Interview by Sasha Simon.
Would you listen to country music??
Jessica Harp topped the Country music charts as one-half of The Wreckers and now Jessica Harp sets out on a solo adventure with her new playful single, “Boy Like Me.” The video for “Boy Like Me,” which was is featured on iTunes as “Music Video Of The Week.” “Boy Like Me” will be featured on Harp’s upcoming solo debut album, A Woman Needs, set for release this summer. Check out Jessica’s “Music Video Of The Week” on iTunes.
Girl Zone had an chance to ask Jessica some questions we thought would interest our viewers.
Zone Tones: When did you first pick up an instrument and when did you realize that song writing was something you wanted to do with your life?
Jessica: My Dad started teaching me to play guitar when I was 12 or 13. I had been writing as best I could before that – I knew from a young age that I didn’t just want to sing and that I loved to write. But learning guitar sealed the deal for me – it’s a lot easier to write songs when you have an instrument!
Zone Tones: Can you tell us about the first band or group you were in?
Jessica: The Wreckers, my duo with Michelle Branch, was an amazing experience for two longtime friends who had been writing together for years and finally got to make a record together. We had no idea how successful it would become, and it’s something I will always cherish and be very proud of for the both of us.
Zone Tones: How do you choose the songs you perform in concert? For an album?
Jessica: Choosing songs for this record, I wanted to make sure I had a record that would be a blast to play live – lots of up beat, fun songs. Now, when making a setlist for shows, I always include a few of the more intimate songs, because those are my favorite deep down. But I’m at a place in my life where I’m having a blast and want to show it, so there are plenty of fun songs in the set that I can dance around to, and hopefully get the crowd in the same mindset.
Zone Tones: How is your version of country music different? What/who would you compare your style to?
Jessica: It’s hard to compare my style to other artists, as I’ve been influenced my so many different types of artists, and they probably all had a part in who I’ve become as an artist today. I do feel, mainly because of my producer Jerry Flowers who is just at the beginning of his producing career, that this record sounds fresh and just a little unique and different. But my “version” of country music is still what country music boils down to me – real songs about real life.
Zone Tones: Any advice for Girl Zone viewers? About music or life??
Jessica: My advice for life – follow your heart, follow your dreams, make sure YOU are happy before making others happy. Don’t be afraid to carve out your own path, no matter what roadblocks may be in front of you. Be courageous, and you will find happiness!
My advice for those wanting to get in to the music business – if you can’t picture yourself doing anything else, then don’t stop trying. Even if it takes years and you have to work other jobs, all of which happened for me, don’t give up. I won’t sugar coat it – it takes a lot of hard work, stamina and being able to take criticism and rejection without getting too discouraged. And there is a certain amount of luck and the stars aligning involved. But again, if it’s your dream – never stop chasing it!
