Mount Shasta Native Jessica Malone a Soulful Songstress
Mar 29, 2016 05:06PM ● By David Norby
Soulful songstress Jessica Malone grew up in the beautiful, tiny town of Mount Shasta, and music has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. “Singing has always been my first love. I learned the guitar to accompany myself and start writing songs,” says Malone. “It wasn’t until college, where I studied voice, that I picked up the ukulele, which I learned by playing Beatles songs in the passenger seat on long road trips.” Malone, who’s inspired by the greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Allison Krauss and Gillian Welch, has toured the West Coast performing at festivals, including BottleRock Napa Valley. Malone also plays local shows weekly—both as a solo artist and in collaboration with The SwitchBlade Organ Trio.
HLB: Describe your sound.
JM: My original music has an indie folk/Americana sound. I sing honest, heartfelt lyrics set to soulful melodies while strumming my Gibson Hummingbird or picking the ukulele.
HLB: What do you love about performing?
JM: Music is my outlet for self-expression and performing is my opportunity to share who I am and what I’ve experienced with others. When I’m on stage and putting everything that I have into each chord and every lyric, I get lost in the moment.
HLB: Where do you find inspiration for songwriting?
JM: Other musicians are a huge inspiration to my music, along with my own personal experiences in life and love. For me, songwriting rarely happens the same way twice. Sometimes I sit down and a song practically writes itself, while other songs can take months to create. There’s also something about being on the road that inspires me…perhaps it’s the feeling of moving forward.
HLB: Tell us about your debut solo album Lights Out.
JM: It features soothing and soul-shattering vocals accompanied by guitar, ukulele, old-timey fiddle, upright bass, mandolin and drums. It takes you back in time, while honest, relevant lyrics keep you rooted in the present. I’m excited to announce that I’m ready to get back in the studio and record my next album. All I need now is a little help from my friends and fans—so I’ve launched an Indiegogo campaign online to raise the funds needed to get the project off the ground.
HLB: As a musician, what about this area do you love?
JM: The thing I love most about the music community here is that almost every other musician I meet wants to help and support one another. When we share connections, gig opportunities, collaborate or play together, it benefits everyone involved. I have been so warmly welcomed here and have met so many amazing, talented musicians who are truly in it for the love of it.
HLB: What’s in store for the future?
JM: Recording an album with my new songs and then taking it on the road! I also want to play as much as I can and share music with as many people as possible. My music is constantly evolving, as I live, learn, practice, write, perform, listen and collaborate with others—and I hope that never changes.