Talented artist and singer-songwriter Jessie Haines is back with a lovely romantic tribute song about her lover, called “The Way You Kiss.” Her emotional outburst and beautifully written lyrics are the highlights of her amazing song. We had the opportunity to chat with her about her newly released single, music career and more!
What drove you to envision a music career?
I was born a musician, with a natural inclination towards songs and music. I was musical and artistic from an early age..playing in the traveling jazz band in school as a first chair saxophonist. It wasn’t until I was 17 that I started playing guitar, singing and writing songs, and that’s when I discovered I had a natural inclination toward writing songs. I fell deeply in love with the crafts of singing, melody writing, chord progressions and lyrics. Ever since that moment, I knew I was here for an important reason and that was to make music. Music is an integral part of who I am.
In your opinion, how has the music industry changed over these past 20 years?
Unlike many other industries, the music industry has changed drastically and quickly over the last 20 years. When I had my first label meetings, social media wasn’t even a thing. Back then, if you were lucky enough to get a meeting with an A&R at a label, they used real life metrics like using their ear to determine a hit, and your personality and “look” to determine if you were marketable…and even then, those were educated guesses on their part. Back then you had to slog it out for years of touring dive bars and small venues to try and gain a following. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes not. Now, everything is about social, followers and numbers, which makes sense because it takes the liability risk off of the labels. If you have a proven following and you have fans already, then the labels and industry pros know for the most part what the product is, how you translate out to your followers etc. The music industry is democratized more than ever now, and musicians have every tool to get their music out on their own now. For me and where I am right now, I am totally self-promoted. I write and perform all of my songs, record them with a producer I love and vibe with, we shoot video and photo with our own private teams, and market privately as well. Maybe this model will change as we grow, but for now, it’s very refreshing to have online avenues to get the songs heard. Musicians worked really hard and paid hard dues to get to this point.
What inspired you to record your new single “The Way You Kiss”?
“The Way You Kiss” is a song that literally just popped into my head on a drive home from hiking in the mountains. I think it was divine intervention. The song appeared in my head pretty much fully crafted with lyrics, melody and I even heard the fully finished product in my mind. It’s about the dizzying feeling you get when you are totally hijacked by lust.
What is your most memorable moment as an artist?
I played my original music at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC for a packed venue. The crowd was lit up and it was the most exhilarating and intoxicating feeling I had ever felt.
How would you describe your special fusion of genres?
I think the music that naturally comes out of me has its roots in Country, Rock, Blues, and Soul with Pop melody lines. The songs on my full album sway between these feels but the common thread is in my melody writing. Some of my music is more rock n roll, some songs are more acoustic and soulful ballads, some is more on the pop side..like “the Way You Kiss”. You’ll experience a nice range. I think my main obsession with my own songs and the music I gravitate toward most, is the melody and the hook. The bands who have influenced me the most would include Fleetwood Mac, The Allman Brothers, The Eagles..I have a special affinity for 70’s soulful pop music like Ambrosia, Earth Wind & Fire. Bonnie Raitt is obviously the Queen and I’m super excited for her new album. Chris Stapleton, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Maren Morris. All my heros. All the real deal. I have so many more but I don’t think we have enough space or time here!
What is your favorite song this year?
Well..it’s a 2021 release but I can’t get enough of “Kiss Me More” By Doja Cat and Sza. I’m probably responsible for 90% of its streams. 😉
What’s next for Jessie Haines?
Well we just released the first single, “The Way You Kiss” on Spotify and all platforms, so we are working hard on getting it out there. We have a video coming up for it this summer, and then we’ll release two more tracks in fall before we drop the full album at the end of 2022 or early 2023. So many exciting things ahead and I’m grateful to be on this journey.
Thank You!
