I have enjoyed Jessica Riddle’s music ever since I discovered her work via Pandora years ago. Her first album, Key of a Minor, is so full of great tracks I was surprised to find she had only one follow up album, Chapter 2.
Until now that is. Jessica’s next album, I Like Mine, is available for pre-order right now and will be released on April 3, 2015. Since it had been a while since we last heard from her, I decided to reach out to Jessica, to ask a few questions.
So, it was a great moment when she said yes to a little request for a short interview. Thank you Jessica!
1) The still photo’s you’ve posted seem to show someone having a lot of fun. What inspired the new album and how was it to make?
The album is titled I Like Mine after a song on the record. The lyrics are “These moments make a life, and I like mine.” If I appear to be having fun it’s because I am living my life with passion.
I have been inactively working on this record since the day I released my second record, which is about 12 years ago. I didn’t start actively recording until last Spring. I have been very busy living and writing, working and loving, crying and laughing. You know, all the things that make for good songwriting!
Over the years I have slowly built up a home studio that holds the capability of recording an album. I owe a lot of gratitude to the friends and family that have helped me steal the time and have helped boost me when I lost momentum or confidence.
2) What instrument do you usually use to write music nowadays?
I “think” on piano, but I Like Mine is about half guitar songs and half piano songs. It really depends on the mood I am in. If I am really upset about something I typically sit at my piano. If I am angry or happy I typically pick up a guitar. Sometimes, though, it’s whatever instrument is the closest to me at the time I am inspired to play.
3) Which usually comes first, music or lyrics?
For me, it isn’t the music OR the lyrics. First is always a mood. I then try to match my mood with a noise that amplifies that feeling as best as I can. But typically I have a general idea of what I want to write about, since my music is usually cathartic and either self-deprecating or self-validating.
4) Are there any other creative outlets you explore, like painting or such?
I am in love with all forms of expression and art. I love taking a beautiful photo, getting my hands dirty in a garden, traveling and soaking in the beauty in this world, cooking a delicious meal for loved ones, and designing posters or artwork in Photoshop. I used to paint quite often, but I have found that the busier I am, the less I paint and the more I build things with my hands. I typically keep myself busier making things I can use in and around my house now. Plus, honestly, I was never a very good painter…
5) Advice to anyone visiting Austin?
Do what the locals do! We have a vibrant community with unique culture and beautiful nature to explore. Go running around Town Lake (which is really a river), eat lunch at a food trailer on South Congress, and go see some live music! Come see ME play! I’ll be playing at The Local on Friday, April 3rd at 9pm to celebrate my record release and I have an In-Store performance at Antone’s Record Shop (a killer local vinyl shop) on Sunday, April 5th at 3pm!
And since I blog about them….any thoughts on Comic Books? Star Trek?
I was just talking about the newest Star Trek movies and how much I loved seeing Leonard Nimoy in the film. Having 3 boys, I have to say that I am in the comic book/graphic novel section of our Austin Public Libraries all the time. It is amazing to me the availability of more than just fiction/non-fiction in libraries these days! Any suggestions for young readers???
Um…suggestions for young readers in comic books? Moby would have to recommend Sithrah by Jason Brubaker for online viewing (such a great comic), and Pakkins’ Land by Gary Shipman.
Thank you so much to Jessica Riddle for taking the time to and saying yes to this little interview. So much music today is manufactured and it is great to see a singer/songwriter living the dream and making such great stuff.
You can see more from Jessica at JessicaRiddleMusic.Com and on Facebook.
You can pre-order I Like Mine for only $8.99 right now at Amazon.
Also available on iTunes.
I’m so happy and excited for you and your latest album. Hope we’ll be hearing your music here in the Tulsa area.