455. JJ Wilde

·43 min·4 clips

Host Jon introduces Canadian artist JJ Wilde, admitting most listeners won't know her but promising a brutally honest conversation.

Host Jon Beatty introduces the episode by explaining his goal to showcase lesser-known artists, like Canadian musician JJ Wilde. He notes she is touring with Marcus King and has won a Juno Award. The interview begins with Jon asking about the title of her EP, 'The Best of Me Part One'. JJ explains it reflects personal growth through songwriting, which she compares to therapy sessions. They discuss the modern music industry's shift toward releasing music in smaller chunks rather than full albums. Jon brings up the artist's dual existence across writing, recording, and promotion timelines. JJ talks about the difficulty of overthinking production details and losing the joy of listening as a fan. She describes having to reconnect with her 'why' by remembering her fan perspective. The conversation turns to touring life, with JJ sharing a moment in France where paparazzi surprised her band. She admits struggling to stay present and appreciate small wins like playing larger venues. Jon relates this to post-pandemic career resets. Later, they explore creative analogies, with JJ pairing cocktails with songs and comparing her EP to a flight of craft beers. She describes herself as a spicy margarita. JJ discusses learning to decompress after tours and announces upcoming festivals and an unannounced fall project. Jon concludes by reflecting on the intimacy of in-person interviews and encourages listeners to see JJ's headlining tour starting in October.

As heard by us

A reflective talk about burnout, fandom, and songs growing from acoustic idea to worked-up demo.

Brutally Speaking uses JJ Wilde's appearance to frame a conversation about rediscovering why music matters. It moves through burnout, the pressure to listen too analytically, and the effort to return to the fan mindset that first made music feel exciting.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

When you want a music interview that remembers how to be a fan.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from BREWtally Speaking Podcast