Wilson forging new ’80s synth-pop sound
Jessica Wilson is going back not to the future, but to the neon-saturated past of big hair and bigger synths.
This month the Welland singer-songwriter will release a new single, “Underdog,” departing from her contemporary-pop repertoire to reinvent herself, focusing in on the sounds and styles of the 1980s.
With a synth-driven ’80s pop vibe, in line with the recent ’80s-revival synthwave, the single is a departure from her debut album, “Sincerely,” released two years ago, that echoed the style of contemporary artists like Katy Perry.
“When I was 20, that was fun, the pop stuff,” said Wilson, who since releasing “Sincerely” has enjoyed a growing fan base. She’s picked up multiple honours at the Niagara Music Awards and St. Catharines Arts Awards, and has seen her acting career gaining steam with roles in the Oh Canada Eh? production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” Linus Hand Productions’ “Beauty and the Beast” and Tweed & Co.’s tour of “Hastings.”
She explained she has grown a lot over those two years; the contemporary pop of her last album doesn’t ring true anymore in some ways, especially when she gets onstage to perform.
“I wasn’t really enjoying it anymore,” said Wilson, who has been exploring new music while diving into her longtime influences such as Madonna, New Order and Eurythmics.
“That’s the music I like to listen to,” said Wilson, adding, “I’ve always joked I was born in the wrong era.”
Leaning into her love of the ’80s — including the fashion and esthetics of the era — she admitted, is a departure and a reinvention of her whole image.
“The whole esthetic is coming back,” Wilson said, explaining how her hope is to lead a revival of ’80s synth pop in Niagara.
“I really love the fashion, the hair, the makeup,” she said, adding “I always connect music to an image.”
She was quick to admit there is some fear with a complete overhaul of her artistic style and image.
“I’m definitely a little scared, I’m not going to lie.”
She noted, however, that, despite the fear, it was time for her to move on to a new musical chapter, one that reflects her growth over the past two years. She has no doubt that anyone who listens to the song will notice the departure from her past musical efforts, but she banks on those individuals enjoying the changeup.
With her interest in the physical copies of music on the decline, Wilson said she won’t be releasing a full album any time soon, instead focusing on a steady trickle of new singles over the coming months, showcasing her new creative focus.
For “Underdog,” the first in that effort, she worked with Damian Birdsey, who laid down the synth track and electronic drums for the song that takes listeners back to an ’80s Saturday night, while remaining planted in 2019.
The single will be available Jan. 22 on Spotify, Tidal, Google Play and Apple Music.