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With a big EP release on April 4th, Fargo local Jessica Vines talked with us a bit about her music adventure.  Shannon Rae: Being originally from California, what brought you to Fargo, North Dakota?
Jessica Vines: I moved to Fargo, ND the summer before my senior year of high school because my dad got a job up here. My whole family moved, so it really wasn't an choice, but I feel lucky because I have had so many opportunities to hone my craft in an area that highly supports the arts and found a community of artist to learn from and gig with. SR: What inspired you to pursue and earn your degree in Jazz Studies? JV: I knew I wanted to go to school for music because nothing else made logical sense to me. I originally started as a classical voice student, which really helped strengthen my understanding of technic, but later moved to jazz for the style. I was never a huge fan of jazz until I decided to become a jazz major and as I explored the genre, I fell in love with the expression, theory and freedom that is only found in jazz. SR: Who are a few artists you feel like you identify with? JV: I'm not really sure! I've had quite a few changes throughout my life as to what my "sound" should be, so it's been tough to claim only a few artists as the one's I identify with. Currently, I draw a lot of inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Vulfpeck, Lake Street Dive, and Alicia Keys. I get told I sound like Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse a lot, so I'm very okay with that as well! SR: Is there a topic you have yet to write about that you hope to someday in the future? JV: I wouldn't say there is a specific topic that I'm hoping to write about in the future, but I hope I get more bold with my writing as I grow. A lot of what I write lyrically is purposely vague because I want people to relate the songs to their own personal experiences. I think that's important, but as I grow, I hope to be a little more pointed on issues or topics that are really important to me. SR: What can people expect to hear on your soon to be release EP For A Night? JV: People can expect to hear some fun songs about self empowerment, reflection, and finding a starting place from which one can grow. They'll also hear some more somber tracks that explore hope, disappointment, and the struggle to meet expectations.The songs on this EP were all written about a year and a half ago, some longer, so they take an honest look at the things I experienced at that time but with some writing tools and tricks that I've picked up since. SR: What track is your personal favorite? JV: My favorite track is probably Falling Apart. It's the third song I ever wrote and its a reminder to myself to never give up on what I want because I'm scared of failing, which is something I really struggle with. It's such a fun song to perform live and gives me a feeling of being invincible when I hear it. SR: What kind of message are you hoping to spread through your music? JV: I hope that when people listen to my music, they can find themselves thinking back to an experience where they felt the same way and take comfort in knowing they aren't alone. See more photos of Jessica Vines HERE. You can catch Jessica at her EP release party at the HoDo on April 4th! https://www.facebook.com/events/2465175496850434/
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