An Interview with Teen Sensation and Warren Live Headliner: Jesse McCartney

Jesse McCartney headlined Warren Live on Thursday, February 22nd. Lines of fans wrapped around Price Center for the former teen sensation’s show. Some fans even studied flashcards for their midterm the next day, saying they couldn’t miss Jesse.

Jesse performed many of his 2000s hits, such as “Leavin’,” “Body Language,” and “How Do You Sleep,” but also performed new music he will be releasing this upcoming year. These songs include “Better With You” and “Wasted.” As a crowd pleaser, McCartney ended the night with the ever-so-popular hit, “Beautiful Soul.”

Before the show, I got to chat with McCartney about how life has been and his projections for this year after returning from a four year music break.

McCartney began by saying that he has had an amazing career and has always kept things in perspective, never losing sight of reality. He attributes his team around him for being positive and instrumental to keeping his head on his shoulders.

McCartney has been traveling all across the country doing college tours. He said, “It’s been amazing, and it’s nice to see all the fans that have grown up over the years.” McCartney hopes to perform at many more colleges because performing is his favorite thing to do. McCartney is very thankful for his fans stating, “It’s nice that they’ve been so loyal and passionate.”

McCartney advised those hoping to make it in the arts and entertainment industry to always stay creative and to practice your art everyday, without catering to something or to what people want you to do. McCartney does this himself by writing music nonstop. He stated, “I’m either at a studio at my house or at a friend’s place. I’m writing music every week.” While he calls the industry, especially the pop music industry, ‘very difficult,’ he optimistically said, “Eventually…everything will fall in its place.”

Towards the end of our interview, McCartney admitted to listening to his favorite artist, Michael Jackson, on his way to San Diego. He also revealed his current passion for more contemporary artists Kanye West, Common, and Justin Timberlake.

McCartney’s upcoming single, “Better With You” is being released on March 23rd, 2018.  Lucky for us, this single is described as his “Beautiful Soul Part 2.” Though McCartney didn’t openly state that there would be an album this year, we’ve got many singles to look forward to in the near future.

To listen to the full interview:
https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/404611446

Arryana Borrayo is a contributing writer for the Arts and Culture Section of the Triton.