Originally from Vancouver, BC, and currently calling Toronto, ON home, indie-pop artist JESSA (formerly: Jessica Stuart Music) released her latest single, “Airplane Mode,” just yesterday; a synth-summertime-sizzler that shall appear on her upcoming debut album, “Simple Songs,” next month. Running with the momentum from her well-received “Crazy Love” single last April, this new release is JESSA’s fourth single under this moniker, which can only help generate further anticipation for the debut album set to follow.
“I’m new to dating again after a long relationship, so I’m having a bunch of unfamiliar feelings like becoming fixated on my phone when I’m hoping to hear back from someone I’m into, even though I know better,” JESSA shares. “My new single is about figuring out how to get over our own bad tendencies, even if it seems silly – in this case, just put the phone on Airplane Mode.” Known previously for her signature rhythmic and harmonically adventurous art pop, JESSA is ready to unleash smashing layers of playful guitars and vocals into an indie-pop package, singing about trying to keep the joy in everyday life while navigating this weird world and all of its curveballs.
Making the leap from professional vintage clothing shopper to full time musician, this latest project sees another transformation in JESSA’s musical sound and style, and elevates her into Hannah Georgas, Rachael Cardiello (Zinnia), and Feist territory with the prominent guitar and synth sounds. “I played a lot of fun guitar layers and sang some dreamy vocals that I wanted to feature, and my producer Devon Henderson really helped give the song a summertime chill vibe that I love,” she adds. “Although this song might seem like it’s about pining for someone, [it’s] actually about learning how to overcome our own shit, with whatever tricks we need to play on ourselves to do it, and reclaiming our peace of mind.”
JESSA has also released her very first music video to coincide with this single, which we have included here for your viewing and listening pleasures today. Directed by Brendan Albert, JESSA toggles her phone into Airplane Mode from the offset, and seems pretty darn content to take a leisurely stroll on a sunny day, even giving her trusty guitar a cameo appearance or two. JESSA’s debut album, “Simple Songs,” shall be released on September 11th.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
