Jess Craven
Photo Credit: Bridgette Aikens
Jess Craven’s music is a catalyst for good times and summer vibes. The singer/songwriter attended a performing arts high school where she developed her unique musical style. She prides herself on making “purposeful music”, which is evident in her debut single “Colorful”. The song, released last year, has a personality of its own; neo-soul, jazz, and indie pop elements can be heard all throughout her crafty lyricism. It received significant acclaim from critics; “Colorful” has been featured on multiple Spotify-curated playlists and currently has over 91 thousand Spotify streams. Jess is currently in the middle of multiple projects including the release of more singles and an EP. We recently spoke to her about her beginnings in the music industry, a dream collab, and more!
How did you start making music?
I’ve been singing and writing my entire life, however I started pursuing a career as an artist when I was in high school. I attended a performing arts high school in Pittsburgh, and fell in love with jazz music. I started performing a lot and even created my own show with some of my peers. Ever since then I’ve been dedicated to manifesting a purposeful career in music. Having a solid education in music has really helped me become my own leader of my dreams. I love writing and the only thing that will get me out of a bad mood is belting Whitney Houston in my car.
It’s your day off: How are you spending it?
Typically, when I’m not in class, my days off will consist of going to shows and the studio, or doing photoshoots, painting, or exploring my love of fashion. Lately, with the changes in the world, I’ve been spending a lot of time protesting and supporting the BLM movement in downtown Nashville or playing way too much Animal Crossing. And of course, always making time for self-care and spending time with friends.
It’s collab time. Who are you choosing to make a song with?
Most of the artists that inspire me the most are dead, but I’d do anything to collaborate with artists like H.E.R., Snoh Aalegra, Anderson Paak, Moonchild, Nao, Snarky Puppy, Uni, Vulfpeck… the list never ends. Collaboration is one of my favorite things as an artist. I’ll cowrite or play a show with anyone else who’s as excited as I am about music. If I could bring someone back just to meet them, it would be Prince or David Bowie just to have a fashion show with them.
What has it been like to receive this amount of critical acclaim for “Colorful”?
I never expected “Colorful” to get the amount of attention that it did. It was my first release, so for it to be playlisted was so exciting and validating that I’m doing something right. I reached 20k monthly listeners at one point and cried. Its opened the door for a lot of opportunities, and its the best feeling ever to hear that people enjoy my art.
Where do you draw inspiration from when making music?
I love writing about my life experiences, especially when it comes to love, the inside of my mind, the world around me, and my personal relationships. Inspiration can be hard to find but there’s a lot happening in the world right now, and its the artist's job to make the revolution irresistible.
Who do you owe your biggest thanks to?
I owe a huge thanks to everyone that’s ever believed in me, and to all of the people that I’ve worked along my journey. That includes all my teachers and mentors, my beautiful and talented band and producers, and my close friends and family.
Any future projects for fans to get excited about?
I’ve been writing nonstop and I’m currently working on releasing a couple singles and an EP, which I’m very excited about. I’m sitting on a lot of my favorite songs that I’ve ever written and I’m SO ready to put them out.
