Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jean Watts

Jean Watts has music in her blood. As a child of musicians, she grew up knowing that music was in her future. Lucky for us, she’s releasing an EP  that is sure-to-be amazing. And, in the meantime, she’s released a new single, “Evicted,” to tide us over.

We chatted with Jean about it:

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jean: Honestly, I’ve had a passion for music for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents are musicians so I started playing piano and singing as early as I can remember. I always knew I wanted to be a singer/performer, but I started working professionally with music at eighteen.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jean: I think both my parents. My dad was an amazing musician/piano player. I picked up my skills from him. My mom was a singer. She used to sing at lounges, events, etc. When I was little, I used to watch her perform and practice all the time.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Evicted”. What inspired the track?
Jean: “Evicted” is my second single, produced by Macgregor Leo and co-written by Geena Fontanella. It’s a song about being emotionally abandoned by your loved one. Macgregor and I started working on a song that sounded so different from what “Evicted” is now. He pulled out the guitar, and I told him to strip everything back to just the guitar. I asked for the mic and headphones, and I started mumbling the lyrics to the song. We then set up a follow-up session with Geena and that’s where the “Evicted” you hear out today was made.

PC: You’re releasing an EP later this year. What can you tease about it?
Jean: We are finishing up polishing each song and picking which ones we are going to put on the EP. So, unfortunately, I can’t say much more…but I can’t wait to release it!

PC: If you had to choose one song off the EP that best represents you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Jean: That’s a good question…I honestly couldn’t. Each song represents so many different sides of me as an artist and a human being. I have some songs that hit me hard. I have some fun songs. I have some inspirational songs, bad *ss songs, simple [songs], and epic songs. The EP as a whole is definitely a light introduction of who I am as an artist.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jean: Hans Zimmer. I love him, and I love scores.

PC: First album you bought?
Jean: The Spice Girls album! My mom loved the Spice Girls and so did I. We used to listen to them and dance around the kitchen. True ’90s baby for ya.

PC: First concert you attended?
Jean: It was a small emo band called Bright Eyes! I love them.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jean: I would say the self-titled Beyoncé album. Honestly, not only was it amazing, but it was also because of the timing in my life and where I was when I watched it. I moved to L.A. by myself. I was going on a trip with some friends to Thailand that I just met. I never had been out of the country before. My boyfriend of four years broke up with me because I was going on the trip. I almost didn’t go for him, but I realized he would never not go for me.

He cheated on me all the time so I made the move to do something for me. I moved to a city by myself not knowing anyone to pursue my dreams, went out of the country, broke up with my toxic ex-boyfriend that I thought I was going to marry, and Beyoncé dropped her visual album right as I was getting on the plane. I didn’t have any downloaded songs without wifi on my phone beside her album at the time. I remember watching it and sweating from so much motivation. I moved to L.A. to pursue my dreams as a singer, and I was making major moves that would [make me] grow as a person forever. Watching [and] listening to her body of work sparked so much in me. The album was amazing; the visuals were amazing; watching the whole album at that major turning point in my life will forever be a staple for me.

PC: Someone you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Jean: I am obsessed with Childish Gambino so he is definitely up there. Ed Sheeran would be another. Lizzo would be amazing. Cardi, Diplo, 21 Pilots, COLDPLAY…

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jean: Chicago’s United Center because it’s my hometown, and it’s an epic arena. Wembley is obviously up there along with Madison Square Garden. [laughs] I’m shooting high, baby.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Jean: A great playlist with a great pair of sunglasses!

To keep up with Jean, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Evicted” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.