J Solomon: From The Streets Of New York To Your Handheld Device
Courtesy of J Solomon
Who is J Soloman?
Jesse Solomon, also known as J, is a freshly 25-year-old independent artist from New York who has been pursuing music for the last 7 years. For two difficult years Jesse has been working on his new upcoming EP titled “KILL THE ROCKSTAR” dropping on May 30th, 2025. So far we have heard snippets of “Spark”, “Lying Around”, “Glass” all on Tiktok @ jsolomon. As you read through the interview, gather a deeper sense as to WHO Jesse is as a person and artist. New and old fans alike are excited to see this new chapter of Jesse.
What Strengths do you have that you beLIEVE make you a great musician?
“That's an interesting question. I don't think I'm like a "great" or prolific musician in a talent sense– musically, I kind of learned just enough to give me the ability to be creative and understand my creative choices. I think something I'm "great" at is creating a world for my art to live in, creating a narrative for all of my songs. I put a lot of energy and care into my songwriting, so by the time they come out they better be great haha. I guess what makes me a "great" artist is how much I care about the craft, and continue to grow on my journey in this career.”
Tell us about YOUR favorite performance in your career so far.
Courtesy of J solomon
“Back in 2022 I played a DIY show at Syracuse University. It was in April, but it started snowing as my band and I drove up from NYC (the show was supposed to be outside). When we got there, we found out the "venue" was a big fenced-in courtyard sandwiched between apartment buildings, picture like a prison yard. Despite the weather, we didn't cancel the show– I was sweeping snow off the stage like an hour before it started. It was cold and wet, and it was awesome. Turnout was great, energy was awesome– still my favorite show to this day.”
how woulD YOU handle traveling & being away from your home for an extended period while you were on tour?
“I am a huge homebody! I haven't had too many extended touring experiences, but I've enjoyed all my traveling for shows so far. I think treating time on the road as a job rather than a vacation is probably a good way to frame it... Touring can be like a terrible and stressful vacation, or like the most exciting job.”
do you follow a ritual before a pERformance to get rid of anxiety?
“Kind of exposing myself here, but I get so nervous before all shows, doesn't matter how big or small the performance is. I spend all day just kinda wallowing in my nerves until the show starts, I step on stage, and all the nerves go away.”
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
“Yes!! I enjoy cooking. I have a dog (Shiloh). I spend a lot of time hanging out with her. I recently taught myself how to sew so I can repair jeans and stuff like that. I care a lot about fashion; I like weird shoes and selvedge jeans and gorpcore kind of stuff. Kind of niche but I was a big soccer player growing up, I follow a few teams in the lower divisions of the English football pyramid– I think it's like the indie version of sports.”
what accomplishments do you hope to achieve in the next 5 or 10 years?
“A lot can (and hopefully will) happen in the next 5-10. I'd love to start working on my debut album soon (not rushing it, waiting till it feels right). Would love to be touring North America and Europe soon, there are a lot of places I'd love to go and perform. Also really interested in diving more into other industries/art forms– like I mentioned, I love fashion and would be super interested in making my clothes one day. It's also a dream of mine to create a TV show one day... We'll see!”
Courtesy of J Solomon
What would you consider your favorite track off the ep AND WHY? aNY SIGNIFICANCE BEHIND IT?
“It's hard to choose a favorite for this one because I feel like all 6 songs are so distinct from one another. I will say that “FISHBOWL” was a demo that we scrapped for almost a year, and my producer, Garrett, begged me to include it so many times– I finally caved, and I love that one now. Also, “SPARK” is probably the most massive and cathartic song I've put out, which feels special to me.”
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT THE FILM PROJECT YOU HAVE COMING UP THIS SUMMER? WHAT IS THE SELLING POINT BEHIND THIS STORY?
“I'm just so stoked for people to finally see it after planning it and working on it for so long. To me, it really goes hand in hand with the EP and completes the narrative that the music starts.”
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE OVERALL WITH THE RELEASE OF THE Ep?
“My main goal with this whole EP was to put together a piece of art that is inarguably good; well thought out, impactful, vulnerable, et cetera. Something that is unique but also just makes sense, and can be enjoyed on a surface level but also examined under a lens if anyone might choose to. And, as the title suggests, I wanted this project to be the closing of a chapter in my life, retiring the "character" of the "niche indie rockstar" that I had been playing for years, and leaving room for something fresh and new, in time.”
