Jesse Barrera - Producer and Songwriter

Jesse Barrera is a producer and songwriter from San Diego, CA. Growing up listening to R&B, Soul and lots of Rock, Jesse’s passion for music blossomed in middle school when he picked up a bass guitar. In the early 2000s, Jesse became a member of rock band My American Heart, which released a few albums and EPs, and toured the US and internationally. Then Jesse began writing, producing and releasing his own music. His first record “Love in Technicolor” just celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary in March 2020. Jesse continues to produce and work with other artists at his Los Angles studio, the Cave, a place to gather, create music and make things happen. This year Jesse is releasing a new single every month, leading up to an LP in December. Some of the songs include: “More” feat. Sammy Johnson, “Like I Do” feat. Melissa Polinar, “Constant” feat. Jeremy Passion, “Money”, with his newest single featuring Jeff Bernat and Johnny Stimson is called “Casual” coming out May 22. Jesse credits growing through adversity and navigating tough times “have always pushed me to do better, be better and push my creative limits.”

www.thejbcave.com
www.instagram.com/jessebarrera
www.twitter.com/jessebarrera
https://open.spotify.com/artist/51KbY36mrjHRQwvSbel74l?si=Yo9nD8aFTOaCKYXxdfJf-g

Was music always a part of your life? When did you decide to pursue it?
Music has been a part of my life since I was a little kid. I didn’t really find my true passion for it though until middle school when my step dad bought a bass guitar and I picked it up. My older sister was into a bunch of punk bands and I would learn those songs and play along with them in my room. Eventually I joined a band that would end up taking off and became a huge part of my life for an entire decade. That band was called My American Heart and that entire experience taught me pretty much everything I know about the music business.

How would you describe your musical style? And how did you develop it?
This is a tough question because I never try to pigeon hole myself into one particular sound. I’ve been through so many different sonic seasons in my musical career. Currently the vibe has been alternative nostalgic soul music. I guess that’s the best way to describe what I’m capturing right now.

What was it like to go from playing in a band to going solo to producing?
The transitions from all of these were definitely interesting to navigate through. I remember near the end of the band years, I was starting to write my own music, releasing songs, and feeling guilty about it all at the same time. I felt like I was such an integral part of the band’s writing process and if I were to pursue something for myself that the guys would feel a certain way about it. Eventually when I did, they were all extremely supportive and I found a way to balance the two projects.

I remember waking up one day with pennies in my bank account thinking I needed to start doing something that would help me financially. That first step was definitely putting out my first solo record “Love In Technicolor”. My wife (girlfriend at the time) bought me a little Pro Tools setup and I just taught myself how to make a record in 2 months.

After the record dropped, lots of my musical friends were impressed with the quality of the record and started asking me to help produce some of theirs. It somehow clicked and I haven’t stopped producing and writing songs since.

Why did you transition to producing music?
I was always just intrigued by the art of making records. There’s just something so pure and magical about not knowing what a session will bring. When I made my first record I didn’t go into it thinking all of a sudden I’m this grand producer. I think putting it out and receiving praise for it was the universe’s way of telling me I should pursue it.

When did you start the JB Cave and what do you love about it?
The “Cave” started in 2010 inside a room in my mom’s house. It eventually turned into my own studio in San Diego and now has migrated to Los Angeles. The thing I love about it is that it’s a comfortable place to make music. When you’re here - you’ve immediately joined a family. We wake up, we have coffee, we talk about life, we pick up instruments, and then make special things happen.

Do you still get My American Heart fans talking about your music?
There are still so many MAH fans that support what I’m doing now. They still comment some of their favorite memories of the band on different social media platforms. 

Who are your musical influences?
Too many to name! I feel like I’m inspired by new artists every single day. I grew up tons of R&B, Soul, and lots of Rock. MJ, Stevie, James Taylor, Boyz II Men were in heavy rotation growing up.

What have been some of your most memorable projects, collaborations you've worked on?
I think my favorite projects have always been with my best friends. I’d hate to leave anyone out on this one!

What/who has been instrumental in your personal and creative growth?
I think the most instrumental thing in my life has always just been adversity. I think trying to navigate out of tough times has been what’s gotten me to where I am. I’ve always sort of felt like an underdog in a way. Growing up until now I felt like I had to prove something. It might be a reflection of my childhood, what I went through with the band, or just being the weird person I am… But those things have always pushed me to do better, be better and push my creative limits.

How has the Filipina/o/x American community come out and supported you?
The Filipino community has been such a strong force in my career. The most beautiful thing about Filipinos is their willingness to support other Filipinos. I think we’re all just rooting for each other and we want to see people that look like us thrive and be seen / heard. Since my very first show they’ve always showed up, bought merch, streamed the music and supported what I do. I feel so proud being a part of this community.

Do you have any new projects, music coming out soon?
Absolutely! So I’m releasing a single every single month this year that will eventually lead into an LP by December. A few titles are “More” feat. Sammy Johnson, “Like I Do” feat. Melissa Polinar, “Constant” feat. Jeremy Passion, “Money”, and my newest single feat. Jeff Bernat and Johnny Stimson is called “Casual”. That one drops everywhere May 22nd. 

Also this past March was the 10 year anniversary of my first record. It’s finally being pressed on vinyl with a re-imagined version of my song, “Tangled Up”. That will be available in a few months!


Photos courtesy of Jesse Barrera