Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Ledbetter.
Hi Jess, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Arlington, Texas and spent most of my time playing outside, playing dress up and writing stories. I was a very silly kid and loved performing. I took an interest in my neighbors acoustic guitar and though it only had 2 strings on it, I asked to borrow it and started making up little songs on the 2 out of tune strings. My parents supported my interest and got me my own acoustic guitar. I continued playing, learning, and writing songs but remained very shy about sharing my music throughout my youth. I moved to New York City at 18 years old to pursue photography. I was immediately taken by the art and music scene and felt my creatively deeply supported. At 21 years old I was asked to join my first band and from then on I always wanted to play music collaboratively with other people. I remained in NYC for 8 years performing in all kinds of venues and also running my own small DIY venue called Utopia. I knew many artists and brought them together in this space for wild performances that fused stand up comedy, dance, music, and visual art. My journey has taken me between many occupations. I have worked as an elementary art teacher, a boxing coach, a musical entertainer on a passenger train, and a vintage retail buyer, but always pulsing in the background of whatever I am doing, is a deep connection with art, sound, and existentialism. Songwriting has always served as a means for me to process my experiences. I try to stay in conversation with that part of myself and remain open to messages from beyond this perceived reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My challenges are probably not much different from most other artists and musicians. I think as I have matured and as I continuously seek greater opportunity, I am also reevaluating the purity of my intention. I think art transcends and reaches its potential when it is necessary, and when people are able to truly embody themselves. Although I think the journey is unending, I do believe there are these pivotal moments that let us know we are on the right track and that our vibration is having an impact. I can feel that I am very close to something special and impactful right now. I have struggled with my technical abilities within recording and writing, and also inter-personal connections as it relates to collaboration. But ultimately I see it all as a part of the process of attempting to comprehend my place in the world snd polishing my offering in the way of sound and poetry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My creative work has centered around teaching, photography, singing, and drumming. I grew a lot from 2021-2025 when I lived in northern Arizona and worked as a full time musical entertainer on the Grand Canyon Railway. I would sing old western songs in the train cars and interact with guests from around the world. I learned a lot about how to connect with people through song and shared experience. I loved that people were able to drop their politics and personal turmoil for the moment and just exist in a song. I’m really proud of that chapter of my life. It also required me to dive deeper into the historical aspects of Americana music, which is a broad umbrella. I think I came out of that chapter with a deeper respect for story telling and history in general. Trains carry a deep nostalgia that seems to resonate with all walks of life. Presently, I am focused on becoming a professional drummer. I have always been a singer and a front person, but I love playing drums and I am enjoying music from a different angle and I can access all kinds of music as a drummer that I might not write as a singer. Drums are a very meditative space for me and it’s become very expansive for me creatively.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am still looking for more mentors, but I think it is valuable to keep in mind that inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone. You could receive life changing advice from a child. Be open to everyone – don’t dismiss people because they aren’t immediately captivating or what you are expecting. Everyone has a story and everyone has something to offer. The more open you are, the more information will be presented to you. I do believe that we see what we look for. We control our own reality. We manifest our experiences.
Contact Info:
