You may remember us featuring rising country star Jess Moskaluke not too long ago. She has been igniting the Canadian country radio airwaves over the past year, with “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes” becoming a breakout hit. Written by Nashville songwriting veterans Cary Barlowe and Hillary Lindsey, the single even went gold in Canada.
Taking a quick break from her summer touring schedule, Jess answered a few questions via email about her musical inspirations, award recognition and her thoughts about #SaladGate.
You started off years ago posting covers to YouTube of some of your favourite songs. What was it that made you want to become an artist and make your own music?
That’s always been what I’ve wanted to do, really. Sing. Create music that people can enjoy and, more importantly, relate to.
Who are your musical inspirations? Which female country artists influenced you?
Shania is a huge one for me. But so have been a number of musicians – Faith Hill, Martina McBride, and anyone from P!nk to Rihanna!
You’re from Saskatchewan – how has your upbringing and the area you grew up in influenced the music you’re making now?
My upbringing (like anyone’s, I suppose) has shaped who I am and the experiences I have had. I draw inspiration from it and often write it into song. This is a pretty hard question to answer, because I’ve lived in Saskatchewan my whole life, so I have nothing else to compare it to.
Tell me about the first time you heard your song on the radio.
It’s just as exciting as the last time I heard my song on the radio. It’s pretty cool!
“Cheap Wine and Cigarettes” turned into a breakout hit for you – I still hear it all the time on my local radio station. What has the whirlwind been like since releasing that song?
That has definitely been a career song for me. My life has become much busier, I’ve been able to play to bigger crowds and at bigger tours. And I think I’ve become a better artist because of it all.
What does it mean to you to be recognized with wins and nominations at the CCMAs and JUNOs?
It’s so incredible to be considered in the same category as some of Canada’s best. It’s something I could’ve never imagined would happen, and it’s a continuous reassurance that I’m on the right path.
You’re touring across Canada this fall with Dean Brody and Paul Brandt. How did you get involved with that tour, and what are you most excited about?
Well, I can’t say for sure how I got involved with that, as I don’t really know who made that call. I was asked to be a part of it, and being a huge fan of both Paul and Dean, I jumped on board immediately. I’m most excited to be able to play in arenas! How cool is that!?
You recently sent “Night We Won’t Forget” to Australian radio airwaves, and played at CMA Fest in Nashville. Is the US a market you’d like to break into? Are you concerned about the challenges female artists face in the US, in light of the recent comments from radio consultant Keith Hill?
I mean, if it happens, it happens. I am more than happy with being a part of the Canadian country market. But of course, the bigger audience we can reach, the better. It’s just the cherry on top, in my mind. We had a little US love from a SiriusXM radio station called The Highway, which I know we benefitted from greatly on both sides of the border. As far as your question about challenges female artists face, my answer is a flat out ‘No’. I’m not scared. It’s forcing females to step outside their boxes to create something different. And hey, I don’t think Kelsea Ballerini is too upset over her first #1!
If there were one song on country radio that you wish you had written, what would it be?
“Girl Crush” by Little Big Town!
It’s been more than a year now since Light Up the Night was released. Are you working on a new album yet?
Oh, it’s been in the works since Light Up The Night was finished.
