Some people find their calling early. For Jessie Simmons, an award-winning trilingual Haitian-Canadian singer, songwriter, and vocal producer, this phenomenon would also be true.
Simmons got involved in the performing arts from a young age, singing in gospel groups and participating in musicals and festivals throughout high school. When it comes to her music, her unique Afro-Caribbean sound is heavily influenced by her Haitian roots, adding a Caribbean flair to her music that is sure to leave a positive impression on audiences.
Simmons has been perfecting her sound for a hot minute. In 2014, Simmons released her debut single, "Fly Away," which enjoyed widespread positive reception. She would follow this release with the bouncy and upbeat "Always on My Mind" in 2017. Her most recent singles, "Fantasy" and "Wisdom," were released in 2020 and showed an even greater progression of her skills and sound. Simmons isn’t one to be complacent; she’s constantly striving for new heights, and her work reflects that.
The latest result of this work is Simmons’s new release, “For You.” Over groovy, afrobeat, and dancehall-inspired instrumentals, Simmons takes you on a musical journey that will, above all else, leave you wanting to dance. Seamlessly blending different genres, Simmons' music is not only captivating, but it is also profoundly personal, dropping lines like “Let go of all your doubts/ No fear baby, no fear,” with an honesty that feels like she’s speaking directly to you.
With her powerful voice and ability to effortlessly incorporate multiple sounds into her music, Jessie Simmons is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Whenever you’re in the mood to dance, tap in and stream Jessie Simmons “For You."
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Jessie! We loved “For You.” We found ourselves moving with the song before realizing it! We have to ask, can you take us behind the creative process for this song? Where did the inspiration come from?
I love that! It was the day before my birthday, and I was scrolling on Instagram when I stumbled upon this beat. I immediately knew it was the one for me! So I got in contact with the producer. From there, I linked up with Jeff Sanon to develop melodies and build the song with the hook. After that, I teamed up with Doressa and Erah to write the rest of the song. We wrote the song on facetime and in one hour! Out of all my studio sessions, the recording of FOR YOU was my favorite one thus far. The love and energy in the room that night were beautiful and so inspiring. And I love working with people. When creative minds link up, magic happens!
You mentioned you have Haitian roots, and we love how you incorporate those sounds into your music. For people who haven’t had the chance to listen to similar music yet, how would you describe the Caribbean sound, and how do you integrate that into your music?
Listening to my previous releases, most are zouk, kompa, and afro. The best way to describe Caribbean sound is by specifying each genre: zouk is a french west Indian music blending African rhythms, reggae, calypso, etc. Konpa is described as modern merengue dance, and what I love about konpa are the instruments and how the sounds can take you on a high. These music genres have inspired me to create my sound and sing in three languages for the love of my culture and also to share my music with a wider audience. These genres have inspired the afro-caribbean sound I have identified with as an artist.
So you mentioned that you got started with music from a super young age. What was the trigger to getting involved? Is music something you always knew you wanted to pursue, or was there a specific event that made you decide?
Music has always been part of my life. I started singing before I even knew how to talk. Throughout my childhood, I always performed in various gospel groups; I started joining musicals and music conferences in high school, and I always knew I wanted to make music. I love how music makes me feel, and I wanted to keep that going for myself.
What does it mean to you to be able to share this new music with your fans? Is there any message you want them to take away from your music?
I am privileged and honored to be able to share music with my supporters. It still amazes me how many people listen to my music. It sincerely means the world to me. I make music to inspire people to chase their dreams and to use their voices because Being a black woman in the music industry has never been easy. It is rewarding to see how many people I have inspired. I pray that God continues to bless me with this gift so I can share my love for music with more people worldwide.
What’s next for Jessie Simons? Any big plans for 2023?
There is so much to come this year, but the biggest and most important one to me: Jessie Simmons will be releasing her debut album in Spring 2023. This is an album I have been working on for a LONG time... a LOT OF SWEAT, BLOOD, AND TEARS. For so long, I thought some people controlled my music career, which stopped me from doing much. What makes this project special to me is that I put so much work into it and had full control, no longer depending on anyone to chase my dreams. I was blessed to work on it with amazingly talented people, and I can't wait to share it. This album is about finding my place and peace in music. Each song has a story that will allow my fans to get to know me on a musical and personal level. I am so excited. I can't wait!
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