Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Casinelli.
Hi Jess, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut coming from a huge Italian family on both sides. My dad being the first in our family to take up music as a profession, was commuting in and out of Manhattan everyday for work as A&R for Atlantic Records, Sony/Columbia and independent labels. He left the industry when I was about ten, so for the first ten years of my life I had this idea that the music industry was an achievable goal. (How achievable, I’m still trying to figure out, haha). My brother, sister and I were taking piano and guitar lessons and were a part of basic school choirs. It wasn’t anything serious but very evident that they both had a natural ear for it. I however, had a much more difficult time hearing harmonies and playing instruments so I gave up on lessons and stuck to writing songs on notepads in my basement. “Making up songs” was something I did from a very young age but with learning to read and write, I was able to begin writing down my lyrics to remember them better. I didn’t fully understand this was songwriting. I remember really liking basing my melodies around the lyrics which ended up becoming one of my main tactics in how I write my songs today.
When I turned 16, I decided to give guitar and piano another try and taught myself both instruments. (very slowly and improperly but it worked) I became almost obsessed with writing and practicing and at age 18, I packed up and moved to Pasadena, California to attend Los Angeles College of Music. LACM is where I met some of my lifelong friends and fellow musicians I am still seeing and working with today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely took a while to find the core of my artistry. It was difficult trying to create a coherent direction that allowed for all different ideas of myself, my songs and my style to feel similar enough while staying their own entities. It was really about narrowing in on the ones that bring out the most intentional and impactful version of myself as an artist.
I would say one of my biggest struggles has also been an internal one. The insecurities, self-doubt and constant debate of whether I’m good enough to continue. I’ve tried to focus more of that energy on finding opportunities, inspirations and new paths to achieve the ultimate goal… which is making music I care about and feel good being a part of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve mainly been writing for myself and occasionally co-writing with fellow creatives but I would really love to get into writing for other people as well as writing for film and tv. I specialize in lyrics that tell the stories of real-life experiences in a unique way while still feeling relatable and personal to listeners in their own situations. I would say I’m known for writing really depressing and intense songs and belting them out in these kind of cinematic, big building ballads. My personality and essence come off as happily chaotic and awkwardly weird but my songs really embody this dark and moody kind of sadness I guess.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love LA for the music scene/community, Mexican food and sense of excitement it brings for the future of entertainment. I dislike LA for the Italian food, crazy expenses and it being so far from home for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/yungweirdo.97
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yungweirdo.97
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz0NlGPakW9L2NIE14Vn3vw
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jesscasinelli
Image Credits:
Image credits to Johny Gavidia, Chris String, Craig Dobson.
