Check out our interview with singer-songwriter Jessica Reilly who just released this month her new single “Perfect Subject.”
Having started professionally singing at the age of 11, the contemporary-trained singer got her start performing with her band at venues all across Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Memphis. Her biggest performance to date was at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2015, and has continued singing through her college career at Berklee College of Music, where she studies Professional Music with a concentration in songwriting and the music business.
Jessica hopes to put out more music in the coming months, as well as continuing her education in both music and production.
Follow Jessica @jessicareillymusic
Hi Jessica, please tell us a little about you?
Hi Naluda! My name is Jessica Reilly, and I’m a singer-songwriter from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I’m currently a senior at Berklee College of Music, majoring in Professional Music with songwriting and music business concentrations!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, straightforward and vision-oriented.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Music has been in my family for years, so I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! But my mom really encouraged me to pursue music, because she’d hear me sing from the backseat on our drives to and from school. I started performing with small bands around my hometown, and really just fell in love with it all. My anxiety was horrible when I was younger, but music, and especially performing, really curbed that for me.
How has this changed your life?
To be honest, music has allowed me to develop so much confidence in myself.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Clear, emotional and unfiltered.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
So many influences… I don’t even know where to begin! Off the top of my head, Charlie Puth comes to mind. I know this is going to sound super cliché, but I choose to make music because I have a lot that needs to be said, and a lot of stories that I know people will relate to. Not to mention it’s also one of the best forms of therapy, in my opinion. When words fail, music speaks.
Do you play any instrument?
I wish!
Do you ever get nervous?
Oh, definitely.
Tell us about your new single “Perfect Subject?”
It was a song that took me so much courage to even write about. Once I had the concept for the song, I went in with Justine Goggin, who’s an incredible songwriter, and together we created the outline for this song that matches my situation perfectly. Jason Zhang then came in and built out the production for Perfect Subject, which can be described as a mellow, beachy pop vibe.
What’s the story behind the song?
Perfect Subject is about a guy that I’m absolutely head over heels for. He’s a close friend, and we have such a deep understanding and appreciation for each other, but I constantly find myself doing the most to hide the feelings I have for him because I don’t want to ruin that friendship. I felt like my situation with him would make the perfect subject for a song, no pun intended!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Being able to let people know through my music that they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
“How To Make It in the Music Business” by Ari Herstand.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Always trust your intuition, things that don’t work out are sometimes blessings in disguise, and lastly, learn that the more you like yourself, the less you’ll need others to.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Gosh, there’s a lot of advice. If I had to narrow it down, I’d tell myself to power through the bad days because amazing ones are straight ahead, and that in order for you to fly, you need to give up the things that are weighing you down.
How would your best friend describe you?
Humorous, hardworking and honest.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“She’s Thriving.” Because honestly, I feel like I am!
What’s next for Jessica Reilly in the last months of 2022?
New music, of course!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m seriously obsessed with cherry tomatoes.
And your favorite cheat food?
Sour cream and cheddar ruffles paired with peanut M&Ms.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Simply chic and loves to accessorize.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being surrounded by people I love the most and having the ability to appreciate how far I’ve come in life.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone, it’d probably have to be Kacey Musgraves. Her storytelling within her music is very raw and I love how she is able to connect with her audience. She also seems cool as hell.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Thanks to “Home Alone 2,” I’ve always wanted to visit New York City around Christmas. I would definitely go with my parents because we’ve always talked about doing that.
Best advice ever given?
You have to love your music before anyone else does.
Do you support any charity?
Most definitely. The ASPCA and St. Jude, but I’d also like to find some charities that support anti-bullying efforts.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I’d love to see myself touring all different parts of the world and impacting a bigger audience with the experiences I am able to write about.
Favorite song? Why?
Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves. I remember exactly where I was and how I was feeling when I listened to it, and when she sang, “it’ll all be alright,” at the very end, I believed her.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media can be great, though very toxic. It’s fun to see what people are up to, but it’s important to keep in mind that you’re only seeing what people want you to see. But I really can’t complain much about it because it allows me to connect with those who listen to my music!
Where can we follow you?
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @jessicareillymusic!
Book: The Hunger Games trilogy
Quote: “You have to believe that it’s already yours.”
Movie: Ha! Please don’t make me choose.
Tv Series: One Chicago franchise
Favorite Food: Pasta bolognese
Travel Destination: I’d probably have to say Greece and Tokyo are the first places that come to mind.
Sports Team: Boston Celtics all the way!
