Spotlight Series - Jessame Berry
Jessame Berry literally had High Tide Los Angeles shook when he performed at our Fall spotlight series. He closed down the night with his colorful, stripped down, vibey set. His vocals made people’s heads snap up from their phones to listen with their full attention. An encore was for sure necessary to please the excited crowd. He is without a doubt talented but also is a laid back, kind, and charismatic individual all around. Jessame Berry has a wild ride ahead of him and we here at Baltisoul are very excited to see where it takes him. Keep an eye on this one y’all, you won’t regret it. Full interview, editorial, and spotlight series video below.
Who are you?
I'm Jessame - a skateboarding singer who loves to drum & make music, born & raised in LA!
Why music?
Music is all I've ever known. I come from a family of music. My father has been in the music industry as a session/touring bassist and I grew up watching him on stage in front of thousands of people doing what he loved. It made it attainable for me; it was no longer just a dream. Now I'm just a tool that's being used for a greater good. I'm a shell, & the spirit works through me.
What does authenticity mean to you?
Authenticity is everything. It took me a while growing up to figure out who I really was & who I wanted to be. Especially being someone who is mixed ethnically. I was always trying to fit in or be someone I was not. Authenticity is what makes us who we are. Although we're all the same as human beings, we are completely unique in our own ways.
How do you handle being in the spotlight?
I don't like to think of it as "being in the spotlight"... It makes me feel like I'm the center of attention when really I'm not responsible for the talent I have. It does get a bit overwhelming at times but that never stops me from doing what I do best. I just came off of my first tour with HighSchoolNation; it was amazing. After each show, I took photos & talked to about 80-120 students & at times your mind's all over the place thinking about how the show went, and how you sounded, and meanwhile they're thinking about how their picture with you is going to come out. It's a different perspective.
Outside of music what are you passionate about?
Anything that can spark creativity within me. I'm all about aesthetics and what vibration is coming off with your brand or you as an individual. Unique art, fashion, skateboarding, basketball. Family & relationships over anything else.
What does vulnerability mean to you?
It takes being vulnerable to be real with yourself. A major lesson I learned is that I couldn't truly love anyone else until I learned to love myself. It took being honest with who I am & removing ego.
Where in the world are you happiest?
That's an extremely tough question because for me it's not an actual place. Anywhere where I feel connected to the source. Whether you believe in God, The Universe, whatever it is. For me personally, in the studio when I'm locked in and it feels like I'm not on Earth.
Where do you find inspiration?
In real life experiences, the emotion that comes with life's everyday challenges and burdens. The moments that make me stronger & even uncomfortable.
Favorite lyric of your own?
"Cause she's got it, & I want it, like the Sun chases the Moon"
That's my favorite song lyric because just as nature does it's own thing without us ever having to dictate whether the sun will come up or down, whatever's going to happen in my life is going to happen. As human beings, we're always longing for something more - "the pursuit of happiness."
What’s next?
New music. Many more shows. Things you haven't seen from me before; things you may have not known I can do.
The Berry takeover.
Talent: Jassame Berry @Jessameberry
Photo: Weslee Kate @wesleekatecreative
