Before their names were lit up on marquees around the world or headlined generation-defining festivals, artists across all genres of music shared one thing in common — they all had to start somewhere.
While rocketing popularity or acclaim can feel like it's achieved overnight, working musicians spend years crafting their sound in the hopes of reaching an audience that shares their thoughts, feelings and connects genuinely through music.
Behind every release is an artist with a story to tell and there is something very special when the storyteller is from our hometown.
Barrie's Jessie Gosling, 18, offers a unique glance into her world on her debut EP, Forewarning, which was released on Friday.
I had the opportunity to talk to Jessie about her journey as a musician and the development of her debut release.
RV: How long have you been playing music for?
JG: I grew up in a pretty musical family, so the first place I was playing and singing was around the campfire with my sister, aunt, and grandpa. We must have started that when I was four or younger. By the time I was in high school, I was playing music with my friends, in school choirs and musicals, and began working with the Canadian Musicians Co-operative. Now I am studying music in college.
RV: Was there a particular moment or event that inspired you to start writing and recording your own music?
JG: Not a particular moment, no. I have always known that I wanted to pursue music as my profession. In kindergarten, we were asked to draw and write what we wanted to be when we grew up, and I wrote that I wanted to be a rock star/motorcycle driver. I may have disappointed my past-self in straying from the rock genre, but I stayed on track with music, and I do plan to get a motorcycle someday.
RV: How would you describe your musical and lyrical style?
JG: A lot of my musical inspiration comes from the folk genre. I also draw from pop and alternative influences when I write and produce songs. Lyrically, I explore life’s themes of love, longing, exploration, and self. I am honest in my songs, and most are very self-reflective.
RV: Your debut EP, Forewarning, was released last Friday. How long has it been in the works?
JG: This EP has been in the works for a very long time now. I started in September of 2020 and recorded the first song that didn’t end up making the cut. Last year, my biggest New Year’s resolution was to release the EP in 2021. I suppose I did accomplish that goal, but I definitely cut it close by releasing on Dec. 31, 2021.
RV: Why is this EP important to you?
JG: Forewarning is the first collection of songs I am releasing to the public. That in itself feels like a big deal to me. It captures so much of what was on my mind in the past few years, and I put a lot of energy into its creation. I can finally show people something that I made almost completely on my own and that I am proud of. In the making of this EP, I had to learn new skills like producing the tracks, distribution, recording and directing a music video, among other skills. It was a learning experience, and I will always look back on it as the beginning of my professional musical journey.
RV: Fill in the blank — Forewarning would not exist if it weren’t for ________.
JG: My closest friends and my mom. In making the album, I found myself being so critical, which meant losing sight of what I was trying to do in the first place. Having a few extra pairs of ears was very helpful. My friends and mom have probably listened to different versions of each song a million times. They always gave me feedback and encouraged me even when I would get into creative ruts. I don’t know if I would have ever stopped tweaking songs or have been happy enough to share them with the public
if it weren’t for them.
I would also like to acknowledge the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records (FACTOR) also made this possible. I received their artist development grant that allowed me to get photos done, create a website, and have each song mastered. I was also able to record Each Time She Calls at Villa Sound, and the live version of Late December at Mix11 Studios here in Barrie.
RV: What song would you suggest people listen to first as an introduction to you?
JG: I would suggest that people listen to Princess first. It is my favourite song I have recorded. I think it includes all of the elements that make a song mine — intense harmonies, plucky guitar, and lyrics some might even find a little odd.
To watch Jessie Gosling’s music video for her song Princess, click here.
To stream or download Forewarning, click here.
Stay up to date with Jessie’s journey by visiting her website at www.jessiegosling.com.
