Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Spradlin.
Jesse, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My musical story starts with my family. My father a blues guitarist and recording artist (he was recently inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame), my mother a church singer/performer, they had five loud, expressive kids of which I am the fourth. I received my first guitar on my 13th birthday and after learning two chords, I started writing my first song. I’m now 27-years-old and am pursing my dream and career as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and musical performer.
I was born in Virginia, but my family traveled a lot. I grew up in southern Virginia, in New Orleans, LA, in Savannah, GA and Keller, TX. I started taking guitar more seriously around age 15 and inevitably started writing more as well. I remember coming home from rough days at school, ignoring the mountain of homework that was staring me in the face and just escaping in music — in songwriting. Songwriting was just such a great way for me to process life; a productive way for me to release stress, frustration, joy or pain (it still is!). Plus, it was just FUN!
After college, I went to Dallas-Fort Worth for an internship and was exposed to an amazing community of singer-songwriters there. I made genuine friends, memories and lots of music that summer. Two years later, I was able to relocate to DFW in order to continue pursuing my dream in the beautiful scenery of Texas music. I spent seven years in Texas as a child and just wasn’t able to shake off the sound of Texas calling me back.
Most recently, I played at the House of Blues Foundation Room in Dallas (on June 1st), where I had a sold out show! I’m currently working on the release of my first single (hopefully to be this summer) and I’m excited about the future!
Upcoming show: I’ll be opening for Shake Anderson on Saturday, June 16th at 8:00 p.m. at a free concert called Downtown Sessions, located at 998 E 15th St. in Plano, TX.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey is far from over and I’m sure not all of it will be smooth. Just like any other goal, there are challenges and struggles, but there are also rewards. The main thing is that I keep choosing to go THROUGH the challenges, instead of around them. Honestly, it can be expensive to pursue music (or any goal). What I’ve been learning is that there are more people out there who want to help you than harm you. I’m not saying to be naive, but it’s okay, to be honest about things that you need help with. You would be surprised how many people want to help you accomplish your goals if you would let them. Don’t feel like you have to do this all yourself. Someone once told me, “No one person can ever be responsible for someone ‘making it.’ It takes a band of people helping and believing in an artist at different times and in different ways to help them achieve their dream.” I’m thankful for the people who have believed in me and continue to believe in me!!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and musical performer. My style could be considered Americana since it’s a mixture of blues, country, folk — it’s all sort of stuff. Haha! 🙂 I’m most proud of the fact that I perform mostly original tunes!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
On a practical note, I would advise a young woman starting her music career to OWN her instrument. There are a lot of singers and songwriters, but strong technique with your instrument can really set you apart. Also, music theory is not for nerds. It’s real-life knowledge. Knowing music theory will make things easier for you and for everyone playing with you.
I would also tell the young woman to definitely have a trust circle. There will be a lot of little and big decisions to make that will define your career. Make sure to have a circle people in your life that you can trust, bounce ideas off of, confide in and also — be challenged by! Whether it be your manager or whoever, we all need a push into those areas that are uncomfortable, but more than necessary to move forward!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessespradlin.com
- Email: jessespradlinmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jessespradlin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessespradlinmusic/
- Twitter: @jessespradlin
Image Credit:
Kelsey Westfall, Taylor Sims
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