Global hitmaker Justin Jesso has gone from strength-to-strength since breaking through as featured artist and co-writer of Kygo’s global hit ‘Stargazing’. With tracks such as ‘Getting Closer’, ‘Bigger Than’ and the recent ‘If You’re Meant To Come Back’, he’s exceeded a total of 650 million streams and commands 4.1 million monthly listeners at Spotify.
Justin excels at dramatic, arena-scaled pop which explores the myriad ways in which love falters. That’s also true of his new single ‘Too Good To Lose’. The song opens with Justin’s naturally compelling vocal immediately hitting the emotional heart of the situation. The production subtly builds anticipation, before the towering hook powers into prominence with a striking melody.
ECHO had the chance to chat with Jesso about his new song, collaborating with Kygo and much more!
How are you?
Haha its a loaded question these days :). Im doing ok. thanks.
Let’s talk your new song “Too Good To Lose.” Talk about the writing and creative process behind this song.
The original idea was conceived on a writing trip to Sweden. I wrote it with two (now) friends of mine Anton Rundberg and Julia Karlsson. Originally I was talking about the person I was in a relationship with at home and how unfair it was that I was gone all the time. I started talking about all my flaws and how I felt that because I wasn’t there and I was always so buried in work it would be better off I just let this person go and be happy, but I couldn’t because I wanted to be with them and they wanted to be with me. The relationship was just too good to lose.
It sounds emotional and about not letting go of someone you have feelings for. What, or more so who is the song about and what does it mean to you?
Its really about knowing that you are being unfair to someone, but loving them so you dont want to let them go. I realized I wasn’t a good match for my significant other because of all the time I spend away traveling, being stubborn, and wrapped up in my work. I knew I really should let this person go so they can find happiness somewhere else, but I couldn’t do it. It is also about being able to accept yourself and your partner for who you both are.
You started off as writing music for a lot of artists. How has it been releasing your own music finally for the past few years?
It’s been amazing. I always wanted to pull a Bruno Mars or a Julia Michaels and write songs for others before singing my own songs. I love putting my music out into the world, particularly when I get to sing them 🙂
You collaborated with Kygo on Stargazing, talk about creating the song with him and working with him on his sound?
I love Kygo, he’s the best. Ive spent the past 3 years touring the world off and on with him and it has been an amazing experience. Actually, Im writing this on Sept 1, 3 years exactly after I sang it with him in Vegas for the first time ever. The song was written in LA with friends Jamie Hartman and Stuart Critchton. The next day we sent it to Kygo’s manager who immediately asked for stems. The following day we had a version back from Kygo. It was a confirmed single by the end of the week. Then it came out two months later.
If you could set up a setting for fans to listen to your music, what setting would it be?
Oooh interesting. Probably wherever they are most comfortable. But this gives me an idea… maybe for my EP release I should do a socially distanced sound bath isolation chamber party or something hahah!
What’s one quote you’ve heard in life that you want to ECHO out to fans?
I cried and cried till I had no shoes till I saw a man who had no feet.
What can we except from you next?
Well, I’d say touring, but who knows when that will be. Expect more music very soon 🙂
Take a listen to “Too Good To Lose” now!