Canadian Singer-Songwriter Jessia on Mental Health, Sia And New EP “How Are You?”

This truly talented artist is heading straight to icon level!

This singer-songwriter has received over 30 Million Streams on her fan-adored music. She was recently chosen in the top #25 by CBC Music for having one of “The top 100 Canadian songs of 2021”.

We had the absolute honor of talking with Jessia on her favorite music icons, her new EP, and more!

Q: What was your inspiration for the EP “How are You?”

J: “How are you was inspired by pulling yourself out of a quarter life crisis. Allowing yourself to feel the ugly feelings and asking the tough questions .it’s about checking in with and being honest yourself and your friends. I want this EP to be like a hug from your best friend when life feels like a trash fire.”

Q: How has the music industry affected your mental health?

J: “There are moments where I feel like no matter what I do it’s not enough and I get in my head about not being “cool” or “ahead”. I’m really competitive but I try not compare myself and realize that the things that are meant for me will come. Keeping my friends and family close has really helped me stay grounded and authentic through this year.”

Q: What would you say describes your dream fanbase?

J: “One of my biggest dreams was to look out into a crowd and see them singing my songs back to me and this year it happened! It is still so surreal. I hope to have a fan base that is like a community that all helps each other out. When I can’t be there to pick someone up or give words of advice I hope my fans will step in for me. I wanna create a safe space for everyone :)”

Q:  If you could say anything to someone who has had similar life struggles as you, what would you say?

J: “I know it’s hard. I know it sucks sometimes and not everything is perfect but keep pushing through cause those moments of pure happiness are worth it. Keep posting. Keep putting yourself out there cause you never know what is going to stick. Also don’t forget about balance. If you need a day where you watch Netflix and eat popcorn? Do it. Allow yourself to recharge.”

Q: Do you have a role model in your industry?

J: “So many!! Julia Michaels, Pink, Sia, Ashe, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift…just to name a few. These women carry themselves with such passion and respect and have stayed so humble through all of their career. They inspire me to stay grounded every day.”

Q:  How has your mental health affected what you write?

J: “It’s funny, I write as a form of therapy but when my mental health is at an all-time low sometimes I can’t even write. Like I’m TOO in it and I need to step back and gather my feelings and my thoughts. Then it all comes out as word vomit and I write these songs in 15 minutes. It takes weeks to sit in it and process but minutes to write it on paper.”

Q: If you could write a song about anything, without any repercussions, what would you write it about and why?

J: “I try to write with no fear anyways. I’m not Pretty really helped break those barriers down and just say what I want to say. It’s less of what would I say and more what can I say? How can I push myself to articulate my feelings as truthfully and honest as I can? How deep am I willing to get?”

Q: When you were growing up, did you think you would be in the music industry?

J: “Yes. Even if I wasn’t an artist I would still have loved to be a teacher or a manager or something behind the scenes on the music industry. But deep down I always wanted to be an artist ;)”

Q: What would you say to an aspiring musician?

J: “Make music a daily job. Even if you’ve got another job, work on your craft every day, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. Also stop referring to yourself as an aspiring artist and start calling yourself an artist. Change your mindset from “I want to be doing this” to “I’m doing this”.”

Q: As a person with a big fanbase, what helps with being under the microscope of society?

J: “Reminding myself I’m a person outside of social media and that likes and comments aren’t everything. Followers and streams are great but that does not define me as an artist. Finding that balance and trust within yourself is key.”

Photo Credits: Riley Stewart

Solstice Raeanne–Music/Mental Health Editor– Solstice Raeanne is a mental health advocate. As someone who has seen the way mental health is treated in our society they’ve wanted to make a change, and a difference. If they aren’t working, you can find Solstice on the phone scrolling through pinterest, or writing new articles and conducting interviews