ISINA Finalist Interview: Jesse Lyons

ISINA Finalist Interview: Jesse Lyons

Over the years, our global talent search has worked with hundreds of up-and-coming artists. Some were fortunate enough to take part in our in-person program, like singer/songwriter Jesse Lyons. We sat down with them to discuss the ISINA mentorship program and what they have been up to since then.

 

ISINA: It’s been a while, Jesse! What have you been up to?

Jesse Lyons: I know! It’s been crazy! I’ve been working on music, finding my sound and experimenting. I’m really excited because 2021 is going to be really awesome! I have a lot of new music coming. I released a song about 6 months ago, and it’s kind of bittersweet because it was my last release ever as Jesse Lyons, that’s all I’m going to say.

I’ve started producing recently as well. It’s something that I never thought I would get into. I’m studying production, sound design, and engineering at the moment, I’m taking on a beast! I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m also a creative in the production field as well. That’s what’s exciting, we evolve as people and I’m evolving as an artist.

 

ISINA: Sounds like you’re talking about a rebrand.

J L: It’s a little bit away, but it’s a really cool, big thing. It’s going to be different, and you’ll know when I drop the music. Let’s just I’m really excited to debut this rebrand.

 

ISINA: So then “staying busy” is putting it lightly then?

J L: Yeah, it’s crazy! 12, 13, 14 hour days. I take only 1 or 2 days off a month, but I love what I do and live for creating music! Things are about to change, 2021 is going to be a big year for me!

 

ISINA: That’s great to hear! Switching gears now to the ISINA mentorship. When you were here, you were practicing every day, meeting and working with mentors and other artists. What was your favorite part of the experience?

J L: My favorite part was the friendships and relationships I made in the process! I keep in touch with 99% of the people I met at ISINA. We support each other, even during the pandemic when it was really hard for musicians. Everyone has been really supportive and awesome, I’m just so grateful for my friends!

 

ISINA: Going back to the ISINA house, are there any special or crazy moments that you’ll never forget from the program?

J L: Yes, it’s funny! At the ISINA finale, that was the first time I ever sang a song I had written in front of a big audience like that. One thing that keeps me going is that ISINA sent out videos of our performances and at the end of my performance, Kenny G stood up, gave me a standing ovation, and mouthed the words “wow!”

I replay that in my head. No matter how hard things, I wowed Kenny G! Kenny G is a fan, and that’s just so cool because Kenny G is a legend. That’s one thing I’ll cherish for the rest of my life: Kenny G stood up and gave me a standing ovation… so cool!

 

ISINA: No kidding, what a story! So, to close this out: Do you have any recommendations for anyone thinking to join the ISINA program?

J L: Yes! Be yourself and just make a video! Even if it’s on an old iPhone or Android and you feel it’s not the best quality to enter. Put yourself out there, take the leap! There really is no risk, and you never know what might happen. I had no idea that ISINA was going to be giving me a call, and that I would be going to LA and it totally changed the trajectory of my whole career and creative process. 

Be true to yourself, share your heart with people, and really go for it! You only live once, time is ticking.

 

Visit Jesse's ISINA profile here.

#Jesse Lyons  #ISINA  #ISINA arrival  #Mentor 
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