Jessame Berry is definitely one to watch!
His most recent release ‘Get Me Right‘ features his smooth vocals and resonantly steady beat. Tonight Mag had the opportunity to chat with him about life, his musical process, and his personal growth as an artist. Get to know the rising singer in the interview below!
How has quarantine been? Have you been keeping busy with any new hobbies?
My quarantine has been a rollercoaster. It’s been very informative and enlightening, to say the least. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned how to hone into my production style and really take advice from people I’ve always looked up to.
We’ve been loving your latest release ‘Get Me Right! Can you talk about the song and the thought process behind it?
The song is actually from very early on in my relationship. She and I were in the studio, hanging out that day, and she got a phone call with terrific news. While she was gone, the song just came out naturally and described perfectly how I was feeling in that moment. I was on a different high. Sometimes you can’t really describe how love feels.
You’ve released quite a few tracks this year. Which one do you resonate the most with?
I would probably have to say 17.
How have you seen yourself grow as an artist when reflecting on past releases compared to your latest one?
That’s a good question! Musically, the level of care is still the same, along with the amount of time I put into production, songwriting, and the layers. I’ve also learned a bunch since then, and have experienced a lot that has transformed my songwriting and storytelling because I’m still going through life and heartbreaks.
How do you stay true to yourself/your sound as a small artist?
I think you’re only really staying true to yourself when you don’t have to try to be something else. If you’re out with your friends and you start acting a certain way, you know you’re not supposed to be there because you’re trying to be someone you’re not. The same way goes musically: I just love my influences– D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and all the people that contributed to my knowledge of music. That’s what I know, so I make something not like it, but inspired by it! Just stay true to yourself and the people who like it, like it. That’s where you get a strong balance.
Having recently lost his Grandfather to COVID, and going through a breakup, Jessame was recently in an emotionally challenging time of his life. However, he tries to push forward and use his experiences as learning lessons.
What is one thing you want your listeners to know/learn about you through your music?
There’s things that I want people to know based on what I’ve been learning recently. God is trying to work and tug strings within all of us. Especially with what’s going on right now, I think my goal is to let everyone know that we’re not perfect. We have to continually be better everyday. If we’re trying to be perfect or put on that perfect mask, it’s not going to work.
Who or what do you draw inspiration from when writing new music?
The who would probably be Price, D’Angelo, Michael [Jackson], Stevie Wonder, a lot of Marvin Gaye, and [Justin] Timberlake because some of his early work was with Pharrel. The way that I studied their vocal stats, arrangements, layers, and backgrounds, I want to do just as good, if not better! That’s what I always think about when I’m creating. It’s really a different process every time. Sometimes you have to take a different course that’s more intricate and might take a lot more time.
What is something you hope to achieve at any point in your career?
I would love to win a Grammy! But a lot of achievements have been made this year that I’m still really shocked about.
Anything you would like to add?
Stay true to yourself and don’t beat up on yourself from mistakes you’ve made– learn from them. Those mistakes do not define you. Wake up before it’s time. Something is coming out in all of us and all the energy right now, so pay attention to that. Whether you believe in God or the Universe, just be a better you each day!
Be sure to keep up with Jessame on his Spotify, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Soundcloud, Youtube, and Facebook pages.
Tonight Mag 