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Jesse Thomas Drops Her Sophomore Album and Comes Out

“Your responses are so zen,” I observe to Jesse Thomas, a singer/songwriter whose addictive sound combines droll lyricism, lilting nostalgia, and the loveliest rasp. Today Jesse’s sophomore album, Burn The Boats, is dropping right next to Tori Amos on iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts. “I’m zen as fuck,” she replies, and so commences the coming out of Jesse Thomas.

Photo by Jen Rosenstein

“Everyone in my personal life knows about my sexuality,” Jesse explains “I don’t hide it. But being gay was something I’ve always kept out of my music and my public life. I felt that I had to walk a weird line on my little platform as a musician because I wanted my music to be something that anyone could connect with. I was fearful that some people would not be able to relate to my music if my personal story sounded less like theirs.”

After years of preparation and paying dues, Jesse Thomas is teetering precariously on the brink of stardom. You might recognize the Kentucky-bred, LA-honed singer’s voice from TV. Her songs have appeared on Degrassi, The Vampire Diaries, Shameless, The Fosters, Heart of Dixie, and The Real L Word. Or maybe you’ve seen Jesse perform with the likes of Lights, Andrea Gibson, Meiko, John Mayer, Dawes, Brett Dennen, and Cary Brothers. If you’ve never heard Jesse Thomas sing then crank up Burn The Boats and allow her to make your day.

AE: How old were you when you realized you were gay?

Jesse Thomas: In psychology class. The weekend prior, a woman hit on me for the first time and I couldn’t stop obsessing over it. I was like, “Holy shit why did I like that so much? What does all of this mean?!” Then I got hot flashes and went out and paced up and down the hallway for about 15 minutes laughing and crying at myself.

AE: When did you come out to your family and friends?

JT: I was 19 when I told my parents. They were cool. Shocked of course, but supportive. I started with only telling close friends for a few years, but now I pretty much tell everyone if it comes up.

AE: What’s your longest relationship?

JT: I’ve actually never called anyone my “girlfriend.” Which is fucking crazy. I guess I’ve never really had a long term relationship. I did date a girl for four years back in Kentucky. I loved her, she was fantastic. She was extremely closeted. Preachers daughter-type situation. We told no one. It was one of the best and worst periods of my life. Carrying shame is one of the most toxic things i’ve ever experienced. I felt my highest highs with her and also my lowest lows.

AE: Are any of the songs on Burn The Boats inspired by girls you’ve dated?

JT: Yes, of course. They are all inspired by real life shit.

AE: Which songs?

JT: “I’m Not Scared” was written after I kept finding myself throwing pity parties every time my relationships didn’t work out. I felt like often times I was letting people walk all over me then blaming myself for it. This was my revenge song where I got to be the bad girl. I could never really do those things in real life, but it was fun to take on a fuck off persona for the song. My song “Swallow That Pill,” was written after a friend and I decided to casually hook up. It was her idea. We did our thing and then once it stopped she was extremely cold to me and told people it was my idea and shit got really weird. I felt really used and gross, and I never really told her that. The song is just about doing shit to please people even when it hurts… it’s an awful feeling.

AE: When was the last time your heart was broken?

JT: In July of last year. I was convinced there was a mutual growing love happening over a series of months. I spent those days in pure bliss. We spent all day every day talking. It was great. Due to some complications I couldn’t really make a move… so after months when I finally did, I was rejected and told it was all in my head. I was crushed. Ouch. IT WASN’T ALL IN MY HEAD, YOU GUYS. IT WAS REAL.

AE: What’s your type?

JT: Sweet. Driven. Smart. Intentional. A dreamer. Simple. Confident. Physically, I like girls who are not too boyish, not too girlish. Natural. Comfortable in boyfriend jeans but also a skirt. Minimal makeup. Messy hair. Good shoes. Not trying to hard, but not boring. I don’t really care about physical attributes. If someone has good energy and walks with confidence, that’s sexy enough.

AE: Why did you decide to speak publicly about your sexuality for the first time?

JT: I’ve decided that it’s important for people beyond my circle of friends and family know that I am gay, that I’m proud to be that way and I’m not scared of what people may think about that. I felt that I was “lying by omission” as Ellen Page put it recently in one of the most inspirational speeches I’ve ever heard. I want to live openly and authentically, and I hope that I can inspire others to find the courage and strength to do the same. Being in the closet is corrosive and really keeps you from feeling your best. It’s extremely exhausting having to filter yourself all the time, constantly silencing your own thoughts and editing your own words. I want anyone who might be feeling that way to know that I’ve been there, and that I’ve found that living honestly about who I am and who I love is the best way to live. Free your mind. It’s a beautiful feeling.

Photo by Jen Rosenstein

AE: What are some of the themes in Burn The Boats?

JT: Love, revenge, regret.

AE: Why is it called Burn The Boats?

JT: I was on tour in Nashville having coffee with my uncle and he told me he had an idea for a song. He told me the story of Hernán Cortés, a Spanish commander who took his men to conquer the Aztecs. When his fleet arrived he told his men to “burn the boats,” so they would have the choice to conquer or die. They won and the former Aztec land became known as New Spain. He thought it would be a cool line to represent the mindset of two people in a rocky relationship. “Let’s not give up, let’s go all in, let’s make this work.” I couldn’t help but to relate it to my personal life. I had recently quit my day job and was putting everything into this record. Conquer or die. This record is me Burning The Boats.

Photo by Jen Rosenstein

We switch gears for a moment and I toss out a few questions from the infamous Proust Questionnaire.

AE: What is your greatest fear?

JT: To become bitter or ungrateful.

AE: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

JT: Nailed it. Fuck. You know the ol’ saying… I do a lot of unnecessary abbreviating as well.

AE: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

JT: To quote the great poet, Too Short… “I wish I was a little bit taller.”

AE: When and where were you happiest?

JT: I’m happiest on stage. The energy is unreal. One of my favorite shows was at the Roxy in Los Angeles. It was sold out. Lots of screaming teenage girls. Everyone was so responsive. I felt more alive than ever. I even stage dove.

AE: What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?

JT: I love all of my traits… unless my tramp stamp counts. I fucking hate that.

AE: How many tattoos do you have?

JT: I have four tattoos. One on my wrist that says “Calm.” Some people think it says “Call me.” I’m like, right. I have one down my forearm that says “What She Thinks She Becomes.” It’s my take on a Gandhi quote. To me it means: Think it, become it. I have a tattoo on my pelvis that is supposed to be my zodiac sign but looks more like a deformed snake. It isn’t sexy, but it pairs nicely with my Celtic tramp stamp. Both 18-year-old SOLID choices.

Photo by Jesse Fox

My three favorite tracks from Jesse’s new album are “Leather Jacket,” “Stunner,” and “Stolen Limousine.” “Leather Jacket” is a wonderfully scathing and deliriously catchy tune that has been stuck in my head for approximately 72 hours. “‘Leather Jacket’ was written after getting hit on by men in bars in the most hilarious, uncreative ways,” Jesse says, “Bless their hearts. Made for some great material.” As another Southerner, I understand that “Bless their hearts” is actually Southern for “those dumb fucks.” “Stunner” is a hit single waiting to happen and a song that straight up turns me on. If you’re going to buy just one Jesse Thomas song, buy “Stunner” to play while you’re having rad gay sex. I haven’t yet but it’s definitely on the to-do list.

“Stolen Limousine” is a gorgeous love song filled with longing and naked adoration. I convinced Jesse Thomas serenade you with “Stolen Limousine” because (after Jesse Thomas) I am the raddest homo in LA. Enjoy Jesse’s husky croons while gazing deep into her eyes. She likes it.

Got something to say? Hit Jesse and me up on Twitter. Or zoom straight over to iTunes to buy Burn The Boats.

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