Welcome Back Home, Jesika

Photography by Myriah @silky.core

I heard about Jesika back around the time I started the blog. This was 2019 -2020. I remember receiving the soundcloud link for one of her tracks called "The Movies." I was told about when she was on the opening list for Mitski as well when she played here. This was before I started going to shows, but to experience Jesika's music live in person will be an experience for me.

Kristin reminded me about this show/shared the flyer with me

What have you been enjoying recently, especially since coming back home? "I’ve been enjoying raspa stands, hanging out with my friends and family, trips to Rio Bravo, and being home for the holidays." Along with a shout out from Jesika "Shoutout Panthers Den in Weslaco."

Jesika, I have to ask, but the last time I heard your music was around 2019. I’ve heard your name come up over the years, with people wondering if you’d ever perform again. Now that the time is near—how does that make you feel? What is it about this Homecoming show that is special to you? "It feels a little nerve-racking but exciting too. What makes it special is that I started learning to play music through community events when I was a teenager and grew organically because of that support. So much time has passed since then and there are so many new faces now—I’m excited to meet new people and reconnect with friends from the past." I won't lie, I haven't thrown a show at The Gremlin probably since 2019-2020. I had show at the office at work, but this feels like a totally different beast! Although, the nerves are settling down due to doing this with friends and with someone as positive as you, Jesika. It's been an honor being able to organize with you, but I'm looking forward listening to your music live in person for the first time.

I may have started too strong—ahem—who is Jesika? In terms of your artistry and your music, how would you describe what you create and what gets you to create? "I’m a singer-songwriter, and my music is heavily influenced by grief and love. I’m not professionally trained, and my songwriting skills are influenced by a lot of folk punk, although it may not sound like it. In general, I’m an emotional person—music is the vessel that I’m able to bleed into, and my songs are like little time capsules. What gets me to create is feeling too much." Jesika mentions "professionally trained", but there is no rule in how to express your "grief and love" through expression. I do agree that the "release" through various mediums are also time capsules. No matter what we thought in the moment, felt. or just a way to see "progress" in our art, y'know. Seeing tracks from 7 years ago to this most recent release must be a feeling knowing it'll be out there shortly.

Do you remember the last time you played in the Valley? If so, where and how was it—especially with moving afterward? "I think the last show I played in the Valley was at Cine El Rey opening for Combo Chimbita in 2019. It was such a special night. I remember that year being so busy, and I was ready for a new beginning, so it was a good way to end it."

With your new EP coming out, how would you describe it? As the one working on it, what has this project evoked out of you? "I wrote a lot of it during COVID when I was living in Michigan. It’s about growing out of my 20s, personal discovery, and moving through life. It has evoked a lot of reflection, and releasing it feels like closing a chapter. Full disclaimer: it is completely DIY." You mention "DIY" and on the description of the "Galaxies" track it mentions "recorded by Andres Sanchez" We've been talking about the show and how excited he is as well for it. It's interesting how someone such as Andres helped you record and now he gets to play with you in the same line up with you! The EP releases this weekend - everyone will get a chance to listen to it fully.

How has it been for you to be back home? What is it about the Valley that makes it home to you? "It has been such a breath of life to be back home and to see it grow so much. I’ve always felt that the Valley is what you make of it, and the people here creating community through art, music, and activism are what make this place so magical."

What do you look forward to the most from the Homecoming show? "I look forward to hugging all of the homies and seeing my friends play. I’ve known Phonso, Andrea, and Andres for years and have collaborated and/or played shows alongside these gems. It’s going to be so sweet to see them play again." I'm glad to be a part of this! Especially with friends such as Andres and folks I've work with before such as Phonso and new people such as Andrea who I'll be meeting Saturday.

When will the EP drop fully for folks to listen to it? "It will be out on Bandcamp and SoundCloud on Saturday before the show."

Do you have any final comments you’d like to add? "Puro pinchi 956."