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Singer, songwriter Jessica Carvo has been on the grind! Her New York based band Pictures of the Sun has been makin’ moves, while her first collection of originals, Projection continues to shine. Checkout GroundSounds exclusive interview with Jessica below!
Your first collection of originals Projection sounds great! What was it like working on this? And which do you enjoy more your live or studio recorded tracks?
Thanks for listening! To be honest, it wasn’t as fun as I had hoped it would be but it was incredibly necessary. I think I learned a lot about what to absolutely NOT do ever again. I am still proud of some parts, so, I’ll keep those.
100% enjoy live tracks more.
What has been the coolest venue you have performed at?
I love Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s really perfect for the crowd and the acts that are booked. It’s professional but still very laid back and intimate. If you take the time to look, you’ll notice all of the artistic detail that went into creating that magical space, from the lighting to the wall decor, etc. Once I performed in the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea for the off-broadway show, “Sleep No More.” The hotel, dressed for the 1930’s and early 40’s, is one giant set for the show which, in short, tells the story of Macbeth in a very Hitchcock-esque style. I sang a few songs in the hotel’s Manderley Bar, where show-goers frequent the bar and interact (almost entirely nonverbally) with the actors. That was a such a cool experience. You need to see it if you’re in New York!
What was it like being signed to the legendary *manhattan/blue note record label?
It was one of the best phone calls in my life! It definitely put me on the fast track to learning the inner workings of the business. I’m lucky that it happened early on.
What inspires you to sing and perform?
There is nothing in this world that makes me happier.. even when I’m really down or performing a heart-wrenching tune. On some level, even that sad tune makes me feel better than ever.
How do you decide what songs you are going to cover on YouTube?
Usually I like to cover songs by artists whom I admire or songs that I’ve loved singing for a very long time.
What is your writing process like?
It depends on the song. Almost always, in order for me to like an idea enough to keep it, it requires me to go into this really weird “space” or “world” where I stop communicating like a normal person and literally feel like I’ve transported myself to a different place. Sound spacey enough to you yet?
Who are some of your musical influences?
Joni Mitchell, Feist, Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, Billy Joel, Lena Horne, Connie Francis, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Streisand, Coldplay, Norah Jones, Ray Lamontagne, a whole lotta bands and many other vocalists who celebrate the art of singing.. something that I fear is on its way to extinction from the radio.
You were featured on NBC’s “The Sing Off”, what was it like being featured on the show?
Pretty awesome! I think I cried from relief of it being over since the cameras initially freaked me out but getting the chance to sing my favorite Randy Newman song on television had me on a year long high. It might have been more than a year…
Can you tell us about Pictures of the Sun? How did you guys come together?
I love these guys. I met guitarist and songwriter, Seon Gomez, through a mutual actor-friend. We met for the first time at The Flea theater in Soho where we watched a film on interpretive dance. Pretty random. Seon and I jammed in the theater’s basement and realized we had some good musical chemistry. We then pulled together some long-time musician friends, and then their friends.. and we formed Pictures Of The Sun. We all have such different musical backgrounds. We all think we’re comedians but we should probably stick to music. That being said, we’re a lot of fun to hang out with but very serious about delivering a strong, professional set.
What are you currently working on?
Songs! New songs. Editing older songs. Cover songs. Collaborating. I’m sure this will all turn into an album at some point in the not-so-distant future but right now I’m focusing on becoming an even better writer and artist. The other stuff, like itunes releases and full album productions can get in the way of that process of improvement. I’ll continue to perform in shows; I plan on bringing the new set to the west coast by late summer, early fall.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living a happy and fulfilling life with music as my day-to-day job and nightly gig. A worldwide tour wouldn’t be so bad either 🙂
