For this edition of ULAH Live Sessions, we're thrilled to feature the incredibly talented Jessica Paige, a singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful performances and deeply personal songwriting. With roots in Kansas City and a growing presence in Colorado, Jessica's journey as a musician has been shaped by her love for storytelling, her connection to nature, and the support of her close-knit music community. In this exclusive interview, Jessica shares insights into her career, the emotional highs and lows of being an artist, and the powerful moments that continue to inspire her music.
How did your musical journey begin, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
I started singing and making up songs when I was a little kid. I had a lot of time to run around and let my imagination fly growing up on the farm.
What would you say is the defining moment in your career so far?
It would be impossible to pick just one. There are always new milestones and beautiful moments.
Your performances are known for being soulful and deeply personal—what is your songwriting process like?
There is an Emily Dickinson quote that says something along the lines of "I have to be at my desk with my pen in hand for when the poem comes down the hill and passes through me or else it will continue on to someone else."
You’ve been a regular performer at ULAH Live Sessions. How do intimate shows like these differ from larger performances for you?
I love them, I get to really be with people and make a deeper connection. I love being able to have conversations around the songs and experiences.
Can you tell us about a song of yours that holds a special place in your heart and why?
SO many, how to choose. All of my songs are personal so in a way all of them hold a special place in my heart. But, I recently wrote a song for my sister and dad to dance to for her father-daughter dance at her wedding. It was specifically catered to their relationship and personalities.
Which artists have influenced your sound the most, and how have they shaped your musical style?
Brandi Carlile is my music industry icon. A musical force and apparently immune to pop-industry sabotage. She writes heartful music and maintains her authenticity.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a musician, and how do you overcome those challenges?
The waves can be overwhelming. Not getting too caught up in the highs or the lows, but just keeping your head on straight and moving forward regardless. We have "suicide Tuesdays" after weekends of playing shows, giving out all this energy. It is hard to just be in a room with a lack of serotonin because you gave it all away in the show.
You’ve spent time performing in both Kansas City and Colorado—how have those two places influenced your music?
Kansas City was where I feel like I really "grew-up" in my musicianship. I was given so many opportunities and support to develop as an artist. Colorado is challenging and new. It lets me feel like I am, and this is cheesy, but still taking on new mountains. Taking on different influences and allowing the stuff I like to enter my songwriting is a great way to avoid becoming bored or boring.
What has been one of your most memorable performances in Kansas City or elsewhere?
I performed at the Kauffman Center with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and received multiple standing ovations from thousands of people. It was one of the most incredible experiences.
What can fans expect from you next—any upcoming projects or new music we should keep an eye out for?
I am looking forward to 2025. I will be closing out this year with an eye to releasing new songs next year.
What are some of your favorite things about the Kansas City music scene?
The scene feels like a family to me. I have so many deep friendships with musicians and music-adjacent people. Whenever I am in town, I am overwhelmed by love.
How has your time in Colorado impacted you as both a person and a musician?
Honestly, it was tough emotionally at first. I missed my community. Being alone and doubting why I was even there was hard. It also made me realize that I don't want to work myself so hard that I end up becoming unhappy in my gigs. It's hard to feel like I've ever done enough, played enough, practiced enough... enough is elusive and Colorado made that struggle apparent.
When you're not performing, what are your favorite spots to relax or find inspiration in Kansas City?
I love going to Shawnee Dog Park and walking the trails there with my dog, Arya. You can always find me in a coffee shop or getting happy hour snacks with Lucas at some of our favorite restaurants. We "High-brow, Low-Brow" which is getting a nice meal and then finding a dive bar. Or, I am going to my friends' performances.
Do you have any hidden gems in Colorado that you go to for peace or creativity?
I love sitting in this coffeeshop in Vail called Two Arrows.
If you could bring one thing from Colorado to Kansas City, what would it be?
The trails! I love hiking and getting into nature. A place can't have enough trails to adventure on. My favorite in KC being the Parkville trail.
What’s the first concert you ever attended, and how did it influence you?
I saw Martina McBride with my mom and we had been gifted seats super close to the stage. I was immediately obsessed. I bought her CD and sang it every day locked in the bathroom much to my brother’s annoyance.
If you weren’t a musician, what career do you think you’d be pursuing?
I asked Lucas and he said, “some version of a person who gets paid to travel,” hah! So maybe something like that.
You’re stuck on a desert island with only three albums—what are they?
Pet Sounds, The Story, The White Album.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m scared of whales. They are huge.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Paul McCartney. He’s the GOAT. His songs are awesome, and he’s a legend.
It's clear that Jessica Paige's music is a reflection of her heart and soul. From her beginnings on a Kansas farm to receiving standing ovations at the Kauffman Center, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. With new music on the horizon and a constant desire to grow as an artist, we can't wait to see what she does next. Stay tuned for more from Jessica and don't miss her next intimate performance at ULAH Live Sessions!
Thursday Oct. 3rd. 8:00pm Get tickets here!
