Jessi Hamilton

Questions:
1. How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?
Ive only had my music played on one college radio station. It was very exciting to hear.

2. Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?
It requires a lot of hard work to make it in the music industry and you have to be careful to make sure that the people you are working with are legitimate.

3. Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?
Yes. Music has always been my outlet and a big way that I express myself. If Ive had a really stressful day, Ill usually sit down at the piano and start writing music. Also, if something good or bad happens and has a profound impact on me, it usually inspires me to write.

4. What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
Sting, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Queen, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Motown music, Linda Eder, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, Evanescence, and many more.

5. What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
Im going to be touring this summer with my band and possibly as an opening act for Foreigner lead singer, Lou Gramm. My album is finished and it should be for sale on my website (www.jessihamilton.com) sometime in late June or early July. Im also going to try and get airplay for the CD on college radio stations.

6. Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
Several years ago I was offered a recording contract by a guy in Los Angeles. It took him six months to finally send me the contract and when I took it to my lawyer, he said it was the worst contract he had ever seen in his 20 years of practicing law. When I called the guy in LA and asked him if he was willing to negotiate the contract, he started yelling at me and told me I would never make it in the music industry. I was really upset and had gotten my hopes up after all the waiting around. For a couple of days I didnt know if I wanted to continue to pursue music. I finally got my head on straight, though, and it only heightened my desire to do something in music. I came away thinking much more realistically about the music industry.

7. Do you prefer performing live or recording?
They both are so different, its hard to choose. When performing live, I always get such an incredible feeling being able to see the audiences reaction to the songs Im performing. While recording, its fascinating to see the metamorphosis the songs go through in the studio. I love both!

8. What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Ive always loved music and my parents helped nurture my love for music by signing me up for piano and voice lessons when I was a kid. I actually started out wanting to be a Broadway performer. Once I started writing my own music, though, I knew that I wanted to do something in the music industry.

9. What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Its taken a lot of time and research to build a solid team of people to work with (i.e. manager, producer, lawyer, band, photographer, etc..

10. What's a typical day like?
It varies. Some days Im really busy with my music whether its recording, writing, or practicing and playing out. I try to practice all of my songs at least once a day. Since its summer, Im not taking any classes, but during the fall and spring, I take classes at a community college. Right now Im aiming for an Associate in Arts degree, but I would certainly like to continue my education after that.

11. What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?
Being able to meet and work with so many talented and interesting people.

12. If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
I would love to work with Sting.

13. Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?
No, Im not. Ive been with my boyfriend for a little over 4 years. I look for someone who makes me laugh, makes me think, is honest, and is kind.

14. Do you have a website fans can visit?
www.jessihamilton.com

15. Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Surround yourself with people you care about and who care about you.

Do what you love.

Help others.

Learn how to laugh at yourself.

Learn to accept who you are.

16. What message would you like to say to your fans?
Thanks for your support and for believing in me!

60 Second Quiz
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Full Name: Jessi Hamilton
Nickname(s): Jess, J
Star Sign: Aquarius
Favorite Food: ice cream
Favorite Film: Dirty Dancing
Favorite Actor: Its a toss up between Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt.
Pet: My dog Sweetie passed away several months ago, but my family is looking at getting two puppies in the next month.
Describe yourself in 3 words: sweet, quiet, genuine
Best Feature: persistent
Worst Feature: stubborn
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Im not sure.
Hobbies/Interests: music, photography, psychology, feeding ducks, watching movies
First Job: doing secretarial work at my college
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: not at all
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: my house keys
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: I can sleep a little bit longer.