Jessy Fury in Conversation with FAULT Magazine
Jessy Fury
Jessy Fury – real name Jesse Robitaille – is the new nom de plume of the artist formerly known as Jessarae. In an era where singer-songwriters are seemingly mass-manufactured, Jessy’s endearing commitment to making emotionally authentic music with the aim of forging a connection between himself and his fans feels like a welcome throwback. Approachable and honest, Jessy comes across as justifiably proud of his past successes as Jessarae while acknowledging a tinge of regret for how things turned out. He’s also clear that his new musical endeavour as Jessy Fury is “still me”, only, perhaps, with some more added focus and determination for further success after years highlighted by millions of Spotify streams and several international tours.
We caught up with Jessy Fury to discuss his award-winning return to the industry, his learnings from the past, and his plans going forward…
FAULT: Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get into music?
Jessy Fury: My dad was a pro hockey player and my mom was a musician and a songwriter. While Dad was playing hockey games, I’d be up late in the studio with my mom. I fell in love with music and melody during those times. I just thought it was the greatest thing ever.
Up until recently, you’ve been performing as Jessarae, but it looks like that chapter is definitively closed. What happened?
I think of Jessarae as my caterpillar stage. It was a time of learning, making mistakes, and getting caught up in the chase, with plenty of setbacks along the way. I got dropped by my label, management, and publishing teams, but that only made me more focused and driven. We took that as an opportunity to strip everything back and really hone in on my songwriting and the sound I wanted to explore. Now, as Jessy Fury, I feel a lot more free. I’ve grown as an artist, and because of that, I’m able to do this for the love of it. It’s a completely different headspace and approach, and it feels right.
How would you describe your sound these days? How does it differ to your previous body of work?
It’s raw and authentic. To be honest, I’m writing from a much deeper reverence of life this time. I’m fortunate to have some amazing people to work with who are as committed to it all as I am. We’re not just making songs for the heck of it; we’re striving for songs and emotions that resonate with people.
Name some of your key inspirations, musical and/or otherwise?
I love being in the studio, listening to records on vinyl—’What’s the Story (Morning Glory)?’ by Oasis, The Car’s first album, ‘She’s So Unusual’ by Cyndi Lauper, ‘Born In The USA’ by Bruce [Springsteen]. These are artists who weren’t afraid to really be themselves, they made records that stand the test of time.
Having previously spent so much time performing in the UK and Europe, has it been challenging to refocus your attention back on the US?
It’s been a big shift, but it feels amazing to be back in the U.S. full-time. The time I spent performing in the UK and Europe really shaped me, and I carry those experiences into every show now. I’ve always seen myself as a global artist, and I’m really excited to get back out there and play in the places where people have connected with my music. It’s cool to see that fans in the UK and Europe are still following along on social media and streaming my tracks. I’m also noticing listeners from all over the world, which is so rewarding.
You’ve built a reputation for being approachable and forming a connection with your fans. How hard is it going to be to maintain that when you’re performing under, effectively, a new identity?
It’s still me. If anything, there’s even more opportunity for connection because now I’m doing something that 100% authentically me.
You’ve only released a handful of tracks as Jessy Fury but you’ve already won your first award (Best Rock/Pop song at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards 2024) for ‘The Other Boys’! It must be a brilliant feeling to get that sort of validation at such an early stage. How important are those sorts of awards and accolades to you?
Winning an award is great no doubt about it. There’s also a genuine validation that comes from the music reaching people and making an impact. That’s really what it’s all about for me… connecting to people through music.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been so many incredible moments. Winning the HIM award last month was great, but the real highlight for me has been seeing people connect with the music.
Will you be back touring in the UK any time soon?
I hope so! There’s definitely talk about it and excitement to come back and do a proper tour. I did a tour and played concerts at fans’ homes back in the day, and I’d love to do something like that again.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Anything you’re particularly looking forward to?
So many great songs that are coming together now and I can’t wait to share them. Also I can’t wait to be back out on the road playing live. There’s nothing like it!
What is your FAULT?
I guess a fault is something in your life that you’d like to make better, and if you’re really living you are working towards that. I think in the past, I used to get caught up in things that didn’t really matter. Now, I’m more focused on what’s real. Making the best music I can and connecting to people through it. I guess you could say I’m a work in progress and that’s a good thing!