Hello, Jessie Wilson

Hey Jessie, right, let’s start with an easy one, introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! My name’s Jessie Wilson. I’m a singer/songwriter originally from Phenix City, Alabama, now residing in Nashville. I’ve dreamed of being in Nashville and pursuing my dream for as long as I can remember. I got a degree to satisfy my mom before moving and taking the leap of faith. I wound up teaching elementary school for five years and played in and around my hometown on the weekends while teaching.

Moving to Nashville was the best decision I ever made, although it was a very difficult transition accompanied by a few hard losses in my family not long after moving. Those losses forced me to toughen up and showed me just how badly I really want this. I try to see the sunshine in all situations and I consider myself to be a very strong and hardworking woman. I believe wholeheartedly that if you don’t give up and continue to be a good person, eventually, you will succeed. My EP is just the launching pad for what’s to come. I’m so excited to release more music and continue to grow my craft.

What can you tell me about your recent EP, How ‘Bout We Find Out?

This is my debut EP. I moved to Nashville three and a half years ago from Alabama and have been strategic about growing as an artist/songwriter before releasing my music and story. I was also strategic about who I wanted to produce it (produced by David Dorn). The recording process was truly magical. I’ve only ever heard these songs with just an acoustic guitar and my voice, so being able to hear them fully produced and hear them come to life was incredible. I had the opportunity to have A-List players play on this project. These five songs represent my life over these last few years. I chose the title How ‘Bout We Find Out as a play on words because everyone’s been waiting for music from me. “How ‘Bout We Find Out what Jessie Wilson is all about.”

Talk to me about ‘Business Of Bad Decisions’.

It was written with Stone Aielli and Davis Corley and the first single to be released from this first collection. ‘Business of Bad Decisions’ is a break-up anthem. It’s a song you put on when you’re getting ready for a night out on the town. I love the energy of this song and just the overall track to this song. This song is about enjoying freedom in your single life. It’s about getting out of a toxic relationship and just wanting to let loose and have a night out with your friends. I think we are all human and we all make good and bad decisions - clearly we try and make more good decisions! (laughs) I think people are afraid to talk about bad decisions because they’ll feel judged. This is my wild and carefree song.

Which was the final song you chose to put onto the EP?

‘Leaving’s All That’s Left to Do’ was the last song I chose for the EP.

What was the best thing about the experience of recording the EP?

The whole experience amazed me. This was a first for me. My first time working in a studio like Farmland Studios. I learned so much from this first EP and release. The best part of the process for me was seeing my producer hand the musicians a chart for the songs (showing them the notes to play) and then watching them go into the tracking room and collectively play it and it sounding like magic– just from getting a piece of paper and hearing a rough worktape of me singing it a few times.

What’s the rest of 2023 look like for you? More new music?

I’ll be playing a lot more out-of-town shows this year and hopefully being able to get out on the road and meet my fans. I’ll be continuing to write (three days a week currently) and gearing up for my next release. I will be getting back in the studio later this year to record new music!

What’s your favourite song from another artist?

I know it sounds crazy for an artist to not have one, but I don’t have a favorite song. It changes weekly, honestly. My mood and where I’m at in my life at a specific time dictates the kind of music I listen to.

You used to be an elementary school teacher, what skills have you taken from that previous life into your music career?

I learned how to engage a room of people. I also try to treat everyone that I meet with kindness and respect. I learned how to be personable and caring and considerate.

You’re from Phenix City, tell me about the town. Best place to get a drink? Best place for lunch? What’s the most fun you can have there?

There’s not a whole lot going on in my hometown of Phenix City (population of about 37,000). I always describe Phenix City as a sleepy town where everyone settles down. Most people that were raised in Phenix City… stay in Phenix City. There’s not much to do for young people there. Columbus, GA is right beside us and this is where we have a mall, movie theatre, Starbucks, etc. Downtown Columbus has come a long way since I left home and has a few good restaurants and bars. The Loft (Columbus, GA) or Locals (Phenix City, AL) are my go-to spots back home.

What are the best and worst things about being an artist?

There’s so much that goes into being an independent artist that I think most people don’t understand. The best part of being an artist for me is seeing and hearing about my music touching people and making them feel something. The worst part about being an artist is having to constantly work at it and having to be away from your family.

What's the best bit of merchandise you have available?

Right now I have two merch options available (as I’m just getting my online store up and running). I love my CD’s and velvet koozies – they’re available at my online store.

We’re called Campfire Tales, tell us your best story.

It’s hard to pick just one, but I would definitely have to say a good story revolving around music is when I got to open up for Jamey Johnson in 2021. I got an email from his booking agent and thought it was spam - at the time I was new to Nashville and didn’t have any music out. I didn’t think the email was real and didn’t think they had the right girl! I texted my buddy who plays drums for the girl who had been opening on that tour with Jamey. He then texted Jamey’s drummer to confirm it. After all of this investigating, my friend texted me and said it was legit. It was one of the best days of my life getting to sing in front of 7,000 people and open up for him at Brushy Mountain in Petros, Tennessee.

Finally, you can ask me any question you like, what is it?

What got you into loving country music?