When Jesse Labelle performs he captivates audiences with his music, bringing each and every spectator into his world and making them as much a part of the song as the lyrics themselves.
Jesse, born and raised in Toronto, Canada honed his musical and songwriting talents throughout his years at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute alongside classmate and high school alum Aubrey Graham (DRAKE). Upon graduating, Jesse would move immediately into a career in songwriting, penning radio hits for many of Canada's top performing pop, rock, and country acts.
In 2015, following nearly a decade of success in Canada's music scene, Jesse set his sights on Music City USA, and it has been in Nashville that he has found both his true calling and home.
Regularly touring the US when he isnʼt on the ground in Nashville focusing on writing and producing, the brand new single “Another You” marks his first worldwide release. For Jesse, theres never been a more exciting time to watch for what happens next.
What was the inspiration behind writing and recording your song "Another You”?
I wrote the song with 2 of my best friends and collaborators while on the road. I was in a relationship at the time that was on the rocks and I wanted to write a song that would show her how I felt, and that maybe we could save it after all. Unfortunately, the relationship ended that same day, but thats a whole other story. The song came out, and although one thing ended, something else began. Ill always see the song as my reminder that even on the dark days, the universe has a way of showing you some light.
Is the song part of an upcoming release?
The song marks the first worldwide release of mine and will be followed up by a bunch of subsequent singles that will make up my EP to be released summer of 2018.
Describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence
Guitar and lyrically song driven contemporary Country-Pop-Rock
What's your earliest music-related memory growing up?
My grandmother was a professional jazz singer in the 50’s and when I was born shed sing to me as a baby and then a child. I have some very early memories of her songs.
If you were to cover another band/artist's album, which would you pick and why?
Keith Urbans Defying Gravity is front to back one of my very favorite guitar and song albums. I love his guitar playing and have learned a lot of what I do from him so id like to play homage to that record if I had the chance.
Do you write/compose your own songs? Briefly describe your songwriting process
I do write and co-produce a lot of my own music. It always depends on the day but I will most normally co-write and one of us will bring in an idea flushed out in some form or another, it’ll start with a lyric, a guitar part, a melody, and well chase it until we’ve got something that feels right.
What has been the highlight for you in 2017? Either personally or for your music career?
2017 marks the first year that I’ve not only been able to release a single in the US and worldwide but I’ve been able to tour so much of this amazing country. Being from Canada I’ve only ever toured up there before and I can’t wait to see more of the states and play for new crowds.
What have you been working on recently? Can you give us a hint for whats to come in your music career?
Ive been hard at work both writing and choosing songs for the upcoming EP. We just started on the second song and followup to Another You. Its a much moodier sexier darker track in a lot of ways but I’m so excited to build it up and get it out there.
What do you like more: Performing live or recording in the studio?
Much as being in the studio is one of my all time favorite highs, it usually only lasts a few weeks. Playing live is my utmost favorite part of what I do. The song selection process for this record has leaned very heavily around the ability to bring it and recreate an amazing show and experience live.
Any embarrassing on stage moments you'd like to share? C’mon, don’t be shy.
There was one time I was on tour in Canada and we were running the backdrop image from my computer. My mom just happened to FaceTime me during the show and the crowd saw it, starting going nuts and urged us to stop the song and invite her on screen. We had a little mother and son conversation in front of the whole crowd that got a lot of laughs. I guess it wasn’t so much embarrassing come to think of it, but at the time I really had no idea what was going to happen in that convo or how people would react. My face was definitely a little red throughout.
What's one thing people should know about you?
I wear my heart right out on my sleeve. I always have and am not afraid to sing about it, so expect to hear about it in my music :)
What do you enjoy doing outside of music? Does your hobby rejuvenate your creativity?
I LOVE to cook. Its a newfound hobby but I find myself watching chopped and cut throat kitchen for new ideas. That and exercise. Daily fitness is such an important part of my routine.
What do you like the most about Radio Airplay?
Radio Airplay is such a great way to reaching listeners and building fans all across America and the world. Im truly appreciate of what y’all do.
Check out Jesse's cover of one of his favorites artist, Keith Urban and keep up with him on social media with the links below!
Somebody Like You - Keith Urban Cover
Website - www.jesselabelle.com
Apple Music - http://itunes.apple.com/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/
Twitter - www.twitter.com/jesselabelle