Jessica McPherson
Picture copyright respected holders.
Interview With Jessica McPherson By Chris
Update
Jessica sent me a new image to go with the interview, Cheers Jessica
Jessica McPherson is a singer and a songwriter who is
going to be going far.
Her music is real and honest. I liked it the first time I
heard her stuff.
I had to interview her so I did.
Watch out for Jessica McPherson and I know she will go
far.
Jessica
Website
1. Why did you decide to become a singer?
I had always loved singing from an early age and my music
teacher showed great interest in my talent. He supported me
throughout high school and encouraged me to take my singing
further. I took up the challenge of Tassie girl trying to
make it and moved to Sydney to be managed by MASQUE agency
and to attend the Australian Institute of Music.
2. Who were your idols growing up?
Jimmy Barnes, Wendy Matthews and John Farnham.
3. How did you get involved with Starburst
Soundcheck?
My manager entered me into the comp because she thought I
might have a chance at winning. Not so much for my
popularity in voting but by the judges top 5 choices.
4. How did you get involved with Masque?
My manager found me in Tasmania, were I grew up, singing at
a McDonalds National Conference. She urged me to move to
Sydney and become part of her talent school at the time
called The MASQUE National Institute of Performing
Arts.
5. What is like playing live?
Playing live is a whole other experience. Playing in front
of 10, 000 people and looking at all of them looking at you
mouthing the words of your set is amazing.
Indescribable.
6.Was it fun playing in the band and being the singer in
a band?
Both bands I’m in at the moment are fun to be apart of.
Venus is very energetic and entertaining whilst The Mo Fo’s
are Australian Institute of music musicians and I get a
real buzz from performing with such talented people who are
also my best friends. Being part of band relieves the
stress and you become supported by all other members and
pull together to create a unique live sound.
7.Have you had much response from the music on your
website and your music?
My website is getting a lot of hits partly because its
linked to a lot of music sites including the Australian
Institute of Music site. Having the website is a great way
of showing people who I am and what I sound and look like
without having to meet me or come to one of my gigs. My
music has been well accepted in the music industry,
especially by labels. People see it at relaxing and easy
listening like Norah and Delta.
8. Have you had much response from labels?
When I first moved to Sydney I had three contracts
presented to me that we chose not to sign. In 2004, SONY
STUDIOS allowed us to record a 19-track original CD at
their expense and we worked closely with them for that
year. Currently we have interest from 2 other labels which
one is international.
9. If you could work with anyone who would it
be?
John Farnham if he’d do it or probably Jill Scott, an
American all-round funk singer who has an unbelievable
band.
10. What is it like writing and composing your own
music?
It’s exciting cause I have full creative control and it all
pays off when someone tells you they love it. I was always
too scared to show anyone my own work until people began
telling me they were good so I kept playing them. Writing
is my passion in music and I love sitting down and the
piano and coming up with some weird new chord progression
that I haven’t heard before. It’s the only thing in music
that I could do all day long.
11. Would you go overseas to further your
career?
Yes, and I am probably going to.
12. What are your thoughts on reality TV
shows?
I think they all suck. The only program I have ever seen
where descent singers are actually recognised instead of
the want-a-be singers of our generation is American Idol.
They can at least sing. Australian idol is a joke. I
believe, the good singers of Australia wouldn’t even bother
auditioning because of their reputation and the crap
contract you end up with in the end. I would never do it.
The dominating labels needs to take a good look at who
they’re signing.
13. If you could have a dream gig line up who would they
be?
Missy Higgins, Wendy Matthews, Faith Hill and John
Farnham.
14. Who has helped you out the most?
Depends. If your talking music industry and contracts, it
would have to be my manager but if we’re talking in
general, including moving to Sydney, inspiration and
support its my family and friends from Tassie, and the
talented group of musicians I have the privilege of knowing
in Sydney.
15. If you could be on the Simpson’s who would you
be?
LISA!!! She plays the sax and she’s smart. And she’s got
cool hair.
16. What is on your stereo at the moment?
On the top is … dust. In it is Lionel Richie. He’s
cool. Love his funky old school ballads.
17. What are some of your favourite music
artists/bands?
I love country artists. I admire Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and
Leanne Rhimes. I like old school funk like Stevie Wonder,
Tower of Power and Aretha Franklin. I like new style funk
like Jill Scott, Joss Stone, Dig and Erica Badu. Then I
like Missy Higgins and Jamie Cullam. Love anything with a
groove and I have pretty open-minded tastes.
18. What movies have you seen lately that you’ve
enjoyed?
I’m a sucker for romantic comedies. Love em. I loved Sweet
Home Alabama. And I love the guy in it more. He is hot! I
like comedies too, they crack me up.
19. What are your favourite movies?
Love Sweet Home Alabama, Old School, Road Trip and
Jackass.
20. Reality TV good/bad?
Bad. Even though I like The Great Race. But big brother and
all that crap are bad. Boring and bad. Can’t think of many
things worse than watching other people’s boring
lives.
Thanks to Jessica for doing the interview. She will go
far,mark my words.
