Jessie Frye Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Feb 22nd 2010 4:00PM by Edward Stuart
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Since releasing her debut EP, 'The Delve,' in 2008, Jessie Frye has been receiving rapturous reviews, which have led her to play such venues as the House of Blues and, now, SXSW for a second time. The singer is currently in the process of mixing her new EP, which she plans to release in the summer. Spinner checked in with the Frye prior to her revisit to the Austin festival.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Well, I know what I am feeling and hearing when I play my own music. So, really, the sound is based off of what you hear. I put a lot of sensuality and honesty into my music, so I hope that people pick up on that "sound" when they listen.

How did your band form?

Quickly [laughs]! I called a few friends when I needed to get a band together for SXSW 2009. I feel pretty lucky that it was right, and we stuck together.

What are your musical influences?

24 hours in day influence me, sexuality influences me, shiny things influence me. I'm avoiding a list of musical homage, because I wouldn't be able to shut up!

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I don't have any guilt with music.

Beatles or Stones?

I'm going to go with Led Zeppelin on this one.

What's your biggest vice?

I bite my nails too much. As a piano player ... ugh.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Death metal pizza and cupcakes on 6th [Street], and a good foot rub.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

The craziest thing I have seen would be nothing since I have never toured.

How important is the marriage of the music and lyrics in your songs?

It is essential for me. I am a whole package kind of listener. I personally feel that the lyrics, melody and instrumentation should hold their own, yet unite into a single form of beauty. So I spend a lot of time on lyrics. If the lyrics are bad, I am not sure I could listen to the song. I think people tend to forget that lyrics do matter. Music is sonic literature.

Since you have a defined aesthetic, how does that influence your songwriting?

For me, it is a very innate feeling. It is something I never question. I can't say the philosophy of aesthetics really influences me actively -- I have absorbed it so intensely that I just pretty much molded [it] into my own personal way of thinking. So, if anything, it has helped me to be a responsible artist.

How is the new album coming along? Have you finished recording?

Oh man. I am so ready [laughs]! It is going to be a five-song EP. We are almost ready to mix. I am hoping it will be out by this summer.

Why did you feel the need to change the direction of the songs for the new album?

I wouldn't say I felt the need to change. I would say I went through some changes as a human being that helped me shed some skin. The piano is my place where everything makes sense. So, it will always be an integral part of the music. However, I had these images of myself that I grew out of, and realized I did not feel like the organic singer-songwriter people were seeing me as. And as I started writing on guitar [and] having the band bring creative input ... this sound evolved that felt right. And it does have more attitude than I think would be expected.

This is your second time at SXSW. Is there anything different you plan on doing now that you know what to expect?

I mean, SXSW was our third performance as a band, period. So, I was kind of in dreamland, yet still terrified of the stage. Obviously, we are still young as a band, working on making a buzz. But this year I hope will be less stressful, and more productive in terms of networking.

Edward Stuart is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.