Jesse Spradlin
Updated: Apr 27, 2022
Jesse Spradlin. Virginia-born. Texas-grown. This Americana singer-songwriter grew up the fourth of five children, saturated in soulful music and surrounded by family harmony. On her 13th birthday, Jesse received a baby Yamaha guitar from her mother and her Blues-Hall-of-Fame guitarist father. Before even learning a full chord, Jesse wrote her first song. Jesse’s Americana vibe swings from innocent, rainy-day melodies to swampy, soulful powerhouse numbers. Said to be a unique mixture of Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, and Alison Krauss, Jesse’s voice and songwriting take your heart and soul on a musical journey. Jesse and her husband Alexander have made their home in Fort Worth, TX, where Jesse pursues a career as a full-time singer-songwriter and performing artist.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! Authentic, soulful, & bright! What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) My favorite part about being an artist is creating. I create songs, melodies, stories, set lists, friendships, memories, so many things. As an artist, I can't help but create whatever it is that's echoing inside of me. Releasing that creativity gives me life, and hopefully whatever I create gives life to others. Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you? The studio is a privilege to me. I've been writing songs since I was 13-years-old and only recorded my first record in my 20s. It feels like I waited so long to be able to share my songs with the world, since they had been stirring in my heart for years prior to recording. So for me, the studio is something I really value and respect. I like to be organized and have a precise plan as to what I'm going to accomplish that day. I come well-rehearsed and if other musicians are playing with me, I make sure they have ample time to prepare before the session. Even with background vocals, sometimes I have the idea pre-recorded on my phone. However, background vocals is also the only element where I intentionally leave some creative wiggle room. Background vocals are so important to the vibe of the song, and sometimes I don't know what's right until I feel it in the moment. Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing? My husband and I are OBSESSED with coffee shops. We had a coffee shop themed wedding, we started a coffee scrapbook on our honeymoon - like I said, we are obsessed. We love to travel to different shops, order our favorite drink and assess the vibe, decor and anything unique. Nothing makes me happier than an amazing cortado with oat milk or an almond milk cappuccino! Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why? One of my favorite artists is Joy Williams. She was one of the two parts of The Civil Wars, but before that, she was an artist in her own right. After her time being The Civil Wars, she took to creating her own sound again and I fell in love with her solo art. I admire her for her voice, her authenticity, her powerful songwriting and her strength throughout her career. As a female artist, sometimes being in the music industry feels like an up-hill battle. Watching her success and tenacity encourages me to continue creating my own authentic art. Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it? I'll talk about my new song, "Hold On To My Heart." This feel-good love song describes a perfect moment between two people who love each other, who hold each other close and who never want to let go. I wrote this song years ago, but waited to record it until the end of 2020. At the time, my long-distance boyfriend and I were unable to see each other due to Covid restrictions. All I could do was dream about seeing him in person again. At the same time, my family was grieving, processing the loss of my father, who was also my closest friend. Emotionally, recording this song was two fold: One, I couldn't wait to see my boyfriend after being in lock down for three months. Two, I was wishing I could hold my father again, knowing I couldn't...but somehow knowing that he was still holding me. Now, that long-distance boyfriend is my husband! He holds on to my heart and cherishes it. And now, although I still miss my daddy, this song reminds me that I can still hold him in my heart, always
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year? I just released my new single, "Hold On To My Heart," which will be on my first full length album! I have a few more singles coming out before the end of the year, then my album will be released! Can you give us a few places where fans can find your music? Stream on Spotify
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For more information about Jesse, please visit her website
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