My inspiration this week comes in the form of one particular ray of sunshine called Jessica Holt, who sent me the link to her new song Finding My Forever. I gave it a listen, then promptly downloaded it and I'm still humming it a couple of weeks later. Then she released the video - and that was me sold.
The song (and video) is easy, uplifting and quite frankly it all just makes me want to go throw some flowers in my hair, and run up and down a beach smiling a lot.
This 23 year old Melbourne local has already seen more of the world than most. She started singing and playing the guitar at age 11 and continues to write her own material. She currently performs all over Melbourne.
I caught up with Jessica to find out more about this beautiful, bohemian flower child of happiness.
MA: Firstly congratulations on your debut single Finding My Forever. It’s such an uplifting and positive song, what inspired you to write this?
JH: Thanks so much! The response to the song has been really positive – I’m so glad it’s out there and people are enjoying it. I wrote Finding My Forever in the studio with Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis - MSquared Productions. It was on a day where I had a bit of a breakthrough in terms of where I needed to focus my energy, which was music, and relationships with loved ones. I guess you could say my ‘forever’ is my music and my family and close friends, as they’re a huge part of my life. This song wrote itself really, it was just something I had to get out of me!
MA: What motivates you in everyday life?
JH: I’m motivated by those around me who I see doing great things with their lives that make them happy. I’m learning that hard work and persistence is key, and I believe in fate but also think you can choose to create the path you desire for yourself. I get tunnel vision when I set a goal for myself.
MA: I personally love the music scene in Australia, especially with stations like Triple J, how are you finding it being a recording artist there at the moment?
JH: Australia really does have an incredible music scene. There are so many opportunities for up and coming artists and it’s a really supportive community. There’s a lot of local radio stations who are always willing to play songs from new artists and I’ve found this to be a huge help in launching my single.
A lot of my musical inspirations are Australian artists – Megan Washington, Missy Higgins, Clare Bowditch etc. There’s always a live gig to go to here in Melbourne!
MA: We are all about being mindful with our words here at Mindful Apparel. Obviously your whole music career is about words, what are your thoughts on the idea that ‘words have power’ and to be ‘mindful with your choice’ and how do your choices affect your song writing?
JH: I love this philosophy, I definitely live by this. I write a lot of songs which I would never release as they are purely just for me to get something off my chest, not necessarily for everyone to hear. However in saying that, I find my best songs are the ones where I have no filter – the words just come out like a stream of consciousness and they’re completely honest and raw. I write best when I’m really happy, or really sad. There’s not really an in between for me!
MA: We’ve just brought out our new “She who is brave is free” t-shirt, how did you personally get the courage to put yourself ‘out there’, especially in todays social media world of the un-edited ‘comments section’?
JH: Such a cool idea! When I put up my first YouTube video a few years ago I remember it was quite daunting, but it’s really good to get opinions of those who aren’t close family and friends to help you grow and perfect your craft. I’ve had a really positive response to the music I’ve chosen to put out there and it’s lead to heaps of amazing opportunities, so I’m glad I took the chance.
MA: I really loved the music video. I also think it illustrates how the courage to just get out there and go for it, can ultimately be freeing. I particularly loved that it wasn’t over-produced - it just seemed very natural and easy. Who came up with the styling and look of the video and is this how you are in your own life?
JH: Oh thanks very much! This song is quite poppy for me as my musical roots are a little more folky, so I wanted my video to be very organic and natural. The amazing team Visual Culture directed and produced the video, and I had a lot of my own ideas and certain things I wanted to include. I feel like I’ve had this planned for my whole life as it’s always been a dream to create a music video! I liked being quite hands on with the whole process. The whole video and in particular the beach scene at the end is very much who I am in my day to day life, just enjoying the company of family and friends. I almost forgot we were filming as I was having so much fun! I was so lucky to have my little sisters and best friends involved, the video is so special to me.
MA: What’s next for you and where would you like to be five years from now?
JH: I’m hoping to go on tour really soon. I’d love to take my music overseas and play some festivals, so hopefully that is also on the cards! I’ll be releasing more music really soon and would love to make an album.
Coming soon!
MA: Our next t-shirt that’s coming out in the next few weeks says;
“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair”, (Kahlil Gibran)
We think it’s absolutely perfect for you - so expect one in the mail soon!
JH: Awww thank you so much, I’d absolutely love that! x
MA: Thank you so much for your time and for making my own time, digging the veggie patch with your song in my brain, happier. When the girls and I next get together with the Margaritas it’s going on!
JH: Haha, that sounds lovely! You’re very welcome, thanks for the opportunity.
