Jesse Roper’s sound may be rooted in rock and roll’s core elements of blues and soul, but his musical vision is trained squarely on the future. That’s the easiest way to sum up the B.C.-based singer/songwriter and guitarist’s new album Access To Infinity, which was released on Feb. 2, 2018 via Blue Heron Music.
Roper will also be hitting the road in early 2018 supporting Canadian rockers Big Wreck for their In Loving Memory Of tour for 18 North American dates.
We had the chance to catch up with Roper and discuss Access To Infinity, songwriting and what’s next.
Kat: Could you talk about the inspiration behind Access to Infinity?
JR: Access to Infinity was born out of an imaginary interview I was doing in my head one night while out on a walk. The interviewer said “Jesse what’s it like having all of this creativity at your finger tips” To which I responded, “Well Jim, its kind of like having the access to infinity.” Woah! I stopped dead in my tracks, turned around and ran back to my house to find a pen.
Kat: What was the song writing process like?
JR: I just kept going back to the imagination well and dipping the bucket. I played music for hours a day and every now and again I’d come across a riff or a phrase that I felt really excited by or connected to. I’d usually play the ideas for my roommate and get his input. If it passed the test I’d finish it up!
Kat: Could you speak about your musical idols or role models, either for this album or for you personally?
JR: I’m a huge Hendrix fan. I think ACDC is the best band ever and I love music from all genres, minus pop country. That stuff is for the most part terrible.
Kat: Have you ever been given any advice in regards to your music career that you felt you really connected with or that made an impact?
JR: Get better at making it and maybe you’ll have a shot haha. A lot of people say nice things about your talent no matter how much you have. That’s very nice of them and appreciated. It is very beneficial to have some honest opinions coming at you though. They make the fire burn hotter. A good mix of constructive criticism, positive reinforcement and a good attitude go a long way.
Kat: What’s on your playlist right now?
JR: Me. I’ve been writing a ton and going through all my old voice recordings scouring them for ideas. I don’t listen to too much when I’m feeling like this. Although I did buy an old Salt n Peppa vinyl the other day and its been on pretty heavy rotation around supper time. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the album when it came out but I sure love it now. Those ladies have so much attitude! It’s awesome.
Kat: What can your fans expect from you next?
JR: My music is going to expand outward. I’m going to write the craziest most interesting music I’m capable of. I’m also going to play and play and play until my fingers quit working and my voice is gone. After that, I’ll join the jam session in the sky.