UK-born and New York-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, JESSIKA, will be spending two weeks at Brown’s Hotel while she records her forthcoming album at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. She talks about her journey to New York from Mayfair, where it all began
It all started in Mayfair for you – can you tell us how?
It did! My first show in Mayfair was in the cigar room at the May Fair Hotel. I would sing there three nights a week. I remember it was freezing as it was kinda outside, but it was a lot of fun! I then started getting more shows around the area. My residencies were at Palm Beach Casino, The Dorchester, The Arts Club, Benares and The Playboy Club.
Do you have any anecdotes – key moments?
I remember one time doing four shows in one day! We did our first one at The Jumeirah, then straight to The Luggage Room at The Marriott Grosvenor Square, the third at Palm Beach and then the afterparty at the cigar room. Champagne was on tap and all I can say is I walked home like ‘Bambi on ice’ that night!
You then went to New York. Why?
As much as I was having a lot of fun doing these shows, if I’m honest I was getting somewhat burned out. I was performing sometimes seven nights a week and the lifestyle wasn’t healthy for me anymore. So one day, I decided to book a one-way ticket to New York. I took the deposit on my little flat in Marylebone and left the week after. During my time in NYC, I landed a publishing deal with BMG. I came back to the UK, and then moved out to NYC permanently.
How did you end up in Nashville and getting your first record deal?
A few years ago, I decided to head out to Nashville (Music City). I called a meeting with BMG Publishing when I arrived, and they gave me a key card to use their offices in the day to write. I soon realised when I tested this key card that it was 24-hour access. Hotels were pricey and I was on a tight budget, so I decided to move into the office, without anyone knowing…. I slept on all the sofas there for two weeks, would sneak out in the morning when the executives would arrive, and I didn’t stop writing and producing. They soon caught me on camera and I was asked to leave. I then called a meeting with the president of the label and showed him what I had been working on. He then signed me to a major record deal for my first album ‘World Ain’t Ready’.
You performed at [the late] Vince Power’s club several times as a warm up to Van Morrison. How was that?
I did! I opened for Van Morrison 12 times over the years. It was an incredible experience. I’m a huge fan of Van’s music, so this was always an honour to be a part of these shows.
You were close friends with Vince. How did he help you both professionally and personally?
I met Vince when I was about 23 years old. He was sitting in the May Fair Hotel cigar room having a glass of wine, and I was singing. He later that week invited me to a dinner at The Arts Club. I remember the night well. We hit it off and I felt like I’d known him for years. I will always talk about Vince in more of a personal way, as he became a very big part of my life. Though he helped me with shows, and loved my music, my personal friendship with Vince was special. He was someone who always protected me and looked out for me. He was the man who carried me into hospital twice and never left my side. Even when I moved out to NYC, he would always fly out if I needed him or answer the phone late at night. Time difference didn’t matter. He was a legend in the business, but honestly, Vince will always be to me someone who holds a special place in my heart.
You are now working on your second album – can you tell us about that?
Yes! I am so excited. We have Abbey Road Studios booked for two weeks. This album is going to be special. I co-wrote some of it with a friend of mine, Scott. We call him ‘Sir Scott’. I met Scott at Los Angeles airport about a year ago, the night after the BMG Grammy party. I soon found out he is a remarkably talented songwriter, so we began writing. One year later, we created a body of work that we knew we wanted to record. This album is different to my first one as we are releasing it under our own label too. Although I am still with BMG Publishing, and BMG remain a big part of my team, myself and Scott decided we wanted to launch our own label. I am very excited for this next chapter.
You are recording it at Abbey Road studios. That’s a pretty big deal, how does that feel?
I cant believe it. I’m pinching myself. Trying to be cool about this but I can’t haha!! It’s an absolute dream to record my next album here. I have spent one day at Abbey Road before. You can feel the energy as soon as you walk in. It’s a very special place. We have Andy Pike, my guitarist who has been playing with me for years since the Mayfair days. We have Ash Soan, legendary drummer who plays with Snow Patrol and Dave Swift, who is the bass player for Jools Holland.
Who are your influences and what music are you currently listening to?
I love Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Lana Del Rey. I also love jazz. I like everything. Some days I’m listening to blues, and the next I could be listening to country. Just love good songs and stories.
What have been the greatest challenges for you?
The music business is tough. Brutal in fact. I think the hardest part for me was the struggle of being taken seriously for my art. Sometimes at my own doing, I feel like I have been misunderstood as an artist and a songwriter. It’s also very easy to get pulled in many different directions. It took me a long time, quite recently actually to realise that I can only be who I am. I’ve spent so much time worrying about trying to be ‘fresh’, and ‘new’ and I now know that is ridiculous! Heck, if I didn’t own my story starting in the Mayfair clubs, and everything since, I wouldn’t have the songs I have now. My experiences have all got me to where I am today.
You are staying at Brown’s Hotel whilst making the album. What do you like about Brown’s and Mayfair in general?
I love Brown’s Hotel! Very happy this will be my home for two weeks while we make my album. I used to have many afternoon teas there when I lived in London. I love Mayfair. It’s where a lot of my story began. I wrote many stories about my time there and met some wonderful people! I also drank a lot of champagne there – it was a lot of fun!
