As summer comes to a close, Ontario country gem Jessica Sole is helping us savour the last few weeks with the release of her much-anticipated single, “Think of Us”. Produced by CMAOntario Producer of the Year Nominee Shawn Moore, Think of Us has listeners reminiscing about the good memories shared with a past ex. The song also introduces fans to Sole’s new, fresh and upbeat sound.
Recently, I spoke with Sole about her latest single, songwriting and getting back on stage.
Kyla Pearson: Your latest single, “Think of Us” was released on August 13th. The song shares the story of someone who is reminiscing on the past memories shared with an ex, wondering if they still think of the good times they shared too. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the song, as well as the songwriting/recording process that went into making the song?
Jessica Sole: Everyone has that one ex they sometimes still wonder about, how they are, what they’re up to, and if they ever wonder about you or think of how things used to be. The reminiscing is the inspiration behind Think of Us, even though it’s a breakup song. Think of Us is all about remembering all the good times you and your ex shared and hoping they think about those memories too.
Kyla Pearson: In relation to the song’s theme, what is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who is going through a breakup right now?
Jessica Sole: Advice I always give friends of mine when they’re going through a breakup is “don’t settle for something just because you’re comfortable”. I truly believe there’s someone out there for everyone and even though it feels hard in the moment, everything happens for a reason.
Kyla Pearson: What do you hope to achieve with this new single? What do you hope fans take away from it?
Jessica Sole: I hope listeners will hear their own story in my lyrics and can relate to “Think of Us” on a personal level. If one person can relate to my music and feels like it was written just for them, that’s a win in my book. I wrote Think of Us by myself, and I’m really proud of how it turned out, I really feel I’ve found my voice as an artist and as a songwriter so I hope people will connect with my music on a personal level.
Kyla Pearson: You’ve also mentioned that you co-write often. What is that process like compared to solo writes? What would you say is a challenge and benefit of co-writing? Who are some of your favourite artists to collaborate with?
Jessica Sole: I do! I love co-writing, there are so many talented writers and artists in the industry and it’s so amazing to collaborate with them. Bringing an idea into a writing room and having it transform into a finished song is such a special feeling. Every artist and songwriter I’ve had the opportunity to work with so far has brought something different to the writing room and I’ve been able to learn so much from them.
Kyla Pearson: Where do you think the best song ideas come from? What is your ideal setting to write?
Jessica Sole: I think the best song ideas come from true stories and personal experiences. I think when a story is true, it’s easier for listeners to connect with it emotionally. I’ve been doing so many co-writes that it feels so normal to grab a drink and my ring light and hang out with friends for a few hours and write a great song. It’ll be great to get to write in person again soon.
Kyla Pearson: With live music starting to be a reality once again as lockdown restrictions begin to lift, what is one venue or show you’re looking to perform at? What live shows do you have coming up that fans can catch?
Jessica Sole: I’m so excited that live music is finally coming back! I’ve been so fortunate to have a super busy August. I have a few fun shows coming up in September too that I’m really looking forward to. I’ll be playing at HarmoniaFest on September 11th, and I’ll be playing at Friday Harbour on September 24th.
Kyla Pearson: Moving forward in the second half of 2021, what is one goal you hope to achieve with your music by the end of the year? Do you plan on releasing new music other than “Think of Us”?
Jessica Sole: I would love to reach a wider audience with Think of Us in any way I can. Whether that be on their preferred streaming platforms, or at live shows, or through Country Radio. I’m also planning on releasing more new music in the fall.
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, what is one thing fans may not know about you?
Jessica Sole: I sometimes bring this up during live shows, I’m not sure how many people know this about me but I taught myself how to play guitar. I learned using the website Ultimate Guitar and would spend hours and hours in my bedroom at my parents’ house playing Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood songs on my brother’s super old guitar. Fast forward 2 years and my parents gifted me my first guitar and encouraged me to start playing on local patios in town and I’ve been performing ever since!
Listen to “Think of Us” now:
Stay up to Date With Jessica Sole:
Website: https://jessicasolemusic.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/jessicasolemusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasole_/
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38kCEyg
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2WuHuDL
Works Cited:
Jessica, Sole. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Aug 7 2021.
Unknown.“Featured: Canadian Country artist Jessica Sole”. Photo courtesy of Jessica Sole. Accessed Sept 1 2021.
Unknown.“Featured: Canadian Country artist Jessica Sole on the set for the music video for ‘Think of Us’ ”. Photo courtesy of Jessica Sole. Accessed Sept 1 2021.
Unknown.“Official cover art for Jessica Sole’s latest single, ‘Think of Us’.”. Photo courtesy of Jessica Sole. Accessed Sept 1 2021.
