Interview: Jesslyn McCutcheon
Jesslyn McCutcheon is a Singer/Songwriter from King NC. Last year she released an album titled 'On The Edge', and as she prepares to go back into the studio to record a new EP Louder Than The Music asked her a few questions to find out more about her life in music and her plans for the new album.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I have been involved in music ever since I was a little girl. I grew up singing in the church. My very first solo was ‘Amazing Grace’ at the age of 6. ‘Amazing Grace’ has always been a song that is very special to me because that is the song I also walked down the aisle to accept Jesus into my heart. I didn’t start to write my own music until my early 20’s after the depression hit. During this time, I started to journal on the days I could actually think or want to write anything down. This is where I started to make music. It was a release for me and also therapy.
Last year you released an album called 'On The Edge' tell us about that and the inspiration behind it?
‘On The Edge’ take you on a journey of my life. The very first song ‘Empty Emily’ was written around the very early years that I struggled with severe depression and anxiety. The inspiration around the whole album was that I wanted people to know that even through the deepest waters and darkest pain, I can stand here today in confidence and say the only reason why I made it through was because of Jesus Christ.
And you're planning to record a new album soon? What can you tell us about that?
Yes, I am currently working on a new EP album which I hope to release in the beginning of 2021. This album is all about God’s unconditional love and how I stand in awe of His presence and what He has done for my life. I am a new person. And I want to share that with others.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
No matter what you may face in life, we have a God that is always there and He is holding us in the palm of His hands.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I am one extreme to the next. ‘On The Edge’ you have a bit of rock, you have a bit of soul, you have inspirational. I am definitely a Contemporary Christian singer but I try to make each song it’s own and sound different from the others. My influences are CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, Plumb, Crowder, Selah.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Jennie Lee Riddle. Because she is AWESOME. She is such a passionate writer and I am a huge fan.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success for me was hearing when one of my songs actually helped someone else. Success for me is being able to share my story and the love I have towards Jesus with others.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I really love Plumb and her ‘Beautifully Broken’ album. It’s always been a favorite of mine.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
‘It Is Well With My Soul’
What does the next year hold for you?
I have no idea but I trust that God has a wonderful plan.
