Dear Jesse.
He's been writer, producer, art director, performer, singer...pretty much if there's a role that exists in the music industry Jesse Saint John has done it. He's seen as one of the busiest and hardest working self made artists in the industry and also one of the most supportive of his fellow LGBTQ artists. He has reached out, has responded when reached out to, joins fan groups for discussion and genuinely wants to see others succeed.
And then there's his own skill for crafting original and unique music in his own style that at times defies definition. He has a knack for taking ideas that shouldn't necessarily work, and making magic out of them. His eye for seeing the possibilities of the unlikely is uncanny. If talent was measured in Richter, Jesse Saint John would be be considered a talent of seismic magnitude.
Like so many others, I needed to know more. So I set out to learn a little bit about the man who so many admire. And like a true artist and gentleman he happily obliged.
Hey Jesse, for many years, you've been supporting other artists as a producer, a writer, artistic director. But now, you have your own EP and music that is being widely recognized. How does it feel to be in the limelight as a performer rather than supporting others to realize their dream?
It doesn’t feel that different to me, which I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, haha. But I’m grateful to have my own artistic output & something extra to sprinkle on top of my work for others. I’m grateful to be included in this industry at all.
I personally call you the "Godfather of Queer Music" because of the way that you nurture artists and help them find their footing in the music industry. That type of constant support and encouragement can take a lot out of a person. How do you manage the expectations placed on you by others as well as those you place on yourself?
Well that’s really flattering!! Maybe it’s easier for me because I kinda tune out the expectations of others & solely focus on the task in front of me. I know how incredibly capable I am & I always feel like every opportunity is the first & the last, I’m always proving myself & I know my worth, but I also know that it can go away at any second.
You've played a number of roles in the music industry over the years and met with a lot of success. What have you enjoyed doing the most and which area of music making has led to the greatest success for you?
I still am just beginning I’ve only really put a few years into this. I look at it all as one thing. Writing, singing, creative directing, styling. It all kinda comes from the same part of my brain, creatively. I guess the most fulfilling part is my business mind & the way I’ve been able to parlay each tiny bit of success into the next opportunity & create a viable business for myself & begin my legacy.
You know the feeling of being a new and struggling performer in the music industry. What do you think it takes to break through all the noise to get your music heard?
Just being incredibly authentic, delighting wisely, & working when you don’t feel like it. It is the music INDUSTRY, emphasis on industry. So you have to work.
And then there's his own skill for crafting original and unique music in his own style that at times defies definition. He has a knack for taking ideas that shouldn't necessarily work, and making magic out of them. His eye for seeing the possibilities of the unlikely is uncanny. If talent was measured in Richter, Jesse Saint John would be be considered a talent of seismic magnitude.
Like so many others, I needed to know more. So I set out to learn a little bit about the man who so many admire. And like a true artist and gentleman he happily obliged.
Hey Jesse, for many years, you've been supporting other artists as a producer, a writer, artistic director. But now, you have your own EP and music that is being widely recognized. How does it feel to be in the limelight as a performer rather than supporting others to realize their dream?
It doesn’t feel that different to me, which I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, haha. But I’m grateful to have my own artistic output & something extra to sprinkle on top of my work for others. I’m grateful to be included in this industry at all.
I personally call you the "Godfather of Queer Music" because of the way that you nurture artists and help them find their footing in the music industry. That type of constant support and encouragement can take a lot out of a person. How do you manage the expectations placed on you by others as well as those you place on yourself?
Well that’s really flattering!! Maybe it’s easier for me because I kinda tune out the expectations of others & solely focus on the task in front of me. I know how incredibly capable I am & I always feel like every opportunity is the first & the last, I’m always proving myself & I know my worth, but I also know that it can go away at any second.
You've played a number of roles in the music industry over the years and met with a lot of success. What have you enjoyed doing the most and which area of music making has led to the greatest success for you?
I still am just beginning I’ve only really put a few years into this. I look at it all as one thing. Writing, singing, creative directing, styling. It all kinda comes from the same part of my brain, creatively. I guess the most fulfilling part is my business mind & the way I’ve been able to parlay each tiny bit of success into the next opportunity & create a viable business for myself & begin my legacy.
You know the feeling of being a new and struggling performer in the music industry. What do you think it takes to break through all the noise to get your music heard?
Just being incredibly authentic, delighting wisely, & working when you don’t feel like it. It is the music INDUSTRY, emphasis on industry. So you have to work.
As a member of the LBGTQ community, you know first hand the barriers that performers face and the hurdles they have to overcome to make it. What do you think is the main challenge to success for musicians identifying as LGBTQ and what do you think we need to do about it?
I mean a lot of traditional media (television, radio) still stigmatizes & generally leaves out LGBTQ+ musicians, luckily we have social media & streaming where artists can connect with people directly who love them & identify with them. I think every LGBTQ+ who is given a mainstream platform must pay it forward with opportunity for other less fortunate members within the community.
You've worked on Lizzo's single "Truth Hurts". Clearly, she is a huge mainstream success and is certainly putting her stamp on the music industry. In your opinion, what do you think it would take for another LGBTQ artist to reach that same level of influence?
Opportunity.
Given what you've heard from up and coming LGBTQ artists online, have you come across anyone you think is the next big thing?
Kim Petras.
Additionally, you have done remarkable things in support of Kim Petras' career of late. Aside from having to change your phone number due to Kim's mention in "Got My Number", do you see any further collaboration with her in the future?
Yes. A lot 🤫😜
This year, we have seen a small number of LGBTQ artists hit the mainstage at music festivals. That being said it still seems to be, representationally speaking, a bit low. What do you think is behind this? Is it lack of access or lack of desire?
I mean, most artists who release their music onto steaming platforms want to have the biggest platform they can to make a major income & have a major impact for themselves & their teams. I personally am doing all I can to showcase & harbor LGBTQ+ talent not only during PRIDE month, but year-round, & I hope mainstream media & major festivals join me.
I mean a lot of traditional media (television, radio) still stigmatizes & generally leaves out LGBTQ+ musicians, luckily we have social media & streaming where artists can connect with people directly who love them & identify with them. I think every LGBTQ+ who is given a mainstream platform must pay it forward with opportunity for other less fortunate members within the community.
You've worked on Lizzo's single "Truth Hurts". Clearly, she is a huge mainstream success and is certainly putting her stamp on the music industry. In your opinion, what do you think it would take for another LGBTQ artist to reach that same level of influence?
Opportunity.
Given what you've heard from up and coming LGBTQ artists online, have you come across anyone you think is the next big thing?
Kim Petras.
Additionally, you have done remarkable things in support of Kim Petras' career of late. Aside from having to change your phone number due to Kim's mention in "Got My Number", do you see any further collaboration with her in the future?
Yes. A lot 🤫😜
This year, we have seen a small number of LGBTQ artists hit the mainstage at music festivals. That being said it still seems to be, representationally speaking, a bit low. What do you think is behind this? Is it lack of access or lack of desire?
I mean, most artists who release their music onto steaming platforms want to have the biggest platform they can to make a major income & have a major impact for themselves & their teams. I personally am doing all I can to showcase & harbor LGBTQ+ talent not only during PRIDE month, but year-round, & I hope mainstream media & major festivals join me.
The conversation around mental health and LGBTQ youth is an important one. Given the number of young new artists who are joining the music scene and struggling to find an audience, a voice and support, addressing depression has become even more critical in our community. As a mental health advocate, how do you see your music and your position within the industry influencing an anti-stigma platform?
All I can do is be as honest as I can from my perspective, whether people see me as successful or influential, it’s important to me that they know that I have any & all the same issues they do. Mental health is a lifelong journey & all we can do is destigmatize the conversation around it so people feel empowered to work on themselves openly.
As an artist, you are super creative with lots of vision. You don't fit into a standard mould of what we think a singer's career should be like. Where do you think your path will take you as a performer?
I don’t have a clear vision on that & that's a lot of what I love about it. I want to create my artist project for the sake of the art, I’m lucky to be in a position to do that. I want to leave a legacy as a human & musician, not necessarily a star or performer, so however that pans out is great with me. I’m grateful.
And now a few Q Review Quickies:
You've worked closely with Britney Spears. If you could liberate one of her songs and make it your own, which one would it be?
Unusual You
You are hosting a big dinner party for three artistic greats? Who's invited?
John Waters, Gregg Araki, Laurieanne Gibson!
Wine or beer?
I don’t drink! So.... Chai!
Quote to live by?
Make up a new one every day
All I can do is be as honest as I can from my perspective, whether people see me as successful or influential, it’s important to me that they know that I have any & all the same issues they do. Mental health is a lifelong journey & all we can do is destigmatize the conversation around it so people feel empowered to work on themselves openly.
As an artist, you are super creative with lots of vision. You don't fit into a standard mould of what we think a singer's career should be like. Where do you think your path will take you as a performer?
I don’t have a clear vision on that & that's a lot of what I love about it. I want to create my artist project for the sake of the art, I’m lucky to be in a position to do that. I want to leave a legacy as a human & musician, not necessarily a star or performer, so however that pans out is great with me. I’m grateful.
And now a few Q Review Quickies:
You've worked closely with Britney Spears. If you could liberate one of her songs and make it your own, which one would it be?
Unusual You
You are hosting a big dinner party for three artistic greats? Who's invited?
John Waters, Gregg Araki, Laurieanne Gibson!
Wine or beer?
I don’t drink! So.... Chai!
Quote to live by?
Make up a new one every day
