That Grape Juice Interviews Jessie J

Published: Friday 27th May 2011 by Sam

A break-out star in every sense of the term, Jessie J has undeniably shone as one of this year’s brightest talents.

With her unparalleled vocals and unapologetic image, the British singer has managed to make the world at large sit up and listen – garnering chart-topping success in the process.

In this candid interview, the 23 year old talks to That Grape Juice about her rise to stardom, her ‘Who You Are’ album, career set-backs, her admiration for Beyonce, her sophomore LP, backlash because of her colour, and much more. A great read, if we must say so ourselves. Enjoy!

Jessie J Shouts Out That Grape Juice

Sam: Hey Jessie!

How are you?

Jessie J: I’m alright. I just got off a plane as always. I just landed in New York from Chicago – and it’s not raining. So it’s a good day (laughs).

Let me first congratulate you on all of your success!

Why do you think the Jessie J phenomenon has caught on?

I honestly don’t know. I think my fans have really seen me work behind the scenes for so long. They’ve been anticipating what I was going to start with.

But I also think it’s the fact that people can really relate to my music. I think that’s the main factor. That, and the fact that I’m one of those people who is honest and real. I don’t know, it’s one of them questions where you’re go “I don’t know”. I’m just going to carry on doing me and hopefully people still like it!

A lot of us UK’ers are familiar with your story. But, for those who don’t know, tell us a little about your journey to date?

It hasn’t been easy. I think back to the early days. Days of wanting to be signed, then getting signed with a girl band, writing 150 songs in 2 years only for the label to go bankrupt. Days of being left with no deal, then being signed in the UK and then having to sign in the US. I got signed to Sony as a songwriter doing support stuff in any place I could around the world for free. All the while, I was just living in a car. (Doing) all of that stuff that felt so crazy at the time. Yet, these are the things you have to go through to be the kind of artist you want to be. The type of artist who survives in this industry. Thinking back, I used to be like “this is tough…”

I’m glad I went through that struggle, though. Because it’s made me the person I am now and the person I need to be in order to have longevity.

We are loving the new LP, ‘Who You Are’. How would you describe it in 3 words?

Honest, eclectic and…erm… controversial.  That’s a crap word but I’ll use it anyway (laughs).

Our favourite track from the LP is the title track. We’re hearing some murmuring about it being the next single. Can you shed any light on that?

No ,that’s not true yet. I just got the call this morning asking “will it be a single?’ But I don’t think that’s going to be the next one. Simply because I want ‘Who You Are’ to come out nearer Christmas time. It’s the perfect song to come out when things are (this is going to sound really crazy)…winter-y. I kind of want to bring it out when I know people are going to need it the most. The year is not out for me, and I think that we can release another song from the album before that.

Your debut was 7 years in the making. Are we going to have to wait another 7 for your sophomore set?

Oh I doubt it (laughs!) I’m already been writing the second album.

The process started purely because I don’t base my career on albums, but on the journey, Music is something that can never be switched off,;and when you’re a songwriter, it’s one of them things that you will just continue to do whether you’re on the road, touring or promo. It’s one of them things where if you get an idea, you have to write it down and recording them.

So I’ve got an idea; I think the next album will be all about maturity and how I have grown a lot. My whole life has changed and obviously I know that there’s a lot of people that can’t relate to the life I live. However there are a lot of people who can relate to the challenges  I have been set and the craziness that you see.  I think that’s what I will of write about. But, of course, not the whole album. That’d be boring (laughs!)

(Laughs).

You’re praised for your big Soulful voice. Yet, for all the acclaim, as a Caucasian act, have you ever experienced any negativity because of it?

No, not at all actually. It’s been quite the opposite. It’s been nice how every single culture, walk of life, race and country, have really accepted that I grew up on a lot of different music (much of which was Soul). I think that stereotypical thing of “oh she’s a White girl, singing soul music has gone now. I think that everyone’s matured and music isn’t ignorant anymore. I mean I am definitely someone who is influenced by Black music; someone who has been influenced by music full stop.  So, no, I don’t think that has ever been a negative thing for me personally, no.

The industry is renowned for closing itself off to acts who don’t fit the mould. Unless, of course, they are ‘out-there’ like a Lady GaGa for instance. Do you think it’s true that acts on the come-up have to embrace the image-driven nature of the industry to succeed?

No, not at all. It’s funny because, even though people do see me as this whacky, crazy outfit girl, I’ve never ever thought about it like. I’ve never purposely gone out of my way to be like “this is outfit will definitely get put in the paper”. I’m not like that. I just put on whatever I feel comfortable in. But I do think that the expectation from the public is a lot higher now. They expect you to look great all the time and be perfect, but that’s not realistic. I think that its one of them ‘phases’ things – it will come and go. I mean look at someone like Adele; she is purely about the talent. I’m so so proud of her. I’m actually going to see her show tonight in New York. I’m so excited that I can go as a fan and just sing along like a loser in the back (laughs). I think true success in this industry stems from what you sing about and what you stand for.

With Cheryl Cole’s place on the X Factor USA confirmed, the debate over how vocally talented she is has sprung back up. As an artist praised for your vocals, do you feel that Cheryl’s role as a judge undermines the premise of finding the next big voice?

I think Cheryl is cool man. I think she’s going to do really well out there. I think for me, I’ve always been really honest about X Factor. It’s a path that people can take. I mean it wasn’t one that I chose; yet I sure hope that I am performing on it this year (laughs). It’s really important for programmes like that to support other artists who haven’t taken that road (which I think it does). I think that everybody is (and can be) a judge. Look at the world, look at the media, look at Twitter. I think everybody thinks they can have a say; whether they are a technical singer or not or they know about vocal cords or how people should breath. I know that if I went on there, I would really drill how people should breathe to sing, and use their bodies and their posture.  I say this because I study it. But to each their own.

Ok, so rounding off now. Picture this scenario:

You’re in studio. The following walk in: Beyonce, Lady GaGa, and Rihanna. Who do you ask to a) collaborate with b) hang out with and c) wave at?

Wave to? As in a cheeky wave or a wave goodbye?

A bit of both…

(laughs!) Ok. I would ask to collaborate with Beyonce – she is incredible. I would hang out with Rihanna. And I’d wave at GaGa!

(Finish the sentence) In 10 years time I will be…

…making music which will, hopefully, be around the globe. But I also want to have started up charities, opening schools, hospitals and homeless shelters! That’s all for now. Oh…and in 10 years I will be happy!

Jessie J, thanks for your time!

Thanks Sam. I loved your questions! Good interview.

———————————————-

Jessie J’s debut album ‘Who You Are’ is available in-store and on iTunes now!

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Your thoughts?

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  1. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    SHE’S SLAYING GAGA’S ASS

  2. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    Rihanna 2011!!!!!

  3. Tee May 27, 2011

    Freakin GREAT interview Sam! That Grape Juice did it on em!!

  4. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    @ARE YOU SERIOUS

    BABE!!!!
    IM NOT PRESSED, RIHANAN IS SLAYING.
    THIS WILL PROB BE GAGA’S LAST ALBUM BECAUSE SHE’S ABOUT TO RUN OUT OF GIMMICKS

  5. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    @ARE YOU SERIOUS

    GIVE ME A BREAK BABE!!!!
    RIHANNA IS THE BEST

  6. boss May 27, 2011

    seriously jus stop wiv asking about rihanna, beyonce and gaga its getting old. Sam ur a grown man and i think its about time you showed that you are, y cnt u jus give an interview about an artist without bringing up another. they are all good in their own rights. I like this site however this is abosutely annoying and getting ridiculous now, you should know betta. Tut

  7. GangsterA May 27, 2011

    yessss 4 picking bey to collob with her she know the true tea great interview

  8. boss May 27, 2011

    o yh and I do like jessie but there is jus something about her that bugs me but she is talented

  9. chloe May 27, 2011

    lmfao jessie is shady as hell

  10. bey’knight brutal May 27, 2011

    please stop with the beyonce, rihanna questions. you’ve rammed it down our throats enough, whatever happened to professionalism???

  11. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    RIHANNA>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>GAGA
    THE END

  12. bey’knight brutal May 27, 2011

    why cant i view previous posts? is that a ploy to get us all to read the interview?

  13. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    KISS ME!!

  14. TinaSouthAfrica May 27, 2011

    Lol @ her waving @ Gaga! That’s epic shade! She wil sing circles around gaga! Her music has more meaning than Gaga!

  15. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    RHANNANAVY

  16. WonderLand19 May 27, 2011

    YEAH!!!!!

  17. BIA May 27, 2011

    @kerryjohnson
    I wanna follow you on twitter!
    Send me the link please!|
    RIHANNANAVY

  18. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    @BIA

    SORRY BABE I DONT USE TWITTER, JUST FACEBOOK!!!!

  19. redskin339 May 27, 2011

    We’re being really harsh to this woman. The fact that a new artist is being compared to the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna and Lady Gaga is astonishing… what artist do we know that gets compared to them on a 1st debut album, nobody, not one single person… Shes managed to break into the secret members club that is America, almost everyone credit her for her voice and be put into comparisons with the likes of Beyonce, even Rihanna’s struggling with that and shes been out for ages now… this isn’t some random new artist *cough* Alexis Jordan *cough*… this is someone who is gonna be massive in the near future. Don’t hate it, embrace it!!! I’m glad talent is coming back, yeah she looks a little odd but that is just to keep up with the strange fashion world of today, shes a genuinely nice girl with a voice that is rare in todays world.

  20. Bluenails May 27, 2011

    I have her album (I’m in the US…) its pretty dope…

  21. Coppa May 27, 2011

    i still have no clue who she is..but seems to be very popular young lady..:)
    ..They already sending out Free test models of iPad 2..but ONLY if you live in United States..i got 2..sent 1 to my mom house & 1 to my dorm..lol http://ht.ly/54Di2

  22. JohnVidal May 27, 2011

    Please Sam those questions comparing artists are just old? Are u a little kid or what? We talking about it in the comments is ok but asking other artists about comparisions? Grow up. It is disrespectful even for the one being interviewed

  23. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    @JOHNVIDAL

    SHUT UP DAMN!!!!

  24. I see May 27, 2011

    I like Jessie, but I cannot read all of that…why wasnt it a video interview…

    FAIL THATGRAPEJUICE……….

  25. JohnVidal May 27, 2011

    @Kerry Johnson
    You´re not going to get my d*** so go to worship the goat and leave me alone! You are deperate cos the rest of the world is more clever than you

  26. theman May 27, 2011

    Same move on, this comparison stuff is tacky.

  27. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    @JOHNVIDAL

    LOL HOW OLD ARE 14 MAYBE??????
    LEAVE ALONE LMAO!!!!!!
    THIS WAS MY WARNING TO YOU, DONT F*** WITH ME

  28. MAHOGANY May 27, 2011

    THIS SUCKS!!!! WHATEVER HAPPEN TO THE VIDEO INTERVIEWS? LAME.

  29. Kerry Johnson May 27, 2011

    F*** MY D***

  30. Robier May 27, 2011

    iight iight get it get it

  31. AGNELLO DEI May 27, 2011

    SHE’S A LOW BUDGET SLUTRIAH COWREY IN GAGAS CLOTHES

    NEXT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

  32. True Blue May 27, 2011

    You’re a cheeky b****, Sam.

  33. Nk22 May 27, 2011

    Look at all the typos in there! Wow you guys really need to proof read your stuff before posting it.

    Eg; “But I do think that the expectation from the pubic is a lot higher now”
    don’t you mean PUBLIC not pubic. There’s so many more in there.

    Good interview though!

  34. KoreanDream May 27, 2011

    @TrueBlue
    +1, LMAO.

  35. MAHOGANY May 28, 2011

    test

  36. Thedimplepuppet May 28, 2011

    Great questions Sam. Awe I’m a sucker for a #HAPPYENDING

  37. Dave May 28, 2011

    DEAD @ her waving @ Gaga, she’s not here for her Bafoonery, & of course she has to hang with Rihanna because only studio magic would make it to their session, not Rihanna or her talents herself. Bey gets the track because she’s the talented one.

  38. T.I May 28, 2011

    I AM SICK SICK SICK SICK OF YOU TALKING ABOUT LADY GAGA – BEYONCE – RIHANNA ON EVERY INTERVIEWS OF OTHER ARTITS !!! STOP !!!!!!!! FOR HOW LONG WILL YOU STILL DO THAT , IT’S GETTING SO F****** OLD JUST STOP !!!!!!!!!!!

  39. Jackie May 29, 2011

    She has a better voice than lady gaga but I like the way lady gaga sings better. Jesse is too crazy with her voice.

  40. HUDSON MORRIGAN May 29, 2011

    Shady d*** b**** she’ll never be as big as Gaga
    She is talented though and the album is nice, but if this b**** comes for Gaga again I will carve a smiley face on her guts, LOL.

  41. XTINASDISCIPLE May 29, 2011

    This b**** can SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG she shits all over Christina and her wack ass strained s*** vocals

  42. nice_girl May 30, 2011

    Haha….another question about Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Of course they’re always going to be the same answers…change the people a bit…maybe Ciara, Alicia Keys, Brandy…just giving examples.

  43. Chloe Bloxam May 31, 2011

    This women is amazing she is huge here in Britain already, and she has only released 3 songs, ‘Pricetag ft BOB’ was great. Also i see why she is being compared to Rihanna as she writes songs for Rihanna and Jessie J did write her first song ‘Do It Like A Dude’ for Rihanna but she choose to sing it herself 😀

  44. Nicola# Heartbeat4life June 6, 2011

    She is amazing so inspirational and talented I love her I’m a true heartbeat for life she answers the questions so well I’m proud of you jessie UK heartbeats love you your so cute. Never change xxxxxx

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