.Read the Excerpts from the Interview and be sure to check out “Got It Bad” by Jess Folley below.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I’m a 16 year old singer/songwriter who has loved music for along as I can remember. I’ve just started at the East London Arts and Music Academy and am enjoying meeting lots of other people who love music as much as I do.
What is unique about you and your music?
I just write about things I can relate to. I’m inspired by all sorts of artists including Demi Lovato and Jessie J but I like to incorporate other genres such as rap and even hints of jazz.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
I realized that I wanted to make music my career years ago and I’m continuing to work hard to reach that goal.
How was the feeling like when you won the 2017 kids voice award?
Winning the show was completely surreal! I never in a million years expected to get as far as I did. It was such an exciting experience and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of it.
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
I hope that people can enjoy whatever parts they find the most interesting or accessible. I definitely think carefully about my lyrics as I tend to write about things that are important to me.
If you could choose to work with some of today’s established artistes or producers, to move your music career to the top, with whom would you like to collaborate?
It was fantastic to work with Pixie Lott, she taught me so much. There are so many phenomenal artists out there if i could ever work with an amazing vocalist like Jessie J, that would definitely be a dream.
What aspect of your music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Writing lyrics and vocal melody lines excites me a lot. Trying to match the mood of the music to message of the words is endlessly fascinating. I don’t really find things discouraging though there will always be challenges but that’s part of the excitement.
What in your opinion is the biggest barrier an artist like yourself, has to face and overcome, to gain any commercial success?
At the moment I’m focusing on developing and putting out music that inspires me. I think a barrier could be the temptation to play safe to avoid the chance of criticism. I want to be distinctive and that might involve taking a few risks. Some will work and some won’t. As far as I’m concerned, all I can do is try stuff and learn.
What are your hobbies?
I’m a real musical theatre geek. I think I must know the words to all the shows in the West End. I’m also really enjoying learning to play the piano.I’m beginning to think I might be obsessed with music.
