Jesse Lynn Madera Talks New Album, Musical Influences And More

Mar 15, 2024 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Photo Credit: Casey Curry

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera returns with her eagerly awaited second album, “Speed of Sound,” which is out now. We spoke to her about the new record, her musical influences and more:

Your new album ‘Speed Of Sound’ is released on 15th March 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

Yes! March 15th is the big day! As far as the approach, the most important thing to me was that the songs came through and that my voice was free. By that I mean in the booth, on the tracks, and in the control room. I really wanted to make sure this album represented my songs and me well. I knew I wanted to work with people who were about feeling first, and not necessarily perfection. For instance, when I’m listening back to my vocal takes, I’m asking ‘Do I sound like I mean it? Does it evoke feeling?’ and not always ‘Did I sing that note perfectly?’ If I can avoid auto-tune I will. There are artists and producers who need very clean antiseptic sounding tracks, and there is an audience for that, but I grew up on older recordings before music was so digitally effected and that’s what I enjoy the most.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

The first sessions were up at Bear Creek Studios in Woodinville, WA, with Ryan Hadlock producing, and I loved those. Recording there was like going on a retreat. Beautiful studio in an old barn, and fantastic people. Such a great time. I finished the album closer to my home in LA at Jim Scott’s place Plyrz Studios with Jim Scott and Dan Navarro producing. That was like coming home.

Who plays on the album with you?

Oh wow, the whole town! Really I had such incredible musicians on this project. They were all joys to work with. In Washington State it was Josh Neumann, Dune Butler, Kimo Murakai, Johnny Sangster, and William Mapp. In LA it was Dan Navarro, Brian Whelan, Taras Prodaniuk, Jimmy Paxson, Stevie Blacke, Leah Zeger, Sebastian Steinberg, Doug Pettibone, John “JT” Thomas, David Raven, Rob Humphreys, Johnny Moezzi… It took a village to raise this baby.

You have also released the single ‘Last Call’ featuring Dan Navarro. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I wanted to write a song with Dan Navarro, and had no idea what that would be or sound like, just that it would be a great experience. I didn’t really have any expectations. I knew Dan was super busy. He tours constantly! I was surprised and excited to receive a phone recording of a beautiful guitar DADGAD progression that lit up my internal story generator. His music made the story unfold. It was among the easiest lyrics I’ve written. It kind of just fell out onto the page. I saw the characters, an older couple, and the town they were living in – a port town, Massachusetts perhaps. I love it when these things happen.

Who are some of your musical influences?

I listen to a wide variety of genres and I’m influenced by them all. It could be anything from jazz to Tejano, opera to bluegrass. I am influenced, period. Even the click of the turn signal. I grew up with my mom’s divorce albums. Artists like Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and Heart. My first favorite song was actually ‘We Belong’, sung by Pat Benatar and written by none other than Dan Navarro with his late partner Eric Lowen. I’m also influenced by other great singer-songwriter storytellers: Robert Earl Keen, Joni Mitchell, Kris Kristofferson, Patty Griffin, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton… the list goes on and on.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

What a fabulous question! I have never thought about it, but I guess right now I’d have to say The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I like a very simple keyboard these days, the Yamaha P-125. I love that it’s got a great feel and piano sound, and doesn’t have too many buttons I could accidentally press during a show. That’s happened!

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I was born in Parkersburg, WV, and raised mostly in Houston with some cities in between. If I had to describe Houston in five words, I would say “Diverse metropolis with outstanding restaurants.”

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

Just about every day was interesting, funny, and memorable. We had such a good time. From the bullfrogs singing me to sleep at Bear Creek, to Jim Scott saying “That was great, now ten more times” to the infamous “Plyrz Diet” which was salad for lunch and salad with bread and steamed vegetables for dinner, every day no exceptions, to Dan and I making the split second decision to sing ‘Last Call’ together from top to bottom in harmony, to my father coming in and blowing everyone away on our duet ‘To the Light’… It was all so unforgettable. I wish you all could have been there. The vibe was so right. We laughed hard every day without exception.

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

Nothing in stone right now, but we are formulating! I’m truly so excited to cross the pond.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Such great questions!
Happiest: No Place to Shine
Angriest: What We’ve Become
Most Reflective: Unchained

Was it a difficult album to write?

No, it really wasn’t. But all these songs were written at different times. I have a lot of songs ready, always, so it’s all about choosing which ones are for now and which ones are for later.

How do you look after your voice?

I don’t smoke, rarely do I drink, and I warm up thoroughly before every show, which is something I started doing after touring with The Zombies. Colin Blunstone warms up really well and his voice is like silk, still, at 80. Sometimes I sip on high quality olive oil before or during a show.

What makes Jesse Lynn Madera happy and what makes you unhappy?

I like being around easy people who are uncomplicated. Not simple necessarily, and not shallow, because I like to go deep in a conversation, but I prefer people who genuinely want everyone to be happy and healthy, who want the best for the world, and want to have a good laugh and a good time. People who laugh with their whole bodies. We all have a shadow side and it’s good to be aware of the fact that we are all multi-faceted, but people who have known the dark but choose the light are my people. I find them to be more exciting, entertaining, and inspiring. Greed, envy, smallness, narcissism, bullying, jealousy, it’s all so boring and pulls everyone down. I’m a warrior for the light for sure.