Jessie Baylin is the hottest pop/rock chick to hit our shores. Jessie is seriously talented and is about to be married to Nathan Followil- the drummer for Kings of Leon, dah! Kate was lucky enough to sit down for a chat with Jessie on her latest promo tour to Australia to talk all things music, life and love! Watch this space!
I read that the songs on your new album are basically a compilation of moments in your life that you find other people can relate to. Can you tell me what some of those moments or events are that made it into your songs?
I wish! There is a lot of relationship stuff on there. Obviously Tennessee Jam was when I met my fiancé (Nathan Followil from the Kings of Leon) for the first time. I didn’t really know him but I knew he was this lovely person and it was a strong love. There have been a few moments.
Do you have a favourite track on your album?
I really love the big percussion circle that Roger, the producer, edited into what is the track now. It was really fun and I just think that one came out beautifully and am most proud of that.
How did you come up with the name Firesight?
I grew up in my grandparents’ restaurant, which was called Firesight, and I just felt that Firesight was a really strong name and a symbol for the beginning of me and the world.
Has there been a defining moment in your career where you felt you had really made it?
I think when I shot my music video that was like my childhood dream. I used to practice in front of the mirror singing songs. I think I fantasized about that forever. Then I actually got to live it.I was working with amazing and talented directors and I had a great makeup artist. It was that moment that made it feel real.
Have you faced any struggles and rejections along the way?
Absolutely. I definitely have had my fair share of that but for most of it it’s been really positive. I’m always embracing my audience and that’s really important to me to feel like I’m embracing them completely.
So how do you describe your style of music in term of the genre? Can you confine it to one genre?
I don’t think you can confine it to one genre. I definitely think there is a bit of pop music in it - I think it’s like a jazz pop.
As your music is predominately inspired by US subjects, do you have any concerns that it might not transcend onto an international stage?
Uh uh! I am just so happy to share it. I just did my first Australian show in Melbourne and the audience was so kind to me. I had never played outside America, so it was just way more engaging than I could ever have hoped for. I felt a great energy in the room and feel very blessed for that.
Were you nervous heading into your first show here in Australia?
It was me playing acoustic so it was just me and my guitar and I was, like, totally nervous about that and it turned out to be better than I ever expected.
So you’re engaged to Nathan from Kings of Leon. Do you guys have the same ideas and attitudes when it comes to music?
We like a lot of the same music. He is really into country music which I don’t really like, except for old country music. Besides that we have listened to mostly a lot of the same things. Our process is totally different so it’s really interesting. He is completely fascinated about how it happens for me and I am completely fascinated by how it happens for him… We keep it interesting!
Do we expect any collaboration with you two soon?
Oh maybe who knows… we shall see.
What are some of your favourite bands and favourite artists right now?
Right now I love Ladyhawke, Bonnie, Neko Case, Jenny Lewis.
One of my favourite artists is John Mayer and I heard from Universal that you are touring with him when you leave Australia, is that right?
Yeah, when I return to the US, I’m going to tour with him so it is going to be really fun.
What are you looking forward to most about working with him?
Just the late night chats where his band and mine are just stripped back and real! Talking about real things to do with music! It is truly wonderful that I am going to be a part of it all! He is so smart and cluey and I really relish the fact that we are going to be working together. He’s really a great guy.
What advice would you give to girls who are desperately trying to make their way onto the music scene and have the same dreams as you have?
Just write what you know and what makes your heart really kind of skip a beat. That’s the stuff people really want to hear about - the truth! If you talk about those things and find beautiful music and listen to a lot of great melodies you will be inspired, and if you don’t give up. I’m a believer that you will always get what you really need.
To new fans of yours who have just picked up your new album, what would you say to them?
Thank you so much, thank you for picking up my record and for being drawn to my music and I hope you can share it with your people so I can come back and meet you and sing you songs.
Are you hoping to come back to Australia after this visit?
Yeah, that’s the plan. This is why I’m doing this! All the promos and a lot of radio will hopefully mean I can come back later in the year or maybe early next year and do a proper tour. I would never turn down an opportunity to come back to Australia.
Towards the end of every interview we do here at Bellaboo I ask just a few random questions. The first one I have for you is, What do you like to most in your free time?
I like to eat good food and drink great wine.
What are your favourite foods?
Italian, Mediterranean and traditional Japanese sushi - yum!
What is your favourite place to visit in the world or the place you want to visit most?
Ah, I would have to say Bali.
What is your personal life mantra?
Be happy, be grateful and I think it is that simple!
What in your life are you most proud of?
My family, my parents. I don’t know if that’s the right answer but they have raised me so well, with such love and support and I couldn’t be more proud to have such open parents. They have taken so many risks and I can only hope that I can be that way and believe in people. They are my support system.
