I’m so sorry to myself for justifying a narcissistic hell…
JESSIA has a penchant for creating relatable, stinging tracks about heartache. Her newest single, “Care About Me,” is no different. The Canadian pop singer might have a sugar-rush sound, but her lyrics and vocals are all pain and soul.
“Care About Me” is all about the quick unraveling of a relationship: “Rip my heart from my chest/and I’ll still apologize for making a mess” is probably the mantra of every survivor of a toxic, narcissistic relationship ever known (actually, JESSIA throws a line in there about that too, “I’m so sorry to myself for justifying a narcissistic hell”—preach).
“I knew it was a special song as soon as I wrote it,” says JESSIA, “But I didn’t know if anyone would relate.”
JESSIA began teasing the single to fans on social media, and the response was overwhelming, probably because everyone has experienced a toxic, narcissistic relationship once or twice (I certainly have). But it’s not just that “Care About Me” is relatable; it’s JESSIA’s delivery of the song. “Care About Me” is chilling because of its subject matter, it’s like taking a bite out of a very bittersweet fruit. Her voice is a pulsing heart, mended through the thousands of broken hearts of her fans, whose, in turn, have also been mended. JESSIA’s soulful approach brings “Care About Me” to life in a way that rallies listeners together to collectively heal. The true power of music.
Artists often pull from personal experience to utilize and understand their emotions. It’s the natural, human way in the pursuit of growth and creativity. However, there is danger in that kind of public display of intimacy, (just look at Taylor Swift and how people hate her because she “writes about her exes…um, yeah, that’s every musician ever). And sure, JESSIA was terrified to share “Care About Me” (probably because the subject matter is a narcissist, and they LOVE to retaliate), but those fears were dashed when her comment sections were flooded with personal stories of fans relating their loneliness and complete invisibility within their relationships. As a result, “Care About Me” has become a haven for JESSIA’s community, one that she can be proud of.
What’s most intriguing about JESSIA’S “Care About Me” is that it has fostered a community. Music binds and reaches out from personal experiences to capture and enrapture the experiences of others, joining together in the collective good that makes listeners loyal to the artist.
What I’m trying to say is that is what makes the artist, not just writing a catchy song about a toxic ex. JESSIA is talented, yes, but is made all the more invincible with her ever loyal fan base. She knows that too. Her voice becomes the voice of others who don’t have the platform to express themselves. When JESSIA sings, when she shares her voice, she creates a place for her fans to frolic in safety.
Welcome JESSIA. We care about you.
*For more JESSIA, follow her on Instagram.
** Cover photo courtesy of Tallulah PR+Management