martin, Ben Abraham. There’s so much great music being made.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
The first thing is the songwriting. Generally, I work ideas out while sitting at the piano and record passages onto my phone. I type out lyrics and hone in on them until they feel sturdy. Then I create a demo in LogicPro and record scratch vocals on top. I tweak this demo until it’s ready to replace sampled instruments with the real thing. Final vocals are recorded towards the end, as well as adding finishing touches (such as live strings if it’s called for). I used to mix and master everything myself, but I found that I get much needed perspective when I work with a dedicated mixing and mastering engineer to take the recording to the finish line.
Do you have any tour dates lined up in the UK?
No UK dates right now, but I’d love to come through eventually. My main focus is on creating the songs – writing, arranging, recording – as well as coming up with accompanying visuals. Fortunately, the internet has allowed these creations to spread around the world without needing to hop on a plane.
Any last words for the fans?
Stay safe, enjoy the music, and remember to live your best life! Stay up to date with me here:
YouTube https://ww…yJeanMedia
Instagram https://ww…yjeanmusic
Facebook https://ww…yjeanmusic
TikTok https://ww…yjeanmusic
Twitter https://tw…yJeanMusic
Spotify https://op…xhWKAH3rMA