By Nicholas Jason Lopez
With help from New York City-based artist Abby Jame, Jessica Lea Mayfield recently put out an animated video for her fuzzy new track “Daddy Boyfriend.”
In addition to “Emotional Abandonment,” the two songs serve as the first release of a 7-inch single series that’ll ultimately lead to her next full-length album.
The Music Bugle had the chance to chat with Mayfield about the new songs and more.
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your new album?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – I had been working on the songs and looking for other people to work with, entertaining the idea of different studios and producers. I had a test run at a place in the Bay Area to see if I liked it and then COVID hit and everything got canceled. I had been reluctant about working with anyone else on these songs anyways, knowing that I really wanted to and could do everything myself. This whole project has been about going against what’s “expected” and instead doing what feels right.
Music Bugle – How did you get the idea for the animated video for “Daddy Boyfriend”?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Well, I had been scheming a video for months to film and picking locations and thinking about Airbnb’s to rent, etc. and when everything shut down, I felt super defeated. The idea to have the video animated seemed like the safest bet and I’ve always been a huge fan of Abby Jame and the idea of supporting her art in the process sounded perfect. I’m so glad she said yes! I’m so proud of it!
Music Bugle – How have you been personally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – I’m a pretty serious recluse, so I was already accustomed to ordering takeout and eating it in the car, plus my husband and I live in a RV, so we are used to being on top of each other. I feel like if anything, it pushed me even further to focusing on myself and my music. On the downside, I was visiting the gym two-three hours a day and it was helping my mental health immensely. I’m still trying to get an outdoor fitness routine I can stick with!
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – It’s been an interesting mix these last 8 months. Always Soundgarden, lots of Everclear, Cold, Senora May, NO.2, Tomberlin as of lately and Hispanic radio stations while driving.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – “Keep promises to yourself.”
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you feel the need to escape?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Hiking, taking a bath or getting in the hot tub. Water and nature are big for me.
Music Bugle – How would you define the year 2020?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Hectic, historic, separation, panic, acceptance and kindness.
Music Bugle – What’s something that you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Well, oddly enough, I’m releasing music the way I am now as a pushback towards what the music industry has become. People used to release 45’s and if those did well, they’d make more or maybe they didn’t, but those songs just existed. Music has become what abstract art became to the art world – pump it out fast. Record labels expect you to have new music every nine months, but some of the best artists wait years to release what they are working on. It also has the fans of music expecting this instant gratification and there are so many new releases that I myself can’t even keep up. I wish people would slow down and take their time. I wish it was more of an art again.
Music Bugle – Are you working on any new music right now?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Always! Working on my own stuff. Working on a few different projects with other artists I’m mega-excited about, but can’t share any details yet!
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
Jessica Lea Mayfield – I’m on the autism spectrum, which surprises some people, yet is very obvious to others. I spend a lot of time drumming and playing “Animal Crossing.” I love video games in general! I also tend to make everything into a joke out of awkwardness, so considering my songs are serious, people seem surprised that I’m always laughing in person.
