More or Less with Jess

Independent artist Earth to Eve joins the show for an honest conversation about mental health, creativity, and building a passionate community that helps people feel less alone. Fresh off the release of her debut album, Oversharing on the Internet , Earth to Eve shares the realities of being a DIY musician, defining success beyond streams and followers but by the people it impacts. She opens up ab...

Alana Springsteen joins Jess following the release of her new album, I Hope This Helps , for a candid conversation about healing, self-discovery, and learning to choose yourself. Growing up in a faith-based household, Alana reflects on her evolving relationship with spirituality and what it was like becoming the first person in her family to seek therapy. She opens up about anxiety and how EMDR he...

This week, we’re down in Nashville with The Maine’ s John O'Callaghan and Pat Kirch talking about what it’s really been like growing up in a band for almost 20 years, more or less. From touring as dads to building the kind of community that keeps fans coming back generation after generation (shout-out 8123 family), this episode is all about belonging and connection. Pat and John open up about...

Daisy Grenade's Keaton + Dani join us for a conversation on friendship, theater roots, and building a band from a backyard show in Queens to their first-ever, upcoming headline tour. We dive into life on the road, the intensity of touring, and how they protect their mental health through rest and routine. Keaton also opens up about her sobriety journey and lessons learned along the way. This o...

Ahead of his debut album, Orchid , Matt Hansen joins More or Less with Jess for a vulnerable conversation. After a viral TikTok cover of “Godspeed ” changed his life overnight,  ⁨@matthansen⁩  has gone on to sell out tours across three continents, reach over 6M monthly Spotify listeners, and build his career fully on his own terms as an independent artist. In this episode, Matt opens up about sust...

The last time Em Beihold was on More or Less, her breakout single Numb Little Bug was everywhere. Since then, life has changed and she’s no longer “ a little bit tired of life. ” Back with her debut album Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter , Em opens up about depression, jealousy, and the pressure to recreate viral success. She shares her experiences with outpatient therapy, medication, and navigating...

Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes joins Jess for an incredibly candid conversation on moving from the chaos of fame to living fully in simplicity. The frontman reflects on intense isolation, periods of self-medicating, and how addiction shaped his twenties. Best known for hits like Cupid’s Chokehold and Billionaire , Travie spills the story behind the name Gym Class Heroes and reminisces about icon...

Alec Duckart, the creative force behind Searows , talks creativity, identity, and songwriting. We dive into his latest cinematic album, finding community in the music industry, and the freedom of genre-bending. This episode is a refreshing reminder to take a deep breath & remain present when life feels overwhelming. 🔗 More or Less Links: Follow us on social media by clicking ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here...

In honor of World Mental Health Day, we brought the More or Less community together IRL for a night of honest conversation, music, and connection. Joined by singer-songwriter Rosie, this unforgettable evening featured a live podcast recording, audience Q&A, and a stunning performance. Jess reflects on the past five years of More or Less....the growth, the challenges, and what it truly means to...

Six months into performing, Daya was already playing arenas and winning a GRAMMY - all before she turned 18. She then made the bold choice to pause and rediscover who she was beyond the spotlight. Nine years later, she returns with a new album, Til Every Petal Drops - her deepest project yet. In this episode, Daya opens up about her early success with “Hide Away” and “Don’t Let Me Down,” growing u...

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated Mary Lambert first captured hearts with Macklemore’s “Same Love.” Now, she’s back with her powerful new single “The Tempest” and a full album on the way. Mary opens up about her lifelong journey of healing…from confronting shame and embracing self-compassion to living authentically. She reflects on the activism that shaped her career and the liberating act of produ...

Debbii Dawson was born with music in her DNA... literally, her mother gave birth on tour (Debbii's parents were traveling musicians!) This first-generation singer-songwriter has toured the globe alongside The Beaches, Orville Peck, and Role Model. A gifted lyricist, she finds songwriting inspiration from quiet observers like Emily Dickinson. In this episode, Debbii opens up about growing up with m...

Rachel Grae joins the podcast for a conversation close to home - literally... we both grew up in NJ with dads who love Springsteen. In this episode, we get to know the girl behind the pop music as Rachel shares the quirks that keep her human... her caffeine obsession, doomscrolling, and a shopping addiction. Ahead of her upcoming European tour and new album, she opens up about how songwriting serv...

Fellow Jersey girl, Natalie Jane kicks off Season 7 of the pod ahead of her debut album, The World I Didn’t Want . She opens up about choosing music over college, her love for art, and cultivating more female friendships. Natalie also shares her wellness routines, how she navigates self-doubt, and what it takes to stay authentic while building a career in pop music. This conversation is equally li...

In this episode, Canadian singer-songwriter, Lauren Spencer Smith gets real about the emotional highs and lows behind her new album, The Art of Being a Mess .She opens up about navigating friendship breakups, staying grounded while living in LA, and why she’s choosing more sleep, less sugar, and a whole lot more intention. We also dive into online hate, setting boundaries with social media, and ho...

Grammy-winning artist Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix gets real about identity, creativity, and the heart behind his very first solo album, Dawn of a Misfit . Known for blending classical music with modern storytelling, Kevin opens up about how his Nigerian and Grenadian heritage, fatherhood, and faith shaped the project — and the person he’s becoming. We talk about the pressures of performance, navig...

Newly independent artist vaultboy joins us for a raw, honest conversation about going viral during the height of COVID, navigating mental health, and the emotional complexities of fame. 🎵🧠 We dive into the pressures of fan feedback, how therapy and exercise keep him grounded, and why songwriting remains his most therapeutic outlet. If you’ve ever struggled with self-judgment or online validation...

Singer, songwriter, and producer Ella Vos joins More or Less to share the personal struggles that have shaped her music—from postpartum depression and cancer to divorce and the pressures of motherhood. We dive into her breakout hit “White Noise,” the making of her new album Rosebuds , and how reconnecting with vulnerability became her superpower. Ella also talks about launching Super Glue Records...

Chloe Moriondo joins us to talk about her latest album Oyster , the evolution of her sound, and how discovering her creative voice has been a powerful journey of self-discovery. In this interview, we chat nautical-themed fashion (yes, Chloe’s thrifted looks are just as intentional as her lyrics), our shared love for Paramore, and why supporting mental health in music matters now more than ever. 🔗...

Singer-songwriter Lyn Lapid joins us for a vulnerable convo ahead of her debut album & spring tour. We talk about the highs and lows of touring, moving to a brand new city, and navigating friendships in LA. Lyn opens up about the weird world of social media, her evolving relationship with creativity, and how she’s learning to prioritize both her mental and physical well-being along the way. Th...

The wonderfully witty and talented corook joins us to talk about life on (and off) the road, their debut album Committed to a Bit , and what it’s really like being an artist in today’s digital world. We dive into how they balance public and private life, the importance of saying “no” for mental health, and building meaningful connections with fans—both online and in person. Plus: Pokémon obsession...

We’re back with a new episode! The incredibly talented Livingston joins us to talk about his journey—from growing up in Texas to crafting his unique sound as a self-taught producer and artist.  Livingston opens up about his songwriting process, the emotional impact of performing live, and the importance of genuine fan connections. Livingston also opens up about staying grounded and what’s next for...

New York-based musician Sarah Kinsley stops by the podcast to reflect on grief, spirituality, and finding freedom within music. As she embarks on her headline tour, Sarah opens up about the emotional connection of live performances and the powerful energy exchange with her audience. We dive into Sarah's roots as a classical musician and the journey leading up to this pivotal moment: releasing her...

As the creative force and bandleader behind Sammy Rae & the Friends, Sammy Rae joins Jess for a candid chat about touring, authenticity, and the pressures of today's digital age, from constant content creation to taking a stance on social issues. Don’t miss the chance to experience the Friends' debut album Something for Everybody live as they embark on a seven-week North American tour...

In this season finale, superstar Olivia O'Brien sits down with us as a newly independent artist after years in the major label circuit. Taking control of her narrative, Olivia discusses recent challenges around personal vs. professional life in the realm of social media. In this intimate interview, OIivia candidly reflects on her own insecurities and the inner journey to healing & self-acc...