Jessie Haines: Taking the Long Way

By Lauren Means – Photos Courtesy Jessie Haines

Jessie Haines grew up in the New Jersey suburbs right outside of Manhattan in a house that was always filled with music. While her parents weren’t professional musicians, or even trained in music, they were musical and, according to Jessie, can both sing well and in key. Her mother actually wrote a few songs when she was younger and recorded a demo but never pursued music past that demo tape.

Luckily for Jessie, her parents had excellent taste in music and it was an eclectic collection of the world’s best artists. Some of her fondest childhood memories include driving home from a dinner or family event with her younger sister and parents when they would just sing at the top of their lungs to Anita Baker, Gary Pucket and The Union Gap, The Eagles, Journey, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey — just to name a few.

“On the dark drives home through familiar neighborhoods, singing in harmony with my entire family in the car, I felt the most at home in myself. I melted into the music and time stood still,” remembers Jessie.

A Natural Talent

She discovered her ability to play music by ear when she would play around on her dad’s keyboard. In school, she played alto saxophone and was the first chair the whole way through school. 

When she was 16, her musical trajectory changed. ”My dad brought home a guitar, I taught myself how to play it and immediately started writing songs. That was when everything changed for me,” Jessie says. She recorded three demo songs at home. Then, her mom made a few calls and before she knew it, she had a top entertainment attorney on board.

That attorney, Michael Lehman, took the demo tape to Anthony Kirzan from the Spin Doctors who owned a recording studio and produced in New Jersey. “We produced those songs and then in a flash, those songs were being shopped to major labels. Before I knew it I was sitting in major labels with A&Rs, playing guitar and singing my songs. I had been playing for maybe less than a year and had done no shows,” recalls Jessie.

While this whirlwind introduction into the entertainment business was taking place, she was offered the opportunity to go to Los Angeles and start writing with Duncan Sheik. She had also been offered a scholarship to go to one of the best communications universities in the country. 

This was all happening as the music industry was experiencing a big shift in media distribution from analog to digital. Jessie explains, “Practically overnight, CD sales were tanking, labels were going under, cubicles in the label offices were empty. No one knew what was going to happen or if labels would really survive the massive shift.”

Jessie was at a crossroads and she had to choose. “I chose the scholarship to college since the music industry was so uncertain at that time. I always regretted that decision, because looking back, I didn’t honor myself. I’m here to spread a message through my platform as a musician, period. I know that now,” Jessie says.  

The Long Way

Fast forward 20 years and she is now in Nashville launching the music career she always wanted. “I’m ecstatic to be here now. The power’s in the artist’s hands now thanks to social media and the internet, and it feels really good to have such direct access to fans and to be able to get my music heard and grow a fanbase organically — my way,” explains Jessie.  

“Before,” she continues, “you had to squeeze yourself into a tiny box, or change who you were, look and sound and otherwise, to fit the needs of a few business suits at a label who held all the power. Now, you can be your authentic self, and get out there and make fans. It’s healthier and it’s beautiful.”

Jessie knows the LGBTQ+ community is extremely under-represented in the country music genre and she says so far she’s received nothing but love from all types of people from around the world. She released her first single, “The Way You Kiss,” less than three months ago with the accompanying music video being released in the upcoming weeks and she is excited.

“I’m a lesbian [that’s] releasing country music. The music video for ‘The Way You Kiss’ is a lesbian-based video. I’m very proud of it,” Jessie says.

“When I look at the backend of my Spotify account, I can see where people are listening to my music and it’s all around the globe — Portugal, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany. The world loves country music and I’m seeing now that there are so many people who both love country music AND are part of or an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. I am starting to connect with those people now,” states Jessie.

She also says if there are people out there who “don’t agree” with LGBTQ+ in country music or otherwise, it’s not going to stop her. “It certainly doesn’t threaten or change my sexuality. Maybe that’s why God asked me to take the long way. So I could have the online platforms available now and have direct access to the people — no red tape, no barriers to entry. I think there is way more love than there is hate, and guess what? Love Wins.”

A Guiding Voice

Even though she is just now preparing to release her first album, Jessie has decades of experience to share. Her advice for those looking to get their start in music is to honor yourself.  “[Honor] that voice inside your heart that screams at you every day to get out there and do the damn thing. That’s real and it doesn’t go away until you get out there and do the damn thing. A relationship won’t solve it. Money won’t solve it. Vacations won’t solve it. A successful career in something else, won’t solve it,” says Jessie.  

After you listen to the voice and get over your fears, Jessie says to get out there! “Even if it’s an open mic, a demo recording or a living room concert for your friends, take a step. It’s only then is when the voice sits down, breathes a breath of relief and thanks you for honoring yourself — finally. Being true to yourself, honoring yourself fully in all ways is the only path to happiness.  That voice is your guide to tell you what you’re here for. That goes for everything and everyone — not just musicians.”

By letting her voice be her guide, she is now on track to release a new single about every four to six weeks for the next six months culminating in the release of her debut album early next year. “I’m so excited I can barely keep it together. I am so extremely proud of these songs, and I definitely feel that I’ve hit a new stride in my writing and it will only get better from here,” Jessie says. Her album will carry important messages about emotional abuse. “Emotional abuse education, especially narcissistic abuse, is one of the main platforms that I will be speaking on for the entirety of my music career,” she notes.

“I have a lot planned for the music, and I am excited to be here. I’ve been through hell and back recently, and as I progress and release more music, I will begin to tell my story about what happened. I have wisdom and truth and amazing songs to share. I look forward to connecting with new people and I look forward to this incredible journey.”

Connect with Jessie Haines

Instagram: @thejessiehaines  TikTok: @thejessiehaines