Meet Jesse Sunga

We were lucky to catch up with Jesse Sunga recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic stems from witnessing the audience having a great time. You never know if somebody has been going thru a tough time and is attending a show to forget about their problems for a few hours. Realizing this makes me want to give 110% to the music I play. In turn, I truly believe that musicians and audience members have a symbiotic relationship. Both sides feeding off each others energy seeking to reach a point of sonic happiness. It can be spiritual. Experiencing this gives me a sense of joy and purpose. Therefore the need for a proper work ethic.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Jesse Sunga. I am a Filipino-American residing in Nashville, Tennessee. A few years ago I felt “bored” with my guitar playing and was seeking inspiration and motives. While watching Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival, I started playing along with Derek Trucks’ slide parts for fun. Little did I know it would flip my world upside-down. I became addicted and began to spend most of my days staying in and learning how to play slide guitar. It was captivating, both the sound and the feel of it. Eventually I started playing in a band called “Blue Mischief” and with various artists around Atlanta. This new sound changed the course of what I wanted to achieve in life. Gradually it led me to move to Nashville to further my connections with other creatives and join forces with other musicians.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe the 3 biggest skills that have impacted my journey is being able to: listen to the music, play only when needed, and being in the moment. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure to share the stage with various artists. From international touring musicians to studio musicians, the best of the best are always aware of what the song is doing at the moment. On stage, a song is a conversation between the band that can encounter highs and lows. If everyone is in the moment and understanding of the song the audience will see and feel that excitement. Playing when needed is an important factor that separates the pros from the joes. Everyone wants their chance to solo but you (again) need to listen to the music. I’ve seen some folks start/end their solo before another person finishes their solo. Or even solo while the vocalist is singing. It’s the worst! That event is just like someone speaking when you’re speaking; it’s rude.
The last thing is being in the moment. Learning to dig deep into your thoughts and express yourself via musical notes is something I feel is learned over time. It’s why we make the funny faces while on stage! I am a firm believer that every single moment in a song is unique and cannot be replicated. So as a player and listener you must be in the moment. Eminem is right when he says “Lose Yourself”.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always seeking other creatives to collaborate with. If I hear a musician I find authentic and talented I won’t hesitate to see if they are interested in playing together. Photographers and videographers could always use a subject and if I fit the bill I’ll gladly partake. I enjoy all parts of the creative process.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Heather Nigro Brittany Nicholson Melissa Goehner Jonathan Gailey Courtney Rasey

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