Jessica Manning - What If I Run (2017)

Four years ago, I released my first collection of music; an EP of four acoustic songs that came to be recorded by chance because of one of my YouTube videos. The songs on the EP were a culmination of what I was listening to and what I loved about music, and they completely reflected my life at that point in time. Now, four years and many shows later, those songs, while still very close to me, have begun to lose relevance in my present life. The sound of the music wasn't lining up with what I was listening to anymore, and the stories weren't those happening around me. I needed something else. Something that felt relevant to my life again. Music that reflected my growth and my experiences. I finally feel like I'm at that point, and it's so surreal. I'm finally ready to complete the biggest project of my life, thus far.

This album is a true representation of who I am today. The sounds and the songs are all in line with what I have been searching for since writing my EP, and I am beyond excited to share it with all of you. The musical lanscape has changed from acoustic guitars to keyboards. I have been hard at work incorporating electronic elements such as drum pads and synthesizers to create a mood-filled atmosphere surrounding more soulful melodies. The songs are honest stories that honor currrent events and memories that I hold so dear. They are written for family, friends, and the world over and they challenged me to tell all of my truths. Truths about the many financial and medical struggles my family has faced, about the deaths of three grandparents over the course of four years, and the ongoing efforts of a friend trying to rediscover her worth after a chain of unfortunate circumstances. These songs made me dig deep into what it is that I am truly trying to say and to say it with conviction. It is a reflection of my life and experiences thus far, all wrapped up in 10 songs.

TRACKLIST

01. Red Birds
02. Homestead
03. In the Hills
04. Stay With Me
05. I Still Wait
06. What If I Run
07. Skies Don't Fall
08. Find the One
09. Wither
10. Somewhere Else