Meet Jessie Ritter | Country Music Recording Artist and Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Ritter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a full time musician who has recently had two children, the search for a work life balance is very present in my mind. I think people try to find work/life balance as a daily thing… but I see it more as a balance of seasons. There are seasons of life for work… for making art, for going on long tours, for connecting with other artists, for sharing your gifts with the world. And there are seasons for life… for building a family, for nurturing yourself, for experiencing anything worth putting into art, for sharing your gifts with your innermost circle. Both seasons are valid and worthy and full of vibrant adventure.

My twenties were full of work. Life was happening as I was finding my way. I got married and build my first house with my husband. But there were countless shows. So many days spent writing songs and pouring this newfound love into melodies to share with eager ears. I won a national music competition. I got my first record deal in Nashville. My songs were played on radio stations all over the country.

As I enter my thirties, this house we built is now home to two beautiful children who take precedent over everything else in my world. The tours are shorter. The budget is smaller. But life is just as beautiful. And wouldn’t you know… in the time I’ve set aside as a season of life, art has blossomed. Like a field of wildflowers left untended, songs have popped up without watering. Not from a trip to Nashville. Not from a songwriting session at ten am scheduled months in advance. But from the quiet moments in between diaper changes and snuggles. That love has taken shape as a new melody.

You’ve heard that life imitates art… but I feel the best art is built from a beautiful life.
That’s why I made my latest project. “Living The Dream” is an album all about this work life balance. This pairing of music and motherhood. This search for joy in the tired mornings, in the uncertainty of the outside world, in the simplicity of home. I hope when you listen, your own search for joy, and peace, and balance, becomes a little clearer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I hope in my songs to highlight the beauty of simple things. My life is not grand, not full of fancy things, but it is wonderful. I write about my family and the sunset, a glass of wine, and a trip in an RV. Things that make me happy and make my world feel so abundant. I think there are many pieces of my story that reflect the listener’s experience. Don’t we all feel nostalgia for our childhood home. Don’t we all miss our loved ones who have gone before us. Don’t we all want the best for our children. Don’t we all hope to find joy even on the hard days. I think in my music you will find a friend, and hopefully a little bit more of yourself along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I spend the majority of my time near Pensacola Beach touring along the gulf coast. If you find yourself in the area, first and foremost, come to a Jessie Ritter show! Take a walk on the sugar white sand beaches. Go stargazing over the water. And when you’ve had your fill of the sand explore Palafox street and all that downtown Pensacola has to offer. Bodacious book store has your new favorite read. Indigeaux has some of my favorite shopping. Grab a brew at Perfect Plain. And a yummy dinner at Union Public House. And if you want more music be sure to check out the Pensacola Songwriter Nights. This town has so much to offer in the way or original music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Art is never made in a vacuum and these songs would not exist without my team. First I want to thank my husband Brian, and my two beautiful children for being my biggest inspirations. And the rest of my family who has always been so supportive. A huge thank you to my longtime friend and producer, Jim Lill. None of this music would exist without you. Jim reads my mind and turns these thoughts to music. I am so proud of what we’ve created together. Thank you to my co-writers, specifically Bill Whyte and Steve Dean who share writing credit on much of my latest project. And to the musicians: Jim Lill, Steve Brewster, Kori Caswell, Aria Stiles, Gary Morse, Jimmy Carter, J.T. Corenflos, and Bryan Sutton. Thank you for sharing your gifts with my songs.

Website: https://jessieritter.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie.l.ritter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessielritter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessielynnritter

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JessieLynnRitter

Other: https://jessieritter.hearnow.com/living-the-dream

Image Credits
Jim Lill Lynn Crow D’Sea Media Studio Amped WSRE Pitch Meeting Nashville Sean Murphy Audrey Soileau