Jelly Roll FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview
One artist who has mastered this ability is the award-winning and genre-blending singer-songwriter, Jelly Roll. Jelly Roll, with his breakout hit, ‘Save Me,’ surpassing 368 million on-demand streams and his upcoming album ‘Whitsitt Chapel’ on the horizon, Jelly Roll is captivating audiences with his raw and honest storytelling. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the inspiration behind his music, the challenges he has faced, and his FAULTs.
Congratulations on the release of your new album, ‘Whitsitt Chapel.’ Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the album and what listeners can expect from it?
I’ve said this a few times, but I think a lot about the scripture quote, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” What is happening in my life right now is growth and gratitude in real time. I am honored to be in a situation where my words have meaning and can help in some way. And as always, I hope that music can help someone out there as much as music has helped me, and I think that’s what people can hear on Whitsitt Chapel. As the man evolved, the music does too.
What was the most emotionally challenging track to write on the album?
Yes, but I believe it’s an artist’s responsibility to speak for the unspoken for. One of my favorite forms of artistic nuance is when a song isn’t exactly what it initially appears to be. Perspective is everything. The way we listen to music is just as important as the way music is written. This was a love letter filled with painful truth. I’m not proud of it, but I am proud to be open about it.
Your breakout song, ‘Save Me,’ has gained massive popularity and has over 368 million on-demand streams to date. Do you now feel pressure to match that success with your subsequent releases?
We recently saw your surprise performance of ‘Save Me’ featuring Lainey Wilson at the ACM Awards. How did that collaboration come about, and what was the experience like for you? I’m a huge fan of Lainey, and that song continues to reach more and more people and resonates with people beyond what I could have ever imagined. But I think ultimately why it connects is because it puts into words what a lot of people have gone through.
Your upcoming documentary, ‘Jelly Roll: Save Me,’ provides an intimate look into your life and career. Is it difficult to open that level of vulnerability to the public eye? It’s still hard for me to believe that people care this much about my story, but I also know not to take this moment in my life for granted. I saw the trailer for it and cried immediately.
You’ve been praised for your ability to create “therapeutic music” that connects with your fans on a deep level. How do you approach songwriting, and what themes or messages do you aim to convey through your music?
Your music blends various genres like rap, rock, country, and soul. What draws you to incorporate such diverse elements into your music? I’ve always felt like my music lived somewhere between Willie Nelson and 3-6 Mafia, but at the end of the day, I write real music for real people with real problems. Therapeutic music.
You’re embarking on a 44-city tour, the Backroad Baptism Tour, later this year. What can fans expect from your live performances, and what excites you most about going on tour?
We start in July in Southaven and are going all across the U.S. Milwaukee, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Tampa, so many markets that we are ready to get this new music in front of the fans. We are taking out some great friends and artists on tour, including Grammy-winning Ashley McBryde. I feel like I’m dreaming.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of your music career so far? Being able to keep making as much music as I want at all times while still being able to perform the music we already have.
What is your FAULT (Personal Flaw)?
Growing up in the South, I remember when I was young hearing, “Down here the only thing you’ll see more of than Churches are Liquor Stores.” … and that line, with sobriety and barriers, is something I openly struggle with.