Today we’d like to introduce you to Jes Schneider
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been playing guitar and singing since middle school. Just before high school I picked up golf and ended up becoming a walk on for the University of Houston but music was always my true passion so after being cut from the team I started pushing my chips towards being a musician. It was a long road overcoming some of my own obstacles and bouncing around different cities, jobs but started pursuing my true life as a full time musician in 2018. There were some near scares with both my parents the year prior that really kicked me into gear and not look back. I was playing open mics leading up to that decision and had dabbled with a few different projects but I was too scared and hadn’t really become comfortable in my own skin to give it my full effort and commitment. I think that year of 2017 really taught me a lot about the precious value of life and I no longer wanted to think “what if”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s been bumps and bruises all along this journey but that’s what makes you stronger and of course it gives you some strong experiences to write about. Believing in myself has probably always been my biggest obstacle, and something I still can struggle with from time to time. But the more I just focus on myself and trying to be the best I can be helps with that a ton. I’m always looking to grow and become more innovative but sometimes it seems I get too fixated on results instead of the process. Social media is such a wonderful tool for all of us musicians but it can kind of get you into this constant state of comparison. You have to realize that there’s only one you and your job should be to give, not only people but more importantly yourself, the most authentic and pure version you can of that and that seems to really help release the pressures of trying to be anyone that you’re not. Ive written a song about the experience called “Born”. It’s about not listening to other peoples comments and opinions about you because at the end of the day they just don’t know. Well maybe they do but a lot of times it’s better to make the mistakes on your own and learn the lesson yourself rather than making a mistake that wasn’t even your decision in the first place.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently I am a solo performer (although I am working on a future project that will change that). I play at bars, clubs, weddings, hotels, backyards, aisle 7’s at HEB; pretty much anywhere that wants to have live music and add some extra energy in their atmosphere. Right now I’m doing mostly covers (again I am working on changing that) and will sneak some originals from time to time. I’m known for my strong vocals I’d say but my song selection has gotten better and better over the years. I’m not really self conscious about playing certain songs anymore, especially when the moment is right. I’m most proud that I’m able to do this for a living and feel honored to play music for people on a day to day basis, I’ve come a long way to get here and don’t want to take any opportunities for granted. The thing that sets me apart from the rest is a tough question to answer… I guess I’d have to say my view of the world sets me apart and I try to reflect that back onto the observers and listeners the best way that I can. One time I had a woman come up to me and tell me that she was listening to me play and it inspired her to text her sister who she had been fighting with. I don’t recall any other part of that gig in particular or where it even was but I’ll never forget that comment because my job not only as a performer and musician had been accomplished but my job as a human being I felt had been accomplished. Similar conversations happen from time to time and those are the nights I go home feeling most accomplished, not matter the circumstances.
What makes you happy?
Hard to beat a really good cheeseburger haha but in all honesty taking these experiences and knowledge of life through my lens and passing it down to my son to help him create the best world he can imagine is what I currently love the most. I’ve been doing a lot of recording lately with my good friend Max Burgess. He’s been a musical doctor for this original project we’ve been working on and he’s really helped breathe life and energy these tracks deserve. Taking these songs from infant ideas and turning them into beautiful masterpieces that resonate so close to my heart, what they were written to sound like. In relation, it’s been a wild experience watching my little boy learn things step by step taking his infancy and turning himself into a wonderful little toddler. It’s just taught me so many things in my own process, most importantly patience and determination. I’ll watch him try new things and I know that he is so close to doing it, these little milestones he’s wanting. In fact, a lot of times he’s already there he just doesn’t know it yet. How many times does that happen to us I wonder? It’s so beautiful and reciprocating to teach and learn at the same time. He’s definitely added a lot more motivation towards my goals. I wrote a song for him while I was holding him in my arms when he was just a few weeks old. It’s all theses thoughts I wanted to tell him at the time about life because at first I was a little scared and I just wanted to share things with him in case I was never able to.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jes.schneider_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jes.schneider
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jesschneider
Image Credits
Ben McDonald
Taylor Andreozzi
Shawn Pious
