Canadian-born singer/songwriter Jessarae began writing songs at the early age of 9. Spending most of his life in Los Angeles, he was constantly surrounded by music industry professionals. By 11 years old, he had recorded his first album and was performing in front of crowds. “I’ve been playing and performing on stages around the world for the last 15 years.” Spending several years based in the UK signed with Island Records, Jessarae was performing non-stop sold out shows and touring with the likes of Five Seconds of Summer, John Legend and Stevie Wonder.
In early April 2022, the singer released his newest album “No Limits” via Palladium Records and Position Music. He says, “This is my first real LP. I have one other album I self-released that has a compilation of songs I wrote over the course of several years. This one started heavy into quarantine. I recorded a lot of it in my old apartment with no AC in the heat of LA. I should honestly thank my neighbors for dealing with that noise and allowing this album to come together.” When asked how this album is different from previous releases he says, “This project is different because it’s cohesive. I worked exclusively with a small team of producers and writers I trust with my life. Everything on it was born from an honest place. That’s where the truest work comes from for me.”
The opening track on the album titled “Keep Marching On” is nothing short of powerful. Jessarae says, “The song is about perseverance. As an artist in the industry I’ve faced many oppositions. Struggled for years and had fantastic moments. I have dealt with my fair share of anxiety and mental health issues. Felt down by the world, where my livelihood was going, Where touring was going etc… But I never give in and never give up. That is a trait I learned from an incredible upbringing. My father is an NHL hall of famer and mother is a spiritual psychologist. This song was born out of seeing that heavy weight of defeat as a leverage to make something beautiful rather than be crushed by it and I hope it has the power to lift everyone’s spirits even just a little.”
With such a poignant message, a proper visual release was essential. On April 19th the singer released a professional lyric video for the lead-off track, capturing the impactful nature of the song in its entirety. The video showcases a sophisticated black, white and gold color scheme. A popular choice when it comes to grabbing your viewer’s attention. In the title scene the name “Jessarae” is displayed using a powerful gothic font featuring the black and white contrast. This font is paired with a simpler serif font throughout the video allowing for key words like “lion” and “soldier” to really pop. Contrast is a popular theme throughout this music video with the background textures emphasizing this further. Smooth marble placed against a gritty, rough surface like chipped paint of crumpled paper. The contradictory visuals abstractly demonstrate the good and bad / ups and downs that the artist is singing about. When asked his favorite part of the lyrics video he says, ““Feel the POWER rise in me” as that great shot of me lifts up into the heavens. I love the gold and black theme. Seeing that shot take new life and match the words so perfect was a really cool surprise to see the first time.” I’ve got to agree, this scene was valuable in interpretation and I think utilizing shots of Jessarae throughout was a great choice.
What’s next for Jessarae? The artist says, “I am working on a new artist project. Tightly under wraps. Possible touring towards the later part of the year, and I’m always playing pop up shows. Keep up with me through my instagram to see where I might pop up.” You can follow Jessarae on instagram or twitter @Jessarae or check out his motivational TikToks for artists @theoneandonlyjessarae.
Check out the lyric video for “Keep Marching On‘ on Jessarae’s official YouTube channel here: