Bright Lights, Big Country: Jess Moskaluke in Toronto [Q&A]

It’s been wild to watch the ride that Jess Moskaluke has been on since we first chatted with her in March 2014 in a Boots & Hearts preview post.

Since then she’s been up on the B&H stage twice, she’s been named the Canadian Country Music Association Female Artist of the Year twice (2014, 2015), she’s gone Gold (Cheap Wine & Cigarettes), she’s recorded a duet with modern Canadian country legend Paul Brandt, and she’s shown no signs of slowing down!

As Jess prepares for the Bright Lights, Big Country stop at The Phoenix in Toronto on December 10, she took a few minutes to answer our current burning questions… which should hold us over until the next time we chat.

Thanks to Jess for taking the time. AND if you still don’t have tickets to this show (which also features The Lovelocks, Madeline Merlo, Dani Strong, and Eric Ethridge) you can get them here – OR enter for your chance to win 1 of 10 pairs of tickets that include a VIP pre-show experience with Jess at The Phoenix!

It’s going to be a fun night, and if we’re lucky we’ll hear some of our favorite Christmas songs!

Q. The Light Up The Night album really put you on the map in Canadian country – and now the Kiss Me Quiet EP is here as a follow up. Do you feel like you’re capturing that momentum from fans with the release?

A. For me it’s just about the fans deserving some new music. It was getting to be that time, and we had the right songs together, so the timing was right to release a new album.

Q. We really dig the acoustic versions of Kiss Me Quiet and Lightning Bolt, is there something special that you like about playing and recording acoustic?

A. Thank you! It takes me back to my “cover days” a little bit. I love taking a song, and stripping it down to the core. I think it helps you to focus on the lyrics and the story of the song.

Q. The Bright Lights, Big Country show is bringing you to Toronto just before the holidays. Is this your last big night on stage before Christmas back home with friends and family?

A. It’s not the last night on stage before Christmas for me! I’ve got a couple more after that before I head home to be with my family. But I’m really looking forward to the show!

Note: Last week we talked to the boys from The Dead South who will be playing with Jess at the McMorris & McMorris Fundraising Gala in Regina on December 22. That’s going to be a fun night.

Q. Before this show you hit the stage on the Road Trip Tour with Paul Brandt and Dean Brody, how much fun was that experience, including getting to sing I’m An Open Road with Paul?

A. It was a blast! It certainly was an experience for the books.

Q. Every time a new video comes out for a single it looks like you’ve had more fun than the last one. How was the Kiss Me Quiet video process for you, and are you happy with how it turned out? (we’ll have the video in the post)

A. I’m so happy with the way it turned out. The process was amazing. Video shoots are fun, but they’re always gruelling to get the best shot, and of course, this video was no excuse to the rule. I was climbing mountains in heels and a ball gown, falling into glacier water, taking helicopter rides… Lots of things I never thought I would have to do, haha!

Q. The last time we hung out was at Boots & Hearts this summer, and next year you’re going to be at the Havelock Country Jamboree. Are you excited to have another big Ontario country festival on the schedule?

A. I certainly am!

Q. Last one, what’s on your Wish List this Christmas?

A. Just lots of time spent with my family and friends at home. That’s all I really want!