FROM BEDROOM COVERS TO GLOBAL SENSATION- An Interview with JESSIE MURPH

Photographer DYLAN PERLOT @dylanperlot
Director/Cinematographer/Editor JOSHUA M. CHÉRIE @m.cherie._
Stylist JAZMIN WHITLEY @jazminwhitley
Makeup BRITTANY PAIGE LAMBERT @peckisme
Hair SIENREE @sienree
Production Assistant CASSIDY COCKE @cassidy.ac
Production Assistant DELANEY WILLET @dpwillet
Location W HOLLYWOOD HOTEL @whollywood

Words by Kimberly Haddad

At only 19 years old, powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Jessie Murph has dropped her fierce new single, “Son of a Bitch,” her first release of the year following the success of “Wild Ones” with Jelly Roll, which has amassed over 160M streams worldwide. From uploading vlogs and bedroom covers on TikTok and YouTube, Murph has quickly made way to the forefront of the industry with her distinctive Alabama twang and strikingly unique voice. With a genreless approach to her music, Murph is now dominating the industry and proving to be one of the most promising new talents to watch out for after her sold-out global tour.

“I’ve always written from personal experiences, but I feel like now more than ever, it’s just coming directly from my soul. Whether in terms of the lyrical content or sound, this new era is just completely me.”

Who is Jessie Murph at her core, outside of fame and recognition, and how does that authenticity shine through in your unique vocal style and songwriting? Well, I’d like to think that I’m a pretty empathetic person. I write from my own experiences mostly, but there are definitely times when I write about things that I’ve seen or things my loved ones have gone through. I’m just very sensitive and in tune with people’s feelings and the energies around me. I think that comes out in the way that I write.

In what ways do you feel your upbringing in a conservative environment has both positively and negatively impacted your musical career and artistic expression?
I think it was mostly positive, but I don’t spend that much time thinking about whether it was good or bad because it has always just been how it is and I’m grateful for where it got me today. It gave me thick skin and taught me from an early age not to care so much about what other people think or say.

Your vocal style is often described as unique and powerful. Can you walk us through your process of finding and developing your signature sound, and how it sets you apart as an artist in the music industry?
This is just always how I’ve sounded. For as long as I’ve been singing, this is what comes out and it will never get old that people actually enjoy it. I’m forever grateful for that.

How do you navigate the balance between your deep roots in country music and your passion for hip-hop, and how does this duality influence your songwriting process?
I don’t really think of it as something to navigate. I think it’s just part of who I am and therefore, part of what my music sounds like. I love all types of music and I don’t intentionally think about genres when I’m writing. I just write what I’m feeling and what I love, and the sound that comes out is my unique font. In fact, I am very adamant about not being labeled by any one genre.

Your most recent single, “Son of a Bitch,” has been named “the start of new era for Jessie Murph.” Talk to us about this new chapter in your life and how you feel your music has evolved and grown since you first started your career. I’ve always written from personal experiences, but I feel like now more than ever, it’s just coming directly from my soul. Whether in terms of the lyrical content or sound, this new era is just completely me.

What are some hidden influences or inspirations that have impacted your music that fans may not be aware of?
I am really inspired by other types of art like fashion, beauty, and literature. I read a bunch, especially when I’m on tour and I’m always taking inspiration from books or characters.

Quick Beats:

Would you rather be probed by aliens or abducted by clowns?
Neither! Those both sound terrifying.

Would you rather have pizza for every meal or never eat chocolate again?
Never eat chocolate again.

Would you rather go back in time and high-five your past self or future self?
Past self for sure!

Would you rather have to speak in rhyme all the time or burst into uncontrollable laughter at inappropriate times?
Rhyme all the time. There you go! I’d be too uncomfortable laughing at inappropriate times.

Would you rather always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?
Never speak again, 100 percent. I hate speaking what’s on my mind. That’s why I put it all into songs.

If you had to be stuck in a room with either a loud chewer or someone who talks during movies, which would you choose?
That depends on the movie. If it’s a boring one, I don’t mind someone talking over it.

Would you rather have a rewind button for your life or a pause button for your life?
Pause. I am always trying to live in the moment and not look backwards. Plus, the moments these days are particularly exciting and gratifying, so I definitely wouldn’t mind pressing pause for a second.

Jessie’s newest single will be released 4/26/2024

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