Who is Jessie?
I am a musician, a career woman, a wife, and a friend. I give100% of myself in everything I do. I believe that nothing is more important than family. I am very spiritual and seek out enlightenment in all forms.
You’ve had singing lessons since your were 8 years old. How was it to have singing lessons at such a young age?
I have been singing ever since I learned to talk so lessons came naturally. My mother is extremely talented and I grew up surrounded by music. Once my mother heard I had the gift she let me take all sorts of lessons. I was always an eager pupil and wanted to learn all I could. I was lucky to have such a supportive family in that regard.
I guess your mother was a role model for you, did you have more role models? In what way did they help you being the person you are today?
My father is also a big role model for me. He is always wise and if I have a problem he has great advice. He taught me how to think for myself and never let emotions get in the way of a decision. He provided me with the tools necessary to survive and succeed in life. My grandmother is another great role model. She taught me patience and empathy for others. I learned it’s ok to make mistakes as long as I took responsibility for them and not blame others.
You also play many other instruments, what is your favorite instrument to play and what instrument is left you would like to learn how to play?
Ah…well...that would have to be the bass guitar. When I play the bass I feel it resonate throughout my body. No other instrument has that power for me. I would love to learn how to play the violin. I picked one up once but it is more technical than other instruments and those that can play it make it look so easy!
Can you give a brief introduction to Requiem in Black?
We incorporate different styles of music to create a sound that’s our own. We have been compared to Ladytron, Clan of Xymox, Siouxsie, VNV Nation and even the Cruxshadows. We try to mix things up and keep reinventing our sound. That way it never sounds the same as everything else out there. When you hear a Requiem in Black song you know it’s us.
How did the recording of the new album go? Did it all went smoothly or did you have to face a lot of problems?
Overall it went pretty smoothly. Everyone gets writer’s block but we took our time and worked through the minor issues. We wanted to make sure this album was the best it could be and we are very happy with the results.
How long did the total process take, any things you will do differently for a next release? How did you deal with the writer’s block?
The process took about 11 months to decide how many tracks we wanted on the album, writing the music/lyrics, composition, tweaking etc until it went to mastering then pressing. I don’t know if we would do anything differently next for a next release. The main key to any project is taking your time and have fun with it. If I get writer’s block I take a break by taking a night or two off so I can come back with a fresher perspective.
Your are a published poet. What kind of poetry do you make? Do you use your poetry as well in your lyrics?
I usually write sonnets of about 8 to 10 lines and most of them are used in the lyrics. We both come up with the music and then I go in afterwards, listen to the song and figure out which poem would work best and create more lyrics around the concept.
What are your sonnets about, what is your favorite one?
Most of my sonnets are about the darker side of emotions. It always helps me to get things out on paper. It may have been about a relationship gone wrong when I was single or about my best friend who I miss very much. He passed away in a car accident 6 years ago now. But they all vary on a feeling. Very few of my sonnets are happy. Even if we write a composition that is a little upbeat the lyrics are always dark. My favorite sonnet is “The Hollow”. I wrote it during a very sad time in my life and the way it reads is probably my best work.
On your MySpace you claim you are an “original goth”, what does Goth mean to you?
Well originally when “goth” or “death rock” first hit the scene back in the 80’s it was about the music. It was a statement of individuality, about how amazingly beautiful the darker side of life is and speaking out against the mainstream. Things are different now. People have forgotten what it means to encompass the word goth, what it means to truly live the lifestyle. When you go to club now people look more at what you are wearing rather than support the music. People shy away from trying anything new so it’s a lot harder to get our music out there. So the word goth means thinking outside the box to me, embracing my own spirituality, appreciating the darker side of life and living it to the fullest by trying new experiences.
In the first question you say you always seek for enlightenment, do you think it’s necessary to discover your darker sides as well before you can find true enlightenment, how did you do this?
I do think you must get in touch with your darker side before you can achieve enlightenment. I believe that everything must be balanced. If you do not have balance in your life you cannot move forward spiritually. The earth in all its forms has balance. As soon as the balance is disturbed there is disaster. Learn all sides of yourself and you have a better understanding of what path is right for you and how you can better apply the things you learn. I am always learning, always trying to better myself and know when I am out of balance.
Requiem in Black seems to be a band that cares about the visual part as well, how important is this and what is your role in this (being a photographer)?
Being visually appealing is very important to us. When we go on stage or are photographed we look our best. Let’s face it…images sell these days. People are attracted to beautiful things, beautiful objects, beautiful people. It has been my experience that if a band looks horrible it doesn’t matter how amazing their music is people will automatically dismiss them without even listening. Being a photographer I know that part of any sale is how great it looks, the composition, the lighting, all of that is taken into consideration. It’s sad really but a necessary evil of the business.
Your first album is released on august 4th 2007, the new album “Revolution Nation” is released on august 4th 2008. Is august 4th a special date for you?
I am not sure how it happened that we released both albums exactly a year apart but August 4th is not a special date or anything. Fate perhaps?
Everybody has an addiction, what is yours?
I am a sucker for animals especially dogs. When I see them being abused I think how can someone do that? It breaks my heart. They enrich our lives and love us unconditionally. It doesn’t matter what kind of day I have had. My dog Jake is always there to greet me with a wagging tail. If more people were like them this world would be a better place. I try to donate as much as I can to the local no kill shelters and support the ASPCA which prevents the cruelty and mistreatment of all animals.
How do you prepare for a concert?
As the old saying goes practice makes perfect. We practice in between each performance every day until we both get it right and there are no missed keys, no flat notes or any forgotten lyrics. It helps that we are both perfectionists. We feel our fans deserve the best show every single time.
And when you have a concert, how does your day look like? (picking clothes, what are the last things you do before going onstage?)
Usually I sleep in to make sure I am well rested. I already have what outfit I am wearing picked out and depending on how much time we have until we have to be at the venue will determine how much time I have to get ready. Sometimes I have to gather up what I will need and change at work but my day job is very flexible so luckily I don’t have to do that often. The last thing I do before going onstage is take a deep breath and focus. I don’t get nervous like some do and performing is one of the things I enjoy the most. There is nothing in the world like that feeling.
You will be touring in September, any chance you will come to Europe as well? What can people expect from a Requiem in Black concert?
We wanted to come to Europe this year for the Treffen but it didn’t happen due to monetary reasons. We absolutely love Europe and it is our dream to play there. Hopefully next year we can get on a few festivals overseas. As far as what people can expect from our concerts the only thing I can say is expect the unexpected. We have a high energy show and try to do something different for each one. Whether I am wandering through the crowd singing to people or handing out roses we really connect with our fans.
What is the most funny thing that ever happened during a concert?
One of our fans accidentally shot a picture up my skirt so to speak. Luckily I was wearing bloomers otherwise my bits would have been in plain sight. The stage was taller than I remembered and when I pointed it out to him he was very apologetic. I thought it was hilarious.
You are the label president of Revolution Recordz, what are you looking for in bands?
Number one is willing to work hard at promoting themselves as well as paying attention to the structure of their music. Number two is sound quality. I have a bachelor’s degree in sound engineering and recording so naturally if something sounds off or out of line I can spot it immediately. If a band doesn’t care about these things then most likely they will not stay together for long.
What are your goals for Revolution Recordz?
Well we looked at other contracts and realized they weren’t fair to musicians. Most other labels out there want to own and control everything and the musicians don’t really get paid what they should. Most of the money an album makes the labels keep and the musicians get a small percentage. Now if you are signed to a major that money split is plenty but when you are signed to an Indie label it can make or break a band. That is the main reason why we started Revolution Recordz. We wanted to offer the best deal out there for musicians by paying them the larger percentage and the label keeping the smaller portion.
You and Aeren are married, what are the advantages of this for Requiem in Black?
We are a team and work very well together. We each have strengths that compliment each other. Aeren handles the business aspects of the band and the record label. I take care of recording, mastering, note structure, etc. Being married has its advantages in that we can bounce ideas off of one another, count on one another, and don’t have to travel far for practice. ;-)
Sometimes Music is best made in perfect harmony sometimes in musical tension, what works best for you?
It starts out as musical tension which gets creativity moving and turns it into the perfect harmony. After a song is completed we both stand back in amazement.
You are very spiritual, in what way does it show in your daily life?
I am honest, genuine and treat everyone with respect. You never know what someone else is going through until you walk a mile in their shoes. I surround myself with great people and stay away from those who emit negativity. I am thankful every day for the blessings I have been given and try to take nothing for granted.
What are your goals, both musically and personally and how are you trying to achieve them?
Musically we are working towards touring internationally and getting our music out to as many people as possible. We also are working with other bands and being the kind of record label that is known for being fair. What we say we are going to do we do. In this industry, we come across a lot of questionable characters who promise the world. Some tell you what you want to hear for their own selfish gains, others pretend to be on your side then turn on you. It is a hard business to be in and other bands we talk to have told us the same.
Personally my goal is to keep learning, keep growing spiritually and keep trying to help those who are willing. I read all I can about many different paths and incorporate what I learn into my daily life. Knowledge is power and if you aren’t learning you are stagnant.
Any last words for the readers?
I am an example that when you follow your dreams and believe in yourself you can accomplish anything. Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough and never let anyone put you down. Don’t lose sight of what is important.
Blessings to you and Ed for this opportunity and blessings to our fans. I really do appreciate all of you. Thank you!
www.
requieminblack.com