Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Nguyen.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My grandparents are immigrants from Vietnam and from the beginning they instilled in us how important education is, and a love for music at a very early age. I remember starting to play classical piano at five years old. I didn’t like it at first because I felt like I was being forced to play it, but when you’re meant to do something you’re drawn to it no matter how you’re introduced to it. I began to love it so much that I’d sit there for hours learning a new song and making up my own stuff on the piano. I started writing my own music when I was about 10. I was completely insecure about my music. I never told anyone I wrote music, that I played the piano, or that I liked singing. In grade school, I was in choir and all that fun stuff, but no one ever knew the true love I had for it. I didn’t find my voice for a long time. My brothers and I kind of kept our “family band” in the garage. I felt like I didn’t sound like everyone else, or look like anyone in the music industry. I didn’t feel like there was a place for me, so even though educationally I pursued music getting my degree in music and everything. I didn’t start pursuing music as a solo artist until about a year ago. I recently released my song, “Free Falling” last month and I’m just so proud of it.
I worked with Josh Carter who is a producer, musician, extraordinaire, but most importantly a good friend. When we work together it’s literal magic. He gets my circus brain that is constantly full of lyrics and melodies and he just creates a beautiful thing. I can say that I’m where I am at today because of my family, my friends, and God. He made away, and everyone who I’m surrounded by have been extremely supportive. It’s so important who you surround yourself with. To just feel that love and support has been honestly indescribable. I’m continuing my path in music, and I can’t wait for what’s to come.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s easy to try and compare yourself along the way. Like I had said I didn’t find my voice for a long time, and I wasn’t confident in my gifts or abilities. The environment I was in at the time too kind of put me in a box of, “you can do music but you can only go this far with it”, and because I believed that for a long time I held myself back. Once I pushed passed all the lies, insecurities and getting out of my own way. I went for it. That’s why they call it a dream. You never stop going for it.
When I decided to keep my name “Jess Nguyen” as I debuted myself into the music world a lot of people told me I should get a stage name because people wouldn’t be able to say my last name, or that because it was an Asian name I would get discredited. Questioning, “Are you sure you want to use your name?” But that’s exactly why I wanted to keep it. As a Vietnamese/ Mexican American I felt like there was no one I could identify with growing up. That I had to choose one or the other or neither, but that’s just simply not true. I kept my name not just for myself, but for those young people growing up who feel like there’s no one they can relate to. My music isn’t secluded for just one person. It’s for everyone. When I write, it’s not just for me. It’s for everyone.. That’s why I do it, and that’s why I kept my name. Perhaps those things can be true about being looked over, but I’ll fight to show that there’s a place for everyone. Even a Jess Nguyen.
What else should our readers know?
There’s a lot coming up for “Jess Nguyen” Music. More Music being put out on music platforms, and more performances around town. I’m super pumped for everything that’s happening and going to happen.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’ve been through a lot in my personal life, and with my journey in music but I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’m where I’m at because of all of the things I went through and how I went through it, but most importantly that I got through it. It makes you stronger, and that is how I got all my songs HAHA I write about experiences.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: jessntnguyen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesspnguyen/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Rin Owen Instagram: chosphotos
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