Jessica Meuse Talks about Life after American Idol: Artist Spotlight

15-Feb-2018 By Robert Loustaunau

Photo Courtesy of the artist — Photo Credit: Jessica Meuse

It can be difficult to build up clout as an independent artist, but it sure does help when you’ve got your own hashtag and a squad of fans dropping it on the daily. Ever since Jessica Meuse made it to the Top4 Spot on American Idol’s 13th season, her faithful fan base, #MuseMafia, have been tirelessly repping for the country-singer. If you’re like me, that’s probably where you first heard this soulful singer with that infectious southern twang.

I’ll either be a broke musician or a successful one.

I just want to make my music.

Since her time on Idol, Miss Meuse has signed with Warrior Records, released a music video for “Love Her Better,” and taken up a tour across the country. Despite her hectic performance schedule, the Idol finalist spared some time to talk with youbloom about her roots as a country singer and what new stuff she has been cooking up.

Jessica Meuse on Touring

Talking Points: Living on the road, Playing the Maltese Islands, and getting pampered on American Idol.

On her Roots

Talking Points: Stage-side meltdowns…they happen, and Bringing your real self into your music despite the haters.

The Writing Process

Talking Points: Finding inspiration for music in daily life

Jessica Meuse – “Love Her Better” Official Music Video Recorded on The Maltese.

Best Show Ever Played & Youbloom

Talking Points: Playing the Viper Room in LA, Shout out to the Muse Mafia, youbloom, and the Unfortunate lack of Irish pubs in Texas.

Going Forward and Giving Advice

Talking Points: 2018 Album release, Recording at Capitol Records, and what a Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks’ baby would sound like (Spoiler, it’s Jess).

You can keep track of what Jessica Meuse is up to by following her on twitter @JessMeuse, instagram, or her official website. There’s a possibility she will be back playing with youbloomDublin or youbloomLA Music Festival & Summit and same for you. For any bands or artists interested in expanding their musical family, meeting and learning from industry leaders, and playing some of the hottest venues in Dublin, make sure to Apply to Play for youbloomDublin. Hurry, the application deadline is February 19th, 2018! And keep an eye out for Jessica’s debut album that is to be released in 2018 or join the #MuseMafia. You know you want to.

Robert Loustaunau is a content writer for youbloom and is a member of the social media team there. He is an avid music maker and listener. He enjoys the simple things in life: coffee, a good book, and quality time with his lovely girlfriend.

Dreaming of Jupiter drop Breezy new Beats

08-Feb-2018 By Robert Loustaunau

Electro art-pop ensemble, Dreaming of Jupiter blends together disparate jazz harmonies with slick sound production in their new single, “Let Me Down.” The effect is an expansive and airy atmosphere.

While the band has become synonymous with the chill vibes of soul-pop, the crisp mode mixture and Zoe Gough’s hushed rap-break makes “Let Me Down,” a refreshing addition to Dreaming of Jupiter’s already eclectic sound.

youbloom was honored to have the trio bring their innovative style to youbloomDublin 2017 Music Festival and “Let Me Down” will make an awesome addition to the bands continually morphing discography.

Danu5ik Interview – Part 2

29-Jan-2018 By Robert Loustaunau

In the second half of my music interview with Danu5ik, he and I tried to pin down what exactly it is that gets an artist’s creative water wheel spinning. Also, Daniel offers sage advice on how to mine that creativity once it’s found. We also discuss his newest project and how EDM is being changed by increased collaborations between DJs.

You were talking about getting hit with this surge of creativity. Could you talk more about how that hits you?

I find it very difficult to sit down in the studio and say I’m going to pump out something. Usually, when I try to do that I end up with tracks that get put on hold for a later date. You can’t really force creativity. Chances are I’ll be sitting in an airport when a concept for a track will come to me and I’ll pull out my laptop and see where I can go with that.

LA was an amazing experience meeting everyone at youbloom. The ideas that were pitched and listening to everyone else’s sounds, those things are really inspirational.

Do you have advice for musicians or artists on how to develop that initial stroke of creativity into a fleshed out piece of work?

Yes, go outside. Take a deep breath. Sitting down in front of the keyboard or guitar is one thing but what I’ve found is if you try to push yourself after that certain time, that creativity just goes down. So do something completely different and then go back to it. What you’ll find is when you go back to that track you’re coming back with a different take but you’re keeping that energy level there.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m about high energy; the enjoyment, the laughter, the happiness. Music to me is an aura, it’s supposed to transition fluently and be able to captivate people in the way starting a conversation with someone new does. You need to be able to just open up your mouth and say “Hello.”

If you missed Danu5ik’s newest Single and Music Video in Part 1 of the interview then take a peak. Or just watch it again. It’s as good the second time around.

Imagine wasn’t created all in one day, it was created over time and it was something I had to listen to over again. Whatever you’ve created you do need to get it reviewed by someone else, either friends or family. Feedback is everything, that’s the only way you can know you’re on the right path.

Yes, I feel like there is this tendency among musicians to hole themselves away until they create something worthwhile but what I hear from you is the opposite.

Yes, if you want to inspire to make something great that goes around the world, than you need to be able to show people that you’re not just an artist in the studio not connected to your fans or the world. You need to be able to show them that you can get out there and enjoy life, accept feedback and learn from others. That can only make your music better and that differentiates you from every other artist.

How do you find a space for collaboration in an EDM circle? Do places like youbloom foster that connection?

LA was an amazing experience meeting everyone at youbloom. The ideas that were pitched and listening to everyone else’s sounds, those things are really inspirational. For instance, being a part of youbloom I’ve been able to listen to so many other electronica artists and we get to pitch ideas at each other. It’s all about networking and youbloom is fantastic for that being able to connect different artists from different genres because you can never tell where a collaboration may occur.

32. At youbloom it’s great if you have different artists approach you and say they like your sound and want to come up with something. You can never tell where the next hit will come from. I got collaboration requests from youbloom Dublin and that was fantastic. You get to learn more about other artists and in a sense you’re piggy-backing off of each other in a positive way. The top artists wouldn’t be where they are if they hadn’t started somewhere similar so for local artists it’s a great opportunity.

What’s your vision as Danu5ik going forward?

At the present moment we are planning a US tour in the new year that takes place from New York to LA and a tour in Canada in 2019. I look forward to it! It gives me a perfect opportunity to connect with fans across the world and visit these different cities and make them a part of the live experience.

Is there a different type of atmosphere when you travel to these places you haven’t played at before?

As a DJ you always have to read the crowd. When I perform in different places where the fan following isn’t that strong it’s always interesting to see how those new fans listen to the music and see how it captivates them or doesn’t. For me, it’s always great to take those few moment before performances to connect with fans because I don’t want to be one of those artist who just comes to do the performance and then is out the door. You’re here for the fans so connect with them. It adds more of a one to one with them which is what I set out to achieve and they know I’m always in arms reach or they can take a picture with me or we can grab a drink if it’s a small location.

Its always going to be a challenge to be a local artist.

Never give up on your sound. Know that your sound will evolve.

Do you have any advice for other artists who are trying to make it in this industry right now?

Never give up. I’ve met a lot of artists who always struggle with this. Its always going to be a challenge to be a local artist. Never give up on your sound. Know that your sound will evolve. Keep networking, there are various outlets you can learn from.

It took me going to LA and talking with Andy Gould and he said it quite clearly, the info is there for us artists, it’s all laid out. We don’t have to find things difficult because if you want to connect to another artist there are avenues there. In terms of creating new sounds, there is a wide range of tools out there, experts that can give you feedback. Just reach out and never feel like you’re alone because you’re not.

17. You heard it here folks, Danu5ik has got fresh beats cooking in the oven so follow him at @DDanu5ik to know when those tracks hit. Also, Danu5ik will be at youblomDublin for the 2018 Music Festival & Summit (May 30-June 4) and you should be too. All bands gain free admission to the 5 days of musical performances, workshops, and master classes about navigating the music industry. Apply To Play -Deadlines hit February 19th.

Danu5ik Interview – Part 1

22-Jan-2018 By Robert Loustaunau

Danu5ik, the award-winning DJ and producer from Edmonton, Canada has recently dropped his latest in a line of captivating music videos and singles, Imagine. Today, I sat down with the man behind the sleek EDM beats and dreamy vocals, Daniel Lee. With a few international music awards under his belt, including the prestigious IMEA Electronica Artist of the Year for 2016, Daniel was the clear choice when youbloom decided to shine the spotlight on a local artist who was finding success in the music industry. In this two part interview, Daniel and I talk about the cosmic flavor of Imagine, the molting EDM scene, and what goes into finding international success as a local artist.

First thing I have to ask, where did you get that space suit for Imagine and can I get one two?
Getting the space suit was actually a bit tricky. We tried to get one of the Apollo space suits but those are pretty rare. And I’ve got to tell you, those space suits can get pretty hot especially when you’re on set all day. The suit was a really interesting idea when the song was first created. I wanted to do something with a twist.

What were some of the ideas behind Imagine?
The concept behind Imagine was that it was a journey and it’s about this Spaceman in the middle of nowhere and he got lost and wanted to be able to find his way back and he spent all his time in space alone so it’s about getting back into that social circle.

Yeah, that message of dissociation from social groups really comes out. The whole video is fun to just watch but also you’re able to put this deeper underlying message into it.
Well that’s what I really wanted to achieve with it. We’ve become so in tune with social media that we disassociate ourselves with the person sitting right by us. We are always in tune with our phones but how do you reintegrate yourself with society?

If I reflect back on myself back in 2017, going down to youbloom Dublin and meeting new faces and having such a blast or going to LA and connecting with so many people out there. No matter where I went it was fantastic but you have to put yourself out there and that was the message I was trying to achieve with Imagine.

Imagine Music Video – Danu5ik

When did music making begin for you?
I started to dabble in music when I was in high school. My music teacher, he had this old Yamaha keyboard synthesizer connected to a monitor and I didn’t know the logistics of the hardware itself but it was able to synthesize some amazing sounds and I used to spend my lunches there just creating unique sounds and dabbling there.

Moving forward I didn’t do anything with music for awhile and it was only in 2014 where I actually started to jump back into it. That’s when I first came out to Canada and that’s what evolved into the first album, From Sea to Kanata, which is a very Deep House kind of sound. Edmonton was still relatively new to the EDM scene and I wanted to put something out there that could show other artists what this is and what my take on all of this was.

And how do you feel your sound has evolved since then and how have fans responded to it?
Now my sound has evolved from House to more of Electro-House. Especially when I look at a track like Imagine, it’s just a banging track and I love the fact that when I create these tracks fans have such a positive feedback. That’s not to say its always positive but that’s okay I love all criticism. You have to be able to accept positive and negative feedback from your fans. I wouldn’t be anywhere today without them.

“I’m always sitting on that creative edge.”

Would you say EDM has gone through a transformation where now you’re seeing a lot of subgenres borrowing from each other?
Yes, when I ask what people what type of music they listen to and they say EDM, I always ask what they mean by that. There is a wide range inside of it, and we have to be more particular than that. Is it Progressive, is it Trap, is it House, Is it Deep-House? You’re right it’s evolved into a massive genre and that’s how you get those crossovers. If you look at the top 40s, you’re seeing a lot of EDM artists making it in there and it’s great to be a part of it.

Is there a shoebox of unheard Danu5ik tracks hidden somewhere?
Yes, there is a thumbdrive of tracks that I started and which have never seen the light of the day. In the last album Day Light/Dark Night I was surprised by how many tracks I had started but that didn’t make it onto the album. I think just from that album itself I had enough tracks to make two more albums out of it. I’m always sitting on that creative edge. I get an idea for a track and start it and then put it on hold and then start something new and then I might come back to it.

Imagine was not one on the back-burner though, it was one I came up with on the go. I love tracks like that! The last track I came up with was at the airport and I almost missed my flight because I was so in tune with putting down this beat. Its sound was just so surreal.

We may actually hear some of those old tracks in 2018. I’m in the process of creating the new album which will be released in the next year. There will probably be a few remixes of old tracks as well. It’s looking really well for 2018.

What can fans expect from Danu5ik going forward here? Any hints?
For 2018, I want to start out with a big bang. We may be seeing an Imagine Remix which will hopefully spark some interest. It’s too early in the game to say for sure but Imagine is a good hint of what’s to come. There’s going to be a string of music videos coming out in 2018 but I can’t say more than that.

Keep an eye on our tweets to catch the rest of my interview with Danu5ik. And why not take his advice and, “Put yourself out there;” Daniel will be playing at youbloomDublin in May and is eager to meet fans and collaborators alike. Artists that Apply to Play will get free admission to the Festival and Summit.

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE: youbloom | HEADROOM #8 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

30-May-2016 By Shannon Duvall

Everyone already knows that in their time before rock stardom, Jack White was an upholsterer, Kurt Cobain made a living as a janitor, and Madonna worked at Dunkin Donuts. But what would you do if you were forced to give up your musical passion and go with a Plan B? For some, the lure of upholstery is…still pretty strong. For others, there’s just no way they could ever see themselves doing anything but music; it’s an impossible choice.

In this last installment of the youbloomDublin 2016 HEADROOM series, we’ve asked a whopping 16 of our dynamite artists – all of whom will be taking to stages across Dublin city centre from Wed Jun 1 – Fri Jun 3 – what their second choice, if any, would be.

Many thanks to all of the brilliant artists for taking part in the most successful HEADROOM yet, and for all the hilarious and heartfelt stories they’ve shared so that you, dear reader, can get to know them just that little bit better. So without further ado, The Impossible Choice.

We’ll see you at the shows.

Damien McFly, singer-songwriter: ‘I would shoot video clips and also be a photographer. I still do that in my free time; it’s a creative job and I love it!’

With a voice that recalls the late, great Jeff Buckley and a fervent style that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary styles, the Italian-born Damien McFly is an exciting find in the world of acoustic singer/songwriters. With stripped back instrumentation and daring melodic choices, he’s one to watch. See him do his thing live on The Grand Social acoustic stage on Thursday, June 2 at 9.55pm. For fans of: Jeff Buckley, Antony and the Johnsons, Ben Harper

NINA, singer-songwriter: ‘ I’d be a photographer and maybe also a perfumer; I’d love to create my own fragrances.’

Stunningly talented electro pop queen NINA serves up synth-drenched, sultry tunes that are as dark and reflective as they are smooth and urbane. With top notch production it’s clear this artist is on top of her game, and only just getting started. She plays the Wiley Fox on Thu June 2 at 9 pm. For fans of: Kavinsky, Salt Ashes, The Motels

Garrett Wall, guitar & lead vox, Track Dogs: ‘I’d probably be working in TV or cinema, writing, producing, acting! Whatever! I’m a huge fan of series and movies so the apple doesn’t fall too far from the musical tree in terms of option B!’

Tongue-in-cheek, fun, Americana from four expats living in Spain. Their influences are broad and spot-on, and the music they make is tight, generous and well-turned-out. We can’t wait for their live show. For fans of: Hayseed Dixie, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Devil Makes Three

AERYNN: singer-songwriter (vocals, guitar, sometimes piano): ‘Food! Experimenting and trying new recipes or ideas in the kitchen is one of my favourite hobbies, and along with that, I enjoy growing produce myself if possible. I don’t have as much time or space for this at the moment, but I love DIY and making everything from raw materials.’

Impeccable, confident folk from an artist with alternative rock roots, Aerynn writes songs with grace and intrigue. Her formula strays from too much structure, enjoying refreshing, attention-grabbing rhythmic choices and stream-of-consciousness delivery. A bright take on a classic. She takes to the stage at KC Peaches on Thu June 2 at 8.45 pm. For fans of: Judee Sill, Laura Nyro, Bert Jansch

Shane Ó Fearghail, singer-songwriter: ‘Writing stories and books for children or developing animation projects in Irish and other languages.’

Vienna-dwelling Tallaght native Shane Ó Fearghail has the kind of vocal style that has traditionally always paired magically with an acoustic guitar. It’s the kind of music that sweeps you up in its storytelling, takes you for a ride and drops you off miles from the nearest pay phone. Thing is, you don’t mind the walk back, humming the tune now stuck in your head. One to watch, and you can see him at Workman’s acoustic stage on Wed June 1 at 9.50 pm. For fans of: Loudoun Wainwright III, Ron Sexsmith, Daniel Lanois

Killian Ruffley, singer, guitarist and songwriter: ‘This is the hardest question to respond to, because music is the only thing that I can be creative with. I’ll say writing and poetry or maybe filmmaking or acting. Those are art forms I very much admire so I guess I would give them a shot if music was not an option!’

Emotive, powerful vocals are the first standout element in Irish singer-songwriter Killian Ruffley’s tunes, which defy categorisation, straddling the line somewhere between 2010s indie stylistics and 90s-influenced hit rock radio (with even a little trad and funk thrown in for good measure). Ruffley is no slouch, doing things his own way, with top notch results. Don’t miss his show at Workman’s acoustic stage on Thu June 2 at 8.15 pm. For fans of: Biffy Clyro, Young the Giant, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Harriet, singer-songwriter, Hattie Webb: ‘ I paint and weave as well as playing music. I would probably be taking more time to invest in these endeavours if I wasn’t playing music full-time. I would also love to work in communities helping people with basic needs.’

Dancing somewhere between light and ethereal and mournful and bewitching, the vocals of Hattie Webb (of the famous Webb Sisters) have a style reminiscent of the nooks and crannies of some of Kate Bush’s best while never releasing hold on that distinctive Webb sound. Beautiful, impressive, what can I say? A must-see. She plays at KC Peaches on Wed June 1 at 10.15 pm. For fans of: Luke Bloom, Julie Feeney, Eddie Reader

Luke Clerkin, singer-songwriter: ‘ I’d definitely be doing something surrounding it, like events management or artist management as that’s what I’ve studied and have experience in.’

The heart-on-the-sleeve musical stylings of singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin may seem straightforward, but underneath the meandering acoustic guitar and raw, tell-all vocals, lies a darker heart, one seemingly inspired by the mysterious great beyond. Fantastic stuff. See him play the Grand Social acoustic stage on Wed June 1 at 7.40 pm. For fans of: Tim DeLaughter & The Polyphonic Spree, Brendan Benson, Josh Rouse

Kellie Marie, singer-songwriter, acoustic and electric guitars, Kellie Marie Reynolds: ‘Words. Anything to do with words. Or old things. Right now I’m working on a script for TV or Film, not sure which one it is yet. Working in that area would be great and I hope to do it some day. After I finish my album, of course. I’d also love to own a little vintage store-slash-cafe. Old things make me happy.’

One of the most unique vocalists to find her way on to the youbloom bill in quite some time, Kellie Marie Reynolds crafts a wicked concoction of stripped-down acoustic melodies, intimate cabaret-style whispers and growling crescendos featuring all the vocal power of a hurricane. She’s up there with the best, and not one to miss. See her play at the Grand Social acoustic stage on Wed June 1 at 9.10 pm. For fans of: Concrete Blonde, Ruth Brown, Rose Royce.

Chris Kestell, singer-songwriter, A Happy Accident: ‘I would be writing unfinished stories, or taking shitty pictures, or something else to represent myself under my own terms. I think that is important. None of it would have to be the best, but music really is what lets me get my thoughts out day to day in a way I enjoy, and without that outlet I would surely explode!’

Piano-driven and sentimental, sparse, reflective, and pure, with enchanting string arrangements and a measured, near-sleep breath pace, there’s so much to love about the music of Happy Accident. It’s nearly impossible to draw one direct line to anything similar, past or present, but so many legendary elements stand out on this year’s Waiting To Happen EP it’ll more than satisfy. Don’t miss the show at Workman’s acoustic stage on Thu June 2 at 7.30 pm. For fans of: Tom Rush, Leonard Cohen, Red House Painters, and more.

Darragh Mc Grane, lead vox & guitar, Penrose: ‘I don’t think I could ever not be involved with music so if I couldn’t play I think I would be in the studio producing bands.’

Taking the best elements from legends of 60s AM radio, Penrose craft a jubilant sound laden with orchestral arrangements, jangling guitars, and well-considered lyrical melodies. Their style will impress fans of retro-inspired indie from the US and UK alike. Catch them at the Wiley Fox on Wed June 1 at 7.30 pm. For fans of: Oasis, Stereophonics, ELO

Carito Plaza: ‘I would be dancing. I love to move, I love to express myself, I can’t just stay still and since I’m not very good with words (I can sing, but find it hard to speak about my feelings) I would be letting my body say what my tongue can’t.’

Sultry latin grooves spread like hot butter over the funky disco-lite beats of Carito Plaza. A favourite from last year’s youbloomLA 2015 Music Festival, she’s sure to impress across the Atlantic in Dublin. Order an exotic cocktail and loosen up your hips for shaking. Carito’s coming to town to play the Grand Social Main Stage on Wed June 1 at 8.15 pm. For fans of: Janet Jackson, J*DaVeY, NDambi

Stone & Jezreel

Francis, bass: ‘I’d be a lawyer or a mechanic.’

Yuki, drums: ‘ I’d probably be a writer.’

Afroot, guitar & keys: ‘Design. Graphics. Making movies.’

Ahamed Harris Momodu AKA STONE, rapper: ‘Playing, having fun, speaking and writing about life and evolution.’

With fresh lyrics, mixed vocals, laid-back beats, and unusual, addicting instrumental choices, Stone& Jezreel have tapped into the hinterlands of great hip-hop, and are busy blazing new trails to the frontiers of what’s possible in the genre. Infectious and satisfying. They rock the Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 10.30pm. For fans of: Childish Gambino, Asher Roth, Angel Haze

So what’s your backup plan, your Option B? Let us know in the comments below: