Meet Jessie Berkshires

We were lucky to catch up with Jessie Berkshires recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jessie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’ve overcome imposter syndrome by focusing on what truly matters—creating art with people I love and being proud of what we make. The voices in my head that tell me I’m not good enough will always be there, but I’ve learned not to let them win. Honestly, in the grand scheme of things, who cares? That’s the mentality I’m embracing: to let go of external validation and fully immerse myself in the joy of creating.

I think the pressure of chasing success is what often fuels imposter syndrome. For me, the antidote has been staying present, enjoying the creative process, and appreciating how lucky I am to have an outlet for my passion and creativity. I may not be making a living from my music—it’s a lot of work—but having this outlet is a gift I’m deeply grateful for. Gratitude and mindfulness have been key in shifting my perspective.

This doesn’t mean I take my work any less seriously. In fact, it’s the opposite. Staying grounded and present makes me more dedicated, more focused, and more determined to keep pushing forward. I’ve realized that success isn’t about perfection or comparison—it’s about showing up, creating, and finding fulfillment in the process.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Right now, my primary focus is on releasing music. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with my bandmates, friends, and other musicians I admire to create a body of work I’m incredibly proud of. Now, it’s time to shine a spotlight on that creativity and share it with the world.

Currently, I’m working on two exciting projects: an EP for my solo project, Jessie Berkshires, and an album for my band, Moon Date. Both projects are deeply fulfilling in their own unique ways, and seeing them come to life has been an incredible experience. Music has built connections with people I never imagined, and I’m especially lucky to do this alongside my husband, which makes the journey even more special.

For the Jessie Berkshires project, we’re recording in our home studio, and I’m thrilled to announce the release of a new single, “Lonely Wolf,” coming out in early spring, complete with a full-length music video. Meanwhile, Moon Date will begin recording its album at Rust Belt Studios in Royal Oak, MI, in February 2025. Both projects are pouring out creativity, and it’s so rewarding to see them come together.

In addition to music, I’ve recently started a new, non-music-related venture—learning how to oil paint. I’ve enrolled at a local art school, and it’s been an inspiring challenge to explore a new medium of creativity.

There’s no shortage of passion, creativity, and excitement in my life right now, and I’m so grateful to share this journey with others. Whether it’s through music or new artistic endeavors, I’m focused on creating and connecting, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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?

Embracing the Creative Process
For me, this is everything. It’s vital to dive into every messy, frustrating aspect of the process because that’s where the real magic happens. Patience and experience are built through this journey, and both have helped me improve at everything I do. If you’re just starting out, remember that you have to make a lot of bad art before you can create something truly great. Looking back, the demos I made ten years ago are night and day compared to where I am now. Growth takes time, but it’s worth every step.

Learning to Work with Others
Collaboration has been a game-changer for me. Working with others doesn’t just improve the work; it elevates your perspective and creativity. Always seek out people who are more skilled than you or who have complementary strengths. Finding the right collaborators has transformed my ability to create, produce, and share my work. If you’re early in your journey and don’t have a network yet (I’ve been there!), focus on honing your craft and making art that excites you. Believe me, when you’re passionate and consistent, the right people will take notice eventually.

Persistence
Persistence is the secret ingredient to greatness. Talent isn’t just a divine gift; it’s the result of relentless effort and obsession, repeated hundreds—if not thousands—of times. If you’re new to your craft, keep pushing forward. Find joy in the details, and let yourself geek out on the parts of the process you love most. Everyone has their quirks and strengths, and those unique passions are what make collaboration and creativity so rewarding. Persistence isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about nurturing your love for the work every step of the way.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely—collaboration is one of my favorite aspects of creating! I’m always looking to partner with other musicians to bring fresh perspectives to my Jessie Berkshires tracks. Whether you’re a string player, woodwind player, or someone rocking something unique like a theremin—let’s get creative and make something truly out of the box! As an electronic artist, I love experimenting with acoustic instruments and blending them into my tracks. I have a fully equipped home studio, and my husband, a talented producer and mixing engineer, is part of the team. If you’re a musician interested in collaborating, don’t hesitate to reach out!

I’m also eager to connect with other creatives in the area, including photographers, videographers, and marketers, to help bring my vision to life visually and expand my online presence. If you’re passionate about creating engaging content and telling compelling stories through visuals, I’d love to work with you. Let’s elevate each other’s art!

You can reach me through my social media or website—let’s make something amazing together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessieberkshires.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieberkshiresmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessieberkshiresmusic
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jessieberkshires

Image Credits

Derek Cookson

Augustine Cruz