We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Bush and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, how do you define success?
I think a lot of musicians set themselves up for heartbreak by defining success as winning a Grammy, headlining arena tours, etc. I’ve always been very practical about the trajectory of my career because I’ve watched so many astoundingly talented friends work themselves into the ground, for YEARS, and still never get anywhere near those “milestones.” We don’t describe America’s top 1% of dentists as successful, and every other dentist who has a practice a failure. Everyone is going to have different goals, but I think if you’re out there doing the work, you’re successful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the beginning, I said “no” to things a lot until my notoriously booked and busy drummer pal Drew Espejo said to me, “Jess, just say yes and figure the rest out later.” He was so right. While I am known for my professionalism and will absolutely turn down an opportunity if I truly don’t think I can deliver, I don’t say no purely out of fear anymore. As a singer-songwriter, keys player, vocalist, and session musician, I’m constantly having to shape shift depending on what the work calls for in that moment. Throwing myself into different genres, different settings, different groups of players, etc, has been one of the most formative moves I’ve made to date. Sometimes I do feel like my identity as a songwriter, my “brand” you might say, feels a little blurry because I’m playing for other artists, but the skills and neuroplasticity I get in return make it so worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In LA, definitely The Greek Theatre. It’s one of my favorite venues, tucked into the mountains and away from the bustle of the city. In Ventura, Grady’s Records. Midtown Ventura is full of so many long-standing hidden gems and I love it. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I owe the progress I’ve made in my career and even the fact that I have a career at all to so many people. My childhood piano teacher Claudia Marshall and my college piano professor Dr. Terry Spiller, for sure. My parents for paying for that classical education. My sisters for listening to me practice. My dear friend and mentor Shawn Jones for believing in me and always being there for advice when I need it. The first band I was ever in, The Mystos, for encouraging me to sing in public, something that terrified me for a long time. Another dear friend, Jacob Cole, for letting me open for him the first time I ever played a solo set. The list goes on!!!

Website: www.jessbushmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessbushmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCp5OVlyMtFGgVxkbXGUBfw

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PqjkAaMEXT9HalDowF3cC

Image Credits
Chris Reinhold Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.