We chat to the beautiful, ultra-talented, phenomenon that is Jes Brieden (JES), about her various
projects, what inspires her and what the future holds for this incredible artist.
It's one thing reading up on someone on Wikipedia or even their own Biog... It's quite a different matter... Getting the info from the actual person... Tell us a bit about "JES" before tracks like "As the rush comes" and "star children" brought you to our attention...?
A:I was born and raised in Manhattan. I always loved N.Y.C and never really wanted to live anywhere else but as my career developed I found myself living in Los Angeles and that’s where my dance music career took off. I had always been obsessed with music from an early age and threw myself into any chance to make music I could find. While I was still at school I answered an advert in the village voice for a session singer and on hearing my voice played back in a professional studio I was truly hooked. After that day I just kept developing my voice and music. I worked in the pop-rock field and wrote music with as many different people as possible. While I was working as an engineer in a studio in Los Angeles I met some musicians and producers from the more progressive dance world, which was completely new to me. Being from NYC, I mostly listened to house music in the clubs but this a whole new flavor. I started writing songs with some of them and one of the first songs I wrote was “Starchildren”. It was a bit of a domino effect after that, writing one song after another. I still have my studio in LA, but I try to work and record in both places. It gives me a nice balance. The two cities are very different and I tend to write very different songs in each place and I just need to get back to N.Y.C as often as I can.
Q:
You've worked with some of the world's top DJ's and Producers... From Gabriel n Dresden to BT, and Tiesto... Do you feel you've learned anything from them and might want to have a go at either DJ'ing or Producing yourself?
A:
It’s funny you ask that because I actually mixed my latest album release “Unleash The Beat” (Magik Muzik / Ultra Records - http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unleash-the-beat/id446244369) and I also make my own podcasts that you can check out on mix cloud (http://www.mixcloud.com/planetjes/), so I have been DJ’ing for a while now in my studio. I have a big hand in the production of my three other studio albums “Disconnect” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/disconnect-bonus-track-version/id260803258), “High Glow” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/high-glow-bonus-track-version/id359911201) and “Into The Dawn” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/into-dawn-the-hits-disconnected/id273122601 ) . I co-produce with my producer Richard Robson, I think it is very important for the artist to have some control over the direction and the sound of the track. I have 3 different studio setups so I can track vocals on the road, at my home and also at my studio. Working with BT was a great experience, he is like a mad scientist in the studio and I had a lot of fun working with Gabriel and Dresden. Tiesto is a fantastic producer to work with and really helps you to give your best for a song. Collaborating is a great way to learn more about production, everyone has a different approach and I have learnt something from every collaboration. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented people.
Q:
Anyone you would like to work with in future?
A:
You've worked with some of the world's top DJ's and Producers... From Gabriel n Dresden to BT, and Tiesto... Do you feel you've learned anything from them and might want to have a go at either DJ'ing or Producing yourself?
A:It’s funny you ask that because I actually mixed my latest album release “Unleash The Beat” (Magik Muzik / Ultra Records - http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unleash-the-beat/id446244369) and I also make my own podcasts that you can check out on mix cloud (http://www.mixcloud.com/planetjes/), so I have been DJ’ing for a while now in my studio. I have a big hand in the production of my three other studio albums “Disconnect” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/disconnect-bonus-track-version/id260803258), “High Glow” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/high-glow-bonus-track-version/id359911201) and “Into The Dawn” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/into-dawn-the-hits-disconnected/id273122601 ) . I co-produce with my producer Richard Robson, I think it is very important for the artist to have some control over the direction and the sound of the track. I have 3 different studio setups so I can track vocals on the road, at my home and also at my studio. Working with BT was a great experience, he is like a mad scientist in the studio and I had a lot of fun working with Gabriel and Dresden. Tiesto is a fantastic producer to work with and really helps you to give your best for a song. Collaborating is a great way to learn more about production, everyone has a different approach and I have learnt something from every collaboration. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented people.
Q:
Anyone you would like to work with in future?
A:
I try not to get too involved in that way of thinking. I’d love to work with many of the big songwriters out there like Ryan Tender, Bruno Mars and there are incredible writers from Rihanna’s camp. I like to stay open to all possibilities. Most importantly, I look for that spark of inspiration when I meet other writers and producers. I also try not to limit myself with one style of music. I have found that the best collaborations come with other artists that I am friends with. There’s a more organic feeling to working this way for me. Many of my collaborators I have met at a show or an event and had an instant connection. When you get along naturally good music will come out of it. There’s so many inspiring and talented people out there and I look forward to meeting and working with as many of them as I can. Q:
You've got quite a trademark "rock chick" look, do you spend a lot of time preparing your look, and how important is "image" to you?
A:
For me fashion and music are very much connected. The music always comes first, but the image has to be something that supports the music and who I am as an artist. I do love fashion and I love getting dressed up. I’m naturally drawn to the tougher, edgier side of style so I feel much more comfortable with the dramatic rock look. It’s very me!
Q:
I saw you live, in Johannesburg a few years back for Tiesto's "Elements of life" Tour... And I was absolutely blown away... Tiesto has obviously helped build your brand and career quite a bit... What is the next huge career defining "moment" for "JES"?
A:
That was an incredible time and I was very blessed to have the support of Tiesto on that tour. It was a huge challenge and very exciting be playing shows of that size so often. I already had a big track out (As The Rush Comes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/as-the-rush-comes/id341431624) with Motorcycle, but getting the exposure of that tour really helped me to establish my own brand and launch my first solo album “Disconnect”. Developing your career is about a continual everyday push, the big events help a lot but you have to follow up with your fans regularly and never give up. So much of it is up to the artist these days and while every event counts, it really comes down to what you put into it yourself. You can check out my most recent collaboration with Tiesto, “Show Me The Way” Tiesto presents Allure ft. JES here, (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/show-me-the-way-feat.-jes/id437042701) and we shot a beautiful video which you can check out on you tube, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK_QZj5meqA). Everyday brings a new challenge and I think it’s constantly changing and growing into something new. I feel I have so much more to do to define myself. The work is just beginning.
Q:
Out of all the tracks you've written or sang on, which means the most to you and why?
A:
That is a tough question, I write or co-write all the songs that I perform so I am very attached to all of them. Every song takes me back to a particular time and place in my life, it’s like a scrapbook of my memories. If I have to pick a few of the recent songs then one would be my single from earlier this year “Awaken” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/awaken-remixes-pt.-2/id416243409) It has certainly played an interesting role. Apart from having enjoyed phenomenal radio success it also spurred me to launch my “Awaken Campaign” (http://awakencampaign.com/). The two songs I wrote with BT for his Grammy nominated album “These Hopeful Machines” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/these-hopeful-machines/id395309491) have also proved very popular. Both “Every Other Way” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/every-other-way/id344788244) and “The Light In Things” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unleash-the-beat/id446244369) were really rewarding to work on and it was a lot of fun to go to BT’s studio and work with him together. “As The Rush Comes” has a special place in my heart as it’s where so many things started, but once I get going I find so many of them are special to me. I also really like “Show me the way” because it was a beautiful piano ballad and I think that still comes across as a tender song even its EDM form.
That is a tough question, I write or co-write all the songs that I perform so I am very attached to all of them. Every song takes me back to a particular time and place in my life, it’s like a scrapbook of my memories. If I have to pick a few of the recent songs then one would be my single from earlier this year “Awaken” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/awaken-remixes-pt.-2/id416243409) It has certainly played an interesting role. Apart from having enjoyed phenomenal radio success it also spurred me to launch my “Awaken Campaign” (http://awakencampaign.com/). The two songs I wrote with BT for his Grammy nominated album “These Hopeful Machines” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/these-hopeful-machines/id395309491) have also proved very popular. Both “Every Other Way” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/every-other-way/id344788244) and “The Light In Things” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unleash-the-beat/id446244369) were really rewarding to work on and it was a lot of fun to go to BT’s studio and work with him together. “As The Rush Comes” has a special place in my heart as it’s where so many things started, but once I get going I find so many of them are special to me. I also really like “Show me the way” because it was a beautiful piano ballad and I think that still comes across as a tender song even its EDM form.
Q:
Through the years there have been a couple of vocalists that represented the "voice" of dance music... People like Tiff Lacey, Kirsty Hawkshaw, Jan Johnston and in recent years yourself of course... Who, if anyone would you consider to be someone to look out for in future?
A:
I really like John Martin who sang on the Swedish House Mafia song “Save the World”. He seems to keep a low profile, but I loved his work on that track . He has a raw identifiable voice and I look forward to see what he does next.
A:
I really like John Martin who sang on the Swedish House Mafia song “Save the World”. He seems to keep a low profile, but I loved his work on that track . He has a raw identifiable voice and I look forward to see what he does next.
Q:What inspires your lyrics... Is there a certain process you go through?
A:
Every song comes differently; there isn’t a standard process for me. I’m always writing ideas and a lot of the time it’s abstract observations that grow into lyrical connections. I like to emote in my home studio over an idea and let the music take me, often the melodies will suggest words and that will trigger my thought process. Inspiration can come anywhere so I keep some type of recorder with me most of the time, often I record my initial ideas for melodies or lyrics into my iphone. Some times I will dream a whole song idea. When I wake up I have to record it quickly so I don’t forget it. Mainly the lyrics come from my own experiences and feelings, I went through a very long breakup that is the basis for many of my songs. I’m over that now so its other people’s lives and my friends situation s that I look at and things I see and hear everyday. I always have my ears open. I guess most of my songs are a bit autobiographical on some level but the goal is always to find that melody and lyric that makes the connection. We all feel the same things at times and I want to find that and bond with the listener.
Q:
What do you like to do when you're not writing or singing? Any hidden talents?
A:
Being on the road is pretty demanding so I like to stay in shape. I love working out, but my favorite sport is probably skiing. I’m a good horse rider and used to ride competitively, I also trained to be a ballet dancer as a teenager. I’m a pretty good photographer, you can check out some of my photos of New York in this short movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFMYRkoB0sg). Since I’ve been making video’s I’ve kind of gotten into shooting too, the whole production process is so much fun and I’m quickly becoming a video editor. I can also professionally wire a recording studio, which comes in handy quite often in my line of work.
Q:
What can we expect from Jes in the near and distant future?
A:
Right now I have a single out called “It’s Too Late” (MagikMuzik/Ultra Records http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/its-too-late-remixes/id455678506) which is just starting to climb the charts in the US. The First State Remix is proving particularly popular (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/its-too-late-single-first/id476632865). I’m also putting the finishing touches to the video for my new collaboration with Ronski Speed “Can’t Stop” (http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cant-stop-remixes/id474035288) which will be out world wide before the end of the year.” Can’t Stop” is the first single from my mix album “Unleash The Beat” (Magik Muzik / Ultra Records) and since I mixed that I really got the DJ bug and I’m starting to incorporate that into my shows more. I also have a whole new electronic band that is like nothing you ever saw before and I’m working hard to get that out on the road in the coming year. We’ve done a few amazing shows here in California and I can’t wait for my fans to see it. I have a new collaboration with Robbie Rivera called “Turn It Around” coming out very soon that’s a massive Miami party tune and I’m really excited about that one. I’m starting to shape my next artist album right now and I also have a down tempo very moody project that I’m trying to find some time for early in the New Year.
Most of all I love to hear from my fans. They are the real inspiration for me and everyday I look forward to reading their notes to me. They inspire me to keep rockin.
I hope you will all come and find me at
http://www.planetjes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jespage
https://www.twitter.com/official_jes
https://www.youtube.com/planetjes
A:
Every song comes differently; there isn’t a standard process for me. I’m always writing ideas and a lot of the time it’s abstract observations that grow into lyrical connections. I like to emote in my home studio over an idea and let the music take me, often the melodies will suggest words and that will trigger my thought process. Inspiration can come anywhere so I keep some type of recorder with me most of the time, often I record my initial ideas for melodies or lyrics into my iphone. Some times I will dream a whole song idea. When I wake up I have to record it quickly so I don’t forget it. Mainly the lyrics come from my own experiences and feelings, I went through a very long breakup that is the basis for many of my songs. I’m over that now so its other people’s lives and my friends situation s that I look at and things I see and hear everyday. I always have my ears open. I guess most of my songs are a bit autobiographical on some level but the goal is always to find that melody and lyric that makes the connection. We all feel the same things at times and I want to find that and bond with the listener.
Q:
What do you like to do when you're not writing or singing? Any hidden talents?
A:
Being on the road is pretty demanding so I like to stay in shape. I love working out, but my favorite sport is probably skiing. I’m a good horse rider and used to ride competitively, I also trained to be a ballet dancer as a teenager. I’m a pretty good photographer, you can check out some of my photos of New York in this short movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFMYRkoB0sg). Since I’ve been making video’s I’ve kind of gotten into shooting too, the whole production process is so much fun and I’m quickly becoming a video editor. I can also professionally wire a recording studio, which comes in handy quite often in my line of work.
Q:
What can we expect from Jes in the near and distant future?
A:
Right now I have a single out called “It’s Too Late” (MagikMuzik/Ultra Records http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/its-too-late-remixes/id455678506) which is just starting to climb the charts in the US. The First State Remix is proving particularly popular (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/its-too-late-single-first/id476632865). I’m also putting the finishing touches to the video for my new collaboration with Ronski Speed “Can’t Stop” (http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cant-stop-remixes/id474035288) which will be out world wide before the end of the year.” Can’t Stop” is the first single from my mix album “Unleash The Beat” (Magik Muzik / Ultra Records) and since I mixed that I really got the DJ bug and I’m starting to incorporate that into my shows more. I also have a whole new electronic band that is like nothing you ever saw before and I’m working hard to get that out on the road in the coming year. We’ve done a few amazing shows here in California and I can’t wait for my fans to see it. I have a new collaboration with Robbie Rivera called “Turn It Around” coming out very soon that’s a massive Miami party tune and I’m really excited about that one. I’m starting to shape my next artist album right now and I also have a down tempo very moody project that I’m trying to find some time for early in the New Year.
Most of all I love to hear from my fans. They are the real inspiration for me and everyday I look forward to reading their notes to me. They inspire me to keep rockin.
I hope you will all come and find me at
http://www.planetjes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jespage
https://www.twitter.com/official_jes
https://www.youtube.com/planetjes
