Toronto’s Jessica Sevier is a rising country music artist making waves with her latest single, “Legends of the Summer.” Since her debut in 2019, Sevier’s music has surpassed 1 million streams, and she’s shared stages with artists like Jason McCoy and Tim and the Glory Boys. Her breakthrough single “Confetti,” produced in Nashville, hit #1 on the Canadian Indie Country Radio Charts. With her expressive voice and captivating presence, Sevier is a talent to watch, currently writing new music and performing across Ontario.
Jessica is set to play Gussapolooza Music Festival in Cookstown, ON, on Sunday, September 15.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Jessica Sevier, a country music artist from Toronto, Ontario! My personality and music is a blend of rock n’ roll, flower child hippie, and country, my music reflects that as well. We bring an energetic live show to audiences that is bound to make you get up and dance or slow down and cry. I blend fun country music together with the soulful lyricism of a Bruce Springsteen song.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
My most recent release “Legends of the Summer” started a new era for me. An era where I became truly authentic to myself and the music I wanted to make. Legends of the Summer is a country/rock song that talks about the nostalgia of young love and the rose-coloured feeling of your teenage summers when nothing really mattered except that moment. The song is very musically inspired by the likes of“The Eagles”, “Gabby Barrett” and more!
How would you describe your musical style to someone who has never heard your music before?
My musical style is definitely a blend of all of my influences, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and other artists like that. I write lyrics that are truly personal and show the world through the mind of a 20-something. You will never hear me singing about nothing, everything I do is something I have experienced or am dealing with in my own life.
What does performing at a festival like Gussapolooza, known for its focus on emerging talent, mean to you and your band?
It’s a super exciting experience. This is my second time playing this festival and I’m even more excited this year! This festival is full of fans open to discovering new music and that is such a beautiful experience. I walked away with new fans last year and I’m excited and hopeful that will happen again this year.
What makes Gussapolooza different from other festivals?
Gussapolooza is a festival, unlike the others I have played. It feels like a big community of music lovers and friendly faces genuinely wanting to get to know artists and their music. Such a lovely community they have created!
With over 40 indie bands performing, how do you plan to stand out and make a lasting impression on the audience?
I am hoping my music will speak for itself. This past year I have spent writing endless amounts of music for a new project and I am extremely excited about it. This new music was written with the likes of Serena Ryder, Jack Tempchin(Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Eagles), Robyn Ottolini, and more! I think this new music will resonate with the audience and the band and I are eager to play it!
Are there any specific bands or artists at Gussapolooza that you’re excited to see perform?
All of them! I have some friends playing this festival as well so I am always excited to see them play! But this festival is all about discovering new music so I am hoping that I will discover some new bands that I haven’t heard before!
For fans who may be seeing you perform for the first time, what do you hope they remember most about your set?
I hope they remember the pure joy the band and I have while playing music, we truly believe in the music we play and I hope that resonates with the audience. As well, I hope the music makes the audience feel something, I think the music I write will definitely evoke some emotions with the people listening.
What’s next for you after Gussapolooza? Are there any upcoming projects or releases we should look out for?
Yes! There are lots of exciting things coming up after Gussapolooza. This festival pretty well caps off the festival season but we will be playing a few shows throughout the fall/winter, they will all be posted on my website or socials. However, the most exciting thing coming up is new music! I have been working on this upcoming project for a year now and I cannot wait for it to be out in the world. I have no set release date yet, however, something should be coming out in and around our Gussapolooza performance, so stay tuned!!