Looking back, it’s hard to know whether JessB was ready for that moment. But ever since that set, her career has only been on the up and up. She’s cememnted herself as a staple in the ever-growing Kiwi music scene, and gone on to collaborate with global stars among the likes of Saweetie and Doja Cat. These days a well-established artist, the worlds of touring, playing prime festival slots, and coveted collaborations are normal for her.
Speaking to Complex Australia, JessB talks about the importance of collaboration, her recent travels, and women in hip-hop.
You were in the States recently, how was that?
The States is a crazy place. Everything is so much bigger. In terms of music, there’s just so many more people: more artists, more producers, more photographers, more everything. And the calibre of people you’re meeting all the time is really high. Like I’ll meet someone and someone else will be like, “Oh yeah, this guy produced a song on Kendrick’s album,” so everyday I was meeting people that I was like, “Wow, you’ve done something sick.”
How long was the trip and what were the biggest takeaways?
It was 14 days. I learnt that collaboration is key. Everybody who’s great—everybody we know to be great and successful—has amazing people in their corner. Whether that’s from a marketing angle or their producer or writer in the studio. I think being able to collaborate with people is essential.
