(EXCLUSIVE Interview: Dream State)
Jessie of Dream State. PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
In today’s world we know the modern woman is more independent and ambitious than ever. That doesn’t come much truer than who we spoke to during Slam Dunk South. Since joining Dream State in 2022, Jessie has unknowingly become a role model for women and girls of all ages. Her talent speaks for itself, harnessing a power on their latest release, Bittersweet Scars of My Past. To which she’s only just realising how much their music helps people. Lyrics she wrote alongside members Aled Evans, Jake Bowen, and Tom Connolly.
Earlier in the day Dream State had played over on the Main Stage East. Not only did the four-piece go on to dominate the giant stage, but they also filled it with so much kinetic energy that despite it only being a 12:40 slot, the field felt like a giant party complete with crowd surfers having their share of the fun.
We caught up with the frontwoman to discuss the poetic freedom that comes with songwriting and the excitement of getting to play at Slam Dunk.
SpinVybe:Let's talk about your latest release, Bittersweet Scars of My Past. I found the lyrics not just powerful, but powerfully raw. When you put out a song like that, do you feel vulnerable, by putting your feelings out there on display?
Jessie: Absolutely a mixture of both. Yeah, I think there is a real power in being open and vocal about your feelings. It's important to get it out there. But for me, I really like writing, and it feels like free therapy (laughs) or something like that. It is very raw. So it means a lot to me. I feel like this is a song that a lot of fans have connected with, and that connection means everything to me.
When it comes to songwriting, what does your creative process look like?
Jessie:I just write loads of words and the melodies. Then the guys will send me, like, a rough skeleton of a song, and then I'll just go look through all my pages of words or the melodies to see what fits best. I’ve been singing and playing guitar since I was little, probably even before I realised I was writing a song (laughs.) It always felt natural to me.
Have you always written songs?
Jessie: Yes, I’ve been writing since I was about 12. I've been singing and playing guitar since I was a little kid, and like I mentioned, maybe I didn’t even realise what I was doing was songwriting. I thought of them as little poems or just thoughts whirling around in my head.
Would you find that a very cathartic experience?
Jessie: Oh, yeah, absolutely. Like I said previously, connecting with our words is so important to us. It really feels like a release.
How do you feel on release days? When people begin to react to the new music, do you feel a sense of release?
Jessie: Yeah, there is definitely a sense of relief, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a bit scared. There’s a voice that is there thinking, “What if no one likes it?” So yeah, there are vulnerabilities out there, as our words and emotions are out there for everyone to hear. But the responses have been pretty good, which means a lot.
You just played the main stage, and that is one of the big ones to play. There were so many people out there it seemed like everybody gravitated towards you guys (laughs).
Jessie: Oh my god, I know (laughs). I definitely got emotional out there. It is such a privilege. I couldn’t believe how many people showed up out there for us. I actually had to check myself and think, “Wait, you know Green Day aren't here, right? (laughs) But honestly I can’t describe the feeling; I just keep coming back round to the world privileged. I feel very grateful to have this opportunity.
How do you feel when you’re onstage and looking out to a wave of people singing back to you? Do you have a different version of yourself to take over, or is it all adrenaline?
Jessie: Oh, 100%, there is definitely a wave of adrenaline that takes over. You just have to lock in and go for it.
I want to touch on something you posted on Instagram the other day. You mentioned that the last time you were at Slam Dunk, it was your 10th time attending, and now this year you’ll be on the main stage. How do you hold onto that confidence of achieving your dream? Especially where women tend to have a tougher time in the industry?
Jessie: Thank you. I do think there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance. But I think it's OK to have self-belief and to really believe in yourself. If you’re a good writer, then just write? If you’re a great interviewer, go out and interview; like, just believe in yourself. Stay humble and work hard. I truly believe that if it's supposed to be for you, what’s meant for you is not going to pass you by. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and people don’t realise how long I've been grafting. It takes a long time, so to finally get on the main stage is just incredible.
You’ve also spoken about how, regardless of age or gender, if you just keep working hard, it will pay off. Do you feel like you’ve become a role model for young girls and women of all ages?
Jessie: I didn’t feel like a role model. But lately, especially today, it’s starting to feel like maybe I am. As people keep telling me the same sentiment. Over the last three years. That's a word that crops up quite a bit. So if I can be someone that all the young kids look up to, especially young girls, or even women my own age can look up to, as girls my age, we’re not dead (laughs.) I’ve got another 50 years of life ahead of me, and nothing is stopping me. So, just keep doing whatever makes you happy. That’s all that really matters.
How do you keep that positive mindset?
Jessie: It has taken a lot of work. I definitely have good and bad days. I'm not always this chipper (laughs), and I have to be realistic about that. You just gotta ride the waves as they come. For me, a lot is just like a lot of self-reflections. I like going for walks to clear my head. I take things day by day. Honestly, some mornings I wake up and it’s a bad day; sometimes it’s a great one. So just learn to slowly roll with it.
What does the second half of the year have in store for you all?
Jessie: It’s a busy year! We’ve got Slam Dunk North tomorrow, then we’re off to Rock for People. We’ve also been invited to perform Rock the Castle at Cardiff Castle with Funeral For a Friend, which is such an honour to do that with them. And there’s plenty more coming up that hasn’t been announced yet!
What would be the ultimate dream for you?.
Jessie: Oh, easy. I would love us to go on tour with The Used.
They’re literally sitting across from us now – go shoot your shot (laughs).
Jessie: (laughing) No way, imagine. But that would be the absolute dream!
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Interview by Kirsty Bright. Photo by CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
