UK-based based singer/songwriter Jessica Murae draws most of her lyrics from things around her; beautiful photographs, relationships and anything out of the ordinary. Her new single ‘Like Magic’ exemplifies this style, a track about beauty, adventures and ethereality.
Hear it here:
We got to do a quick Q&A with her about this beautiful song:
- Can you tell us about how you wrote & produced the song?
I have a process when I’m writing where I draw inspiration from things around me – this song just happened to be inspired by the light outside, it was a really beautiful morning. A lot of my songs feature lyrics about light and darkness, I think it’s just reflecting my mood at that time. I had a lot of fun producing this track with Jake Brett, the song itself is quite simple, it’s very loose and free. During the production we were making all sorts of weird sounds by throwing things at the wall and even using jewellery such as chain necklaces to create a rhythm. It was a lot of fun.
2. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love being outdoors. I love camping and going on long walks; it’s where I find the time to think and reflect on new ventures with music. It’s super refreshing to come back and start a new project after sometime away from your phone and constant emails.
3. How has being a woman in the industry affected your career – if it has at all?
Honestly, it can be quite tough sometimes; I feel that there is pressure on women to try and make it really young, once you’re past a certain age and you haven’t quite got there it will get harder and harder. Whereas why it’s also difficult for men, age doesn’t have quite the same effect. There is a reason why Paloma Faith lied about her age, you don’t see the same effect with men in the industry. However, a friend of mine said to me, if you’re worried about being older than most women in this industry, then be the first in this field to be a successful female musician who has made it a little later in life. BE THE FIRST.
4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself ten years ago?
Find an instrument you really love! I couldn’t quite stick to the piano and I so wish I persevered.
5. How do you get over fears to get after it & create fearlessly!?
I think one for the biggest fears for me is finding my niche/writing for a specific audience when really, the ultimate goal as a musician and to create your very best pieces of music is to write what you love. If you like it and are proud of it then that shows and your fans will believe this too. Creating fearlessly for me is to not think about what other people think you should write, be yourself.
6. What’s next for you in 2018?
I am currently working on my next EP! I’m going to take my time with this one and experiment. I’d also like to collaborate with other artists and sing on their tracks. Next year for me is just about enjoying what I love, working with some wonderful people and not putting too much pressure on myself.
Follow Jessica
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Jessica’s Girl Gang Picks
Shamir
“I love this question! Shamir is an INCREDIBLE artist. My friend has Shamir’s album ‘Ratchel’ on Vinyl and we listen to it and dance in the living room. That album makes you feel fabulous.”
Grimes
“I first heard of the band, Grimes a couple of years ago and just downloaded the album Visions randomly. Listening to the track Oblivion for the first time with headphones on honestly takes you to another world! The panning is incredible, fantastic production.”