Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Maeve.
Hi Jessica Maeve, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hi! I’m an ‘ukulele artist from Plano, TX just north of Dallas. I started playing when I was 15, and it has changed my life! I am working on my first album soon and would love if you could follow my socials below to know when it comes out!
Many people view the ‘ukulele as the underdog to the guitar or even reduced to a “child’s toy.” These biased ideas about the uke work to help me surprise audiences when I perform! People are not expecting much from the tiny instrument, which makes gigs and shows fun. A lot of people come up to me after gigs and shows to say that they’ve NEVER seen anyone play how I play while singing.
I didn’t realize how good I was at the uke until I started playing for open mics, talent shows, and contests! I recently won 1st place in the 11th International ‘Ukulele Contest for performing my arrangement of The Pokémon Theme Song. I do my best to surprise audiences with sounds and genres they wouldn’t expect to hear from the uke. It’s so fun!
My first album consists of originals and covers of tunes played on the uke and sung by me. I plan to release it soon, so stay tuned!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, ‘ukulele playing was for fun and as a hobby. I was naive about my skills for so long. I think the biggest obstacle for me was putting in the effort to record my music. I’m finally doing that now, and really wish I started many years ago! So much uke content is out there now that sometimes I feel like getting my name out there is going to be hard, but if anything, m is easy it is really worth it? I’m not your typical 4-chord uke player, and I am a musician by heart which is part of my problem. I started out singing in choirs and playing the violin and I think I strive high for excellence and perfection, but I just need to get my music out there! If I never started recording this year, I don’t think I would ever feel complete as a musician at the end of my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I may have mentioned these earlier, but I specialize in singing while playing the ‘ukulele. When I perform, I like to create sounds from musical genres that audiences don’t expect to hear from the ‘ukulele. I am most proud of my ability to compose original songs and create covers of songs like you’ve never heard them before on the uke. One of the things that sets me apart from others is that I can sing while playing complicated ‘ukulele rhythms and chords.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family is super musical and artistic. I have to give credit to my father for always playing guitar and singing in our home. He pushed us to perform in church as well growing up. My brother made it to the Texas All-State Choir as a singer several times. My mother always encouraged our artistic and creative desires while also pursuing her love of dance and all things hula! I swear we would’ve been Hawaiian in another life. We’re Filipino, so obviously there was enough karaoke practice as well growing up. Other people I give credit to are my music, orchestra, and choir directors growing up! I am now teaching music and choirs and love getting to know students and inspiring them through music. Lastly, I’d like to credit my husband, Riley. He attends all of my gigs and performances whether they’re for uke or choir or orchestra or even a little open mic. Riley hears me practice in our tiny home as if there’s an audience. I don’t know who else could put up with so much noise!”
Contact Info:
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Instagram: @jessica.maeve
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Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/
JessicaMaeve -
Other: Tiktok: @jessicamaeve
Image Credits
Jessica Maeve Music
