Meet Jessica Mitchell, Canadian Singer Dubbed ‘Country Music’s Adele’
Think of Jessica Mitchell as an open (song)book.
There’s no question the 32-year-old Canadian country singer won’t answer, even if it has to do with stigmatized topics like mental health, addiction and her late mother’s battle with ovarian cancer.
“I’ve always been an open person, even before [my music career], and I think [these issues] are something I will always talk about, something I will always push to be talked about,” she tells FASHION.
“We’re given a platform as artists and entertainers to speak on things that are of importance … and to abuse that power is not necessarily the most humane thing, in my opinion.”
And clearly her fans are loving it. This past summer, Mitchell, (who’s been dubbed “country’s Adele”) posted a Facebook video of herself crying while listening to her single, “Workin’ on Whiskey,” on the radio for the first time (it’s now at almost 70,000 views). It was a milestone moment for the songstress who was once told her voice was “too dark” for radio.
“‘Workin’ on Whiskey’ was a song that came from such a personal and special place … and I think people just latched on to that,” she says. “Music has taken such a turn these days …I think people are really starting to [show other people] who they really are, which I think is just absolutely stunning.”
The London, Ont.-native got her start in music at a young age, when her dad gave her a guitar. Soon after, she began writing poetry, and finally decided to merge the two mediums.
“I had a lot of issues in my teens … emotional issues and mental health issues, so it was a good outlet for me, being sort of brought into that world a little bit,” she explains.
But it was Mitchell’s mother who played a significant role in her music career.
“My mother shaped me as an artist. She was always really proud that [music] was something I wanted to pursue. She came with me to Canadian Idol [Ed. note: she made it to the top 32], was there every step of the way, and I can’t thank her enough for that.”
Since signing a publishing deal with Slaight Music, Mitchell spends her time between Toronto and Nashville, which she considers her “work home.” She’s actively working on new music, is set to tour with country music legend Terri Clark in March and will be taking part in the Art of Time Ensemble’s Northern Songs showcase Feb. 16-18.
But of all these projects, Jessica is “really looking forward to” the Lady Ball, a fundraiser in support of ovarian cancer that will be held in Toronto this March.
“Ovarian cancer is such a scary thing for women, but it doesn’t have to be,” Mitchell explains. “My mother never used it as [a death sentence] — she pushed forward, she prevailed and she always had a positive attitude.
“The awareness aspect [of the ball] is perfect …it’s on the right track. It’s just important to talk about these things, and I will never say no to talking about anything … well, except my love life. It’s the worst. [Laughs]. But, it makes for great music! And I have my cat.”
book.
There’s no question the 32-year-old Canadian country singer won’t answer, even if it has to do with stigmatized topics like mental health, addiction and her late mother’s battle with ovarian cancer.
“I’ve always been an open person, even before [my music career], and I think [these issues] are something I will always talk about, something I will always push to be talked about,” she tells FASHION.
“We’re given a platform as artists and entertainers to speak on things that are of importance … and to abuse that power is not necessarily the most humane thing, in my opinion.”
[caption id="attachment_286571" align="alignnone" width="3240"] Photo: Phil Crozier[/caption]
And clearly her fans are loving it. This past summer, Mitchell, (who’s been dubbed "country's Adele”) posted a Facebook video of herself crying while listening to her single, “Workin' on Whiskey,” on the radio for the first time (it’s now at almost 70,000 views). It was a milestone moment for the songstress who was once told her voice was “too dark” for radio.
“‘Workin' on Whiskey’ was a song that came from such a personal and special place … and I think people just latched on to that,” she says. “Music has taken such a turn these days ...I think people are really starting to [show other people] who they really are, which I think is just absolutely stunning.”
The London, Ont.-native got her start in music at a young age, when her dad gave her a guitar. Soon after, she began writing poetry, and finally decided to merge the two mediums.
“I had a lot of issues in my teens … emotional issues and mental health issues, so it was a good outlet for me, being sort of brought into that world a little bit,” she explains.
But it was Mitchell’s mother who played a significant role in her music career.
“My mother shaped me as an artist. She was always really proud that [music] was something I wanted to pursue. She came with me to Canadian Idol [Ed. note: she made it to the top 32], was there every step of the way, and I can’t thank her enough for that.”
i miss you erryday mama pants. i get to be close to you twice at 30K feet this aft.
A photo posted by J E S S I C A M I T C H E L L (@jessicamitchellmusic) on May 11, 2014 at 2:21am PDT
Since signing a publishing deal with Slaight Music, Mitchell spends her time between Toronto and Nashville, which she considers her “work home.” She’s actively working on new music, is set to tour with country music legend Terri Clark in March and will be taking part in the Art of Time Ensemble's Northern Songs showcase Feb. 16-18.
But of all these projects, Jessica is “really looking forward to” the Lady Ball, a fundraiser in support of ovarian cancer that will be held in Toronto this March.
“Ovarian cancer is such a scary thing for women, but it doesn’t have to be,” Mitchell explains. “My mother never used it as [a death sentence] — she pushed forward, she prevailed and she always had a positive attitude.
“The awareness aspect [of the ball] is perfect ...it’s on the right track. It’s just important to talk about these things, and I will never say no to talking about anything … well, except my love life. It’s the worst. [Laughs]. But, it makes for great music! And I have my cat.”){kind=link}