Fil-Am artist Jessica Sanchez has just started writing her own songs and if she had enough material in her vault and also had the right confidence, she would be willing to share her catalog with other singers, especially with local artists, for them to interpret her own songs.
“I wouldn’t call myself a professional writer. I write songs about my own experiences and my own feelings. It would be an honor to write songs for other people. There are awesome artists to write songs for but I don’t think I’m ready for that. But I’m very open to collaborating with other artists,” Jessica told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.
Jessica has established her solid fan base here in the Philippines after she wowed the international market when she emerged runner up in the eleventh season of American Idol in 2012. And as she celebrates her 10th year in the business, she still considers her Idol experience as the major highlight of her music career.
“I was 16 at that time, and I didn’t get to fully digest what was going on. It all happened so fast. But when I look back at my career, I feel like, wow I have sung at the Madison Square Garden, I have sung with David Foster, Andrea Bocelli, I have sung for millions of people for Idol alone, I have worked with him brilliant artists and the list goes on. It’s just so overwhelming and I can’t wait to do more so I could share more highlights of my career.
Even when she was younger, Sanchez’s dreams were always in music. Successfully joining American Idol was perhaps something that Sanchez fervently aspired for more than a decade ago.
“There was never anything else I wanted to do and I made sure there were no distractions,” asserted Jessica. “American Idol, that’s just so crazy to me. It all happened so fast and I was so young then.
“I feel like I couldn’t really experience it fully, mentally and emotionally. But I believe everything happens for a reason and at God’s timing. I am so grateful for all that I’ve experienced and all that I’ve done since Idol.’
“I know I still have much to learn and I’m still growing in my artistry, so I’m just excited to continue this journey.”
Jessica recently released her latest, “Baddie,” which she also penned with a friend. “We were really just having fun with the song and the first lyric that came to mind was ‘You got a baddie’,” she shared.
“The song is all about being confident, knowing who you are, what you want, and your worth. Of course, there’s a little love dynamic going on, but it’s really about the confidence you carry.
“Anyone can be a baddie, but the main thing to being a baddie is embracing who you are, flaws and all, and walking into any situation with that confidence and sense of worth.”
As far as her original music is concerned, Jessica has written so many songs based on personal experiences and feelings.
“I’m so excited to share who I am through my music,” she insisted. “I can be kind of a quiet and awkward person, so it’s hard for me to express myself fully. Thank God, I have music to use as an outlet and way of expression.
“You guys are definitely going to see and hear a new side of me that you haven’t heard before. I hope you guys enjoy getting a little peek into my mind and life.”