Interview: Jessica Harp
We had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Harp. We asked her about her song writing process and what message she was trying convey with her new album. Here’s what she had to say.
“A Woman Needs” is your first solo album, what can you tell us about it?
Jessica Harp: It’s really the record I’ve dreamed of making since I was a kid. It’s a record for women – and men if they maybe want to learn something about women! – and the things we go through finding our paths in life. From relationships, good and bad, to being independent and strong on our own, and finding our place in life.
Is there a message you would like the album to get across?
Jessica Harp: I just hope it’s something people can relate to. As a songwriter, these songs are very real for me, and things I’ve experienced in my life. As a music fan, I can hear a song that will bring back a memory, or help me with something I’m going through in my life, and that’s what I hope to accomplish as an artist putting my thoughts in to the world.
What’s your process when it comes to song writing?
Jessica Harp: I’ve never really had a specific process. Typically lyrics come first to me, and always have, but occasionally I’ll just be playing guitar and a melody will come to me – and I’ll have to figure out what I want to say that matches the mood of what I’m writing. I mainly just try to not be too hard on myself, and know that I’ll write terrible songs. And hopefully for every 10 bad songs I write, I’ll write 1 great one.
How was it working with great artists like Keith Urban and Vince Gill?
Jessica Harp: Well as a fan, obviously it’s moments like this where you step back and go, “wow, I have an amazing job.” Keith and Vince are both incredibly talented artists, and they added something special to my record. I’m forever thankful.
Do you think you and Michelle Branch will do anything together in the future?
Jessica Harp: Who knows? Michelle and I have always been gut feeling, fly by the seat of our pants girls, and I’d never rule anything out for the future. If the time comes and we both feel it’s right, I don’t think we’d hesitate.
Which song is the most meaningful or most personal to you? Why?
Jessica Harp: On this particular record, it’s the title track, “A Woman Needs.” There’s a lyric I wrote that says ‘a woman needs a few second chances.’ I think this is true for so many people. Sometimes it’s trial and error before you find the right path for yourself. And as an artist and a person, I’ve luckily been given a few second chances to end up where I feel I’m supposed to be in my life.
If you weren’t singing for a career, what would you be doing?
Jessica Harp: I’d probably be a songwriter. Living in Nashville, trying to get cuts for other artists. Writing is almost as big of a passion for me as singing. Though If I couldn’t be in the music business at all, I’d resort back to what I was doing in college – which is really reandom – but I was studying psychology and criminal psychology. Fascinating things for me, probably because I’m a people person and am always interested in what makes people tick. We’re all so unique.
If you had to describe “A Woman Needs” in 3 words, what would they be?
Jessica Harp: Honest, real, and….country!
When you’re not working on music, what are your favorite things to do? Any must see television series?
Jessica Harp: I do love movies and television. I’m so busy I have to DVR my favorite shows, but I always keep up with Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D List, Weeds, Entourage…those are my favorites.
What’s next for you?
Jessica Harp: I’m still in the early stages of promoting my first single, so I’m doing a lot of radio stuff, but I’m looking forward to getting my record out and getting back out on the road. It took about a year and a half to write and record this record, and I miss being on the road so much. I’m ready to get back out and play this music for people, and hopefully they will love it as much as I love playing it!
Interview By: Emma Loggins
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