E525 Jessie Murph
In this episode from This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, singer-songwriter Jessie Murph shares her unconventional path to success through social media platforms like TikTok. She discusses her organic songwriting process, reflecting raw emotions and personal experiences. The episode explores the challenges of young fame, including the strain of touring, online criticism, and the impacts of social media.
Murph also touches on her background growing up in conservative Alabama towns, her interest in nature and hobbies beyond music, and the difficulty of maintaining romantic relationships while on tour. Comedian Theo Von offers his own perspectives on the music industry, touring demands, and peculiar life encounters, complementing Murph's insights into the modern music landscape.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 16, 2024 episode of the This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
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1-Page Summary
Jessie Murph's music career and creative process
Jessie Murph's rise to success through social media and TikTok
Murph, who has been writing songs since age 11, gained popularity by sharing covers and originals on TikTok during COVID-19 lockdowns. Her relatable content struck a chord, and her music career took off. According to Murph, she writes and produces deeply personal songs inspired by her own experiences and emotions.
Murph's creative approach and songwriting
Murph avoids excessive planning, preferring to keep her songwriting process raw and organic. She allows her songs to authentically express her feelings, even if they convey "vengeful" or "angry" perspectives, as noted by comedian Theo Von. Murph acknowledges channeling revenge as a motivating emotion in her music.
Murph's musical collaborations
Murph values collaborating with artists who bring diverse perspectives. She has worked with Teddy Swims on "Dirty," formed a friendly bond with Jelly Roll, and toured with acts like Shaboosie and Matt Schmooster. In her future tours, she intends to collaborate with other performers as openers.
Challenges and experiences of young fame and success
The overwhelming aspects of Murph's rapid rise to fame
Murph feels decision-making for her career can be daunting and induce anxiety. Touring places immense physical and mental strain, as evidenced by her canceling a show due to severe illness.
Navigating online criticism and hate
Murph's collaboration with Co Wetzel exposed her to online hate for the first time, a challenge she is still learning to manage while acknowledging the personal impact of such negativity.
The impact of social media and constant connectivity
While crediting social media for her success, Murph criticizes its propensity to breed emotional disconnection and unhappiness, especially among youth constantly exposed to unrealistic standards.
Personal life stories and relationships
Murph's family and upbringing
Raised in the conservative "Bible Belt" towns of Huntsville and Athens, Alabama, Murph experienced a significant transition moving to Nashville and LA. Her guitarist brother collaborates with her, while her mother assisted with early music business matters.
Murph's dating and romantic relationships
Touring demands make maintaining romantic relationships difficult for Murph, though she does not divulge specifics.
Murph's interests and hobbies outside of music
Murph shows curiosity about activities like shooting ranges and shares a comical story involving a pet crab named Bubbles, hinting at her intrigue with nature.
Theo Von's own interests and experiences
Von's musical tastes and interests
Von is a fan of artists like Red Clay Stray and Jelly Roll. He entertains unconventional aspirations like becoming a country music DJ or Christmas singer under the name "Mystery Jackson."
Von's personal experiences and anecdotes
Von recounts peculiar encounters with police, people using drugs, and expensive hotels. He fondly reminisces about gift-giving and receiving kind gestures from celebrities.
Von's perspectives on the music industry and performance
Von respects the physical and mental tolls of touring. He appreciates the authenticity and emotional resonance Murph brings to her performances.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Murph channels feelings of revenge into her music, using them as a source of inspiration for her songs. This means that she draws on emotions related to seeking retribution or retaliation when creating her music. Revenge serves as a driving force behind some of the themes and messages in her songs. It adds a layer of depth and intensity to her music, reflecting her personal experiences and emotions.
- Murph values collaborating with artists who bring diverse perspectives because it enriches her creative process. Working with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences can bring fresh ideas and unique approaches to her music. This diversity in perspectives can lead to more innovative and authentic collaborations, enhancing the depth and richness of her work.
- Murph's guitarist brother collaborates with her: Jessie Murph's brother, who plays the guitar, works together with her in creating music. This collaboration involves him contributing his musical skills to enhance Jessie's songs and performances. Their partnership allows them to combine their talents and create a cohesive musical experience for their audience. This collaboration strengthens their bond as siblings and musicians.
- Von's anecdotes about encounters with police, people using drugs, and expensive hotels highlight the diverse and sometimes unusual experiences he has had in his life. These stories provide insight into the varied situations and environments he has navigated, adding color to his personal narrative.
- Von's fond reminiscence about gift-giving and receiving kind gestures from celebrities highlights his positive interactions within the industry, showcasing moments of generosity and camaraderie. This suggests that Von has had heartwarming experiences where celebrities have shown him kindness through gifts or gestures, fostering a sense of goodwill and connection in his career.
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Jessie Murph's music career and creative process
Jessie Murph's musical journey from the solitude of her basement to TikTok fame highlights her authentic approach to songwriting and the influences that shape her music.
Jessie Murph's rise to success through social media and TikTok
Jessie Murph initially garnered attention by posting covers and her own songs on TikTok, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which played a pivotal role in her breakout success. She used the time when she was stuck at home to keep posting content, which helped her reach a wider audience.
Murph began posting covers and original songs on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to her breakout success
While she has been writing music since she was around 11, Murph's rise to prominence began when she started sharing her work on TikTok. Her content soon gained traction, and her music career started to take off.
She writes and produces her own music, often drawing from personal experiences and emotions
Describing her entry into songwriting as a response to a breakup, Jessie Murph reveals that her work is deeply personal and often stems from her own experiences and emotions, lending an authenticity to her music that resonates with her audience.
Murph's creative approach and songwriting
Murph's songwriting retains a raw and organic nature, which she insists on keeping free from excessive strategizing.
Murph prefers to keep her creative process organic and authentic, avoiding excessive planning or strategizing
She admits to getting overwhelmed with the strategic aspect of releasing music and prefers a more spontaneous approach. Her songs act as a conduit for expressing genuine feelings, sometimes leading to them being perceived as "vengeful" or "angry." Theo Von acknowledged these "revenge chick vibes," which Murph agreed with, indicating that she often channels revenge as a motivating emotion in her songwriting.
She writes songs that reflect her genuine feelings and perspectives, even if they can be seen as "vengeful" or "angry"
Murph acknowledges that a sense of revenge informs 100% of her music, which captures her true sentiments and outlook at the time of writing.
Murph's musical collaborations
Throughout her emerging ...
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Jessie Murph's music career and creative process
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- TikTok fame has become a significant factor in propelling musicians to success due to its vast user base and algorithm-driven content discovery. Artists like Jessie Murph have leveraged TikTok's platform to showcase their talent, connect with a broader audience, and gain recognition in the music industry. The app's viral nature and ability to turn unknown artists into overnight sensations have reshaped the traditional music promotion landscape, offering a new avenue for artists to build a fan base and launch their careers. TikTok's influence extends beyond just exposure, often leading to record deals, chart success, and mainstream recognition for artists who effectively utilize the platform.
- Jessie Murph's music style can be described as a blend of pop, rock, and singer-songwriter elements. She infuses her songs with raw emotions and personal experiences, creating an authentic and relatable sound for her audience. Murph's music often carries a sense of vulnerability and honesty, resonating with listeners who appreciate heartfelt storytelling in her lyrics.
- Jessie Murph has ...
Actionables
- You can express your emotions through art by creating a visual diary. Use colors, shapes, and textures to represent different feelings each day, mirroring the way Jessie Murph channels emotions into her music. This doesn't require any artistic skill; simply let your mood guide your choice of materials and movements, creating a tangible record of your emotional landscape over time.
- Start a collaborative playlist with friends to explore diverse musical influences. Each person adds songs that resonate with them emotionally or that they feel represent a unique perspective, similar to how Murph appreciates different artists' viewpoints. This can be done on any music streaming service that allows shared playlists, fostering a sense of community and broadening your musical horizons.
- Wri ...
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Challenges and experiences of young fame and success
Adapting to stardom at a young age comes with its unique set of challenges, as young artist Jessie Murph shares her experiences of navigating the highs and lows of rapid fame and success.
The overwhelming aspects of Murph's rapid rise to fame
Murph admits that coping with her newfound fame can be quite taxing and often feels like a daunting task.
Murph feels that decision-making and strategizing for her career can be daunting and anxiety-inducing
Decision-making and strategizing for her burgeoning career appear as particularly stressful points for Murph. She expresses fear and finds it overwhelming when it comes to choices like what song to perform next or with whom to collaborate, pointing out the anxiety-inducing nature of such decisions.
The demands of touring and maintaining her voice and energy can be physically and mentally taxing
Touring takes a toll on her physical and mental health, as Murph speaks about the difficulty of staying healthy while on the road. This was exemplified when she had to cancel a show due to what she describes as "the stomach flu from hell," an experience that left her feeling extremely weak and ill-prepared to perform.
Navigating online criticism and hate
Murph opens up about her encounters with online negativity, especially after her musical collaboration with Co Wetzel.
Murph has received some negative feedback and criticism, particularly around her collaboration with Co Wetzel
After her song collaboration with Co Wetzel garnered significant attention, Murph found herself dealing with hate and criticism for the first time. This negative feedback has been a challenging new experience for her.
She struggles with how to handle and respond to online hate and negativity
Acknowledging her short temper, Murph is in the process of learning how to manage and respond to this negativity. She notes the personal nature of online comments, expressing frustration about people's willingness to say things online that they wouldn't dare to say to her face.
The impact of social media and constant connectivity
While recognizing the important role social media has played in her success, Murph also discusses its consequences on her and her generation.
Murph believes that the pr ...
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Challenges and experiences of young fame and success
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While coping with fame can be daunting, some young artists might find it exhilarating and thrive under the spotlight, using their platform to inspire and enact positive change.
- Decision-making and career strategizing, though stressful, can also be empowering, giving young artists like Murph the opportunity to shape their own paths and learn valuable life skills.
- Touring, despite its challenges, can be a rich source of inspiration and personal growth, offering unique experiences that can inform an artist's work and character.
- Receiving negative feedback is a part of any public career, and some artists use criticism constructively to improve their craft or to connect more deeply with their audience.
- Handling online hate and negativity can be managed through various strategies, such as focusing on positive interactions, engaging with a supportive community, or using it as material for creative expression.
- Social media, while criticized for ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal fame adjustment plan by identifying your core values and setting boundaries that align with them. Start by writing down what matters most to you, such as family time or personal space, and then establish rules for how you'll engage with fans or media to protect these values. For example, decide in advance how often you'll check social media or set specific days for media interactions.
- Develop a decision-making framework to reduce career-related anxiety by using a simple flowchart that outlines your goals and the steps needed to achieve them. This can help you visualize the path forward and make decisions more systematically. For instance, if you're an aspiring musician, your flowchart might include steps like 'write new song', followed by 'get feedback from trusted friend', then 'record demo', and s ...
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Personal life stories and relationships
Jessie Murph shares intimate details about her family dynamics, romantic life, and the unique hobbies that interest her outside her blossoming music career.
Murph's family and upbringing
Jessie Murph's early life was rooted in Huntsville, Alabama, and Athens, Alabama, where she experienced a conservative "Bible Belt" environment. She recalls school dances, particularly the Sadie Hawkins dance, as emblematic of social life during her youth in Athens, which she describes as 'the sticks'—hinting at a rural setting.
Murph grew up in Huntsville, Alabama and Athens, Alabama, which she describes as a conservative and "Bible Belt" environment
Murph's move from Athens to Nashville and then to LA was a significant transition for someone who grew up in a small, conservative town heavily influenced by Bible Belt culture. Despite not explicitly mentioning the impact of this background on her life, the change in locations underscores the shifts she has experienced.
Her brother is a guitarist and collaborates with her on her music
Music is a family affair for Jessie Murph. She grew up playing music with her brother, who is not only obsessed with guitar but also writes music. When her career took off, it was natural for her to have him join her on tour. His presence not only provides musical collaboration but also brings a comforting sense of home to life on the road.
Jessie also shares details about her family life, including how her mother was instrumental in helping her handle early music business emails due to Jessie's young age. Her mother's job at a family-owned transmission shop showcases a blue-collar, entrepreneurial spirit within her family. Jessie subtly deflects when Theo hints at her father's role, preferring to shine the light on her mother's contributions to the family business.
Murph's dating and romantic relationships
Jessie admits that the demanding nature of her career and the busyness of touring can be obstacles to maintaining romantic relationships. Altho ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Personal life stories and relationships
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your roots by creating a visual timeline of your life's significant locations, noting how each place has shaped your values and perspectives. Start by jotting down the places you've lived or spent a considerable amount of time in, then reflect on the cultural and social norms of each area and how they've influenced you. For instance, if you grew up in a small town but moved to a big city, consider the differences in community engagement and how that's affected your communication style or openness to new experiences.
- Collaborate with a family member on a creative project to strengthen bonds and explore shared talents. Choose an activity that aligns with both of your interests, such as writing a short story together if you both enjoy literature, or painting a mural if you share an appreciation for art. This not only fosters a deeper connection but also allows you to discover new facets of each other's abilities and preferences.
- Embrace a new hobby that aligns with yo ...
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Theo Von's own interests and experiences
Theo Von shares his unique slice of life, including his musical tastes, personal anecdotes, and humorous perspectives on everyday situations and the music industry.
Von's musical tastes and interests
Theo Von expresses his interest in music through various interactions and aspirations related to the industry.
Von is a fan of various artists, including Red Clay Stray and Jelly Roll
Theo mentions listening frequently to Red Clay Stray, noting their exceptional talent. He places them in high regard, comparable to bands like the Beatles and Aerosmith, and enjoys playing their song when he's exiting the stage. He also engages in a conversation with Jessie Murph about a song from Suicide Boys that he enjoys, indicating his interest in the musical group.
He is intrigued by the idea of becoming a country music DJ or a Christmas singer
Theo is intrigued by the idea of carving out a unique niche for himself as a country music DJ. Additionally, he toys with the idea of indulging in a very specific focus on becoming a Christmas singer, potentially under the playful stage name "Mystery Jackson," a pun on "Mistletoe."
Von's personal experiences and anecdotes
Theo offers insights into his life through stories of romance, humor, and the occasional brush with the unexpected.
Von has had some unusual encounters with the police and with people using drugs
Theo recounts spending time with his mother at the Looking Glass Salon and feeling like it was a harbinger of future success. He humorously reflects on the absurdity of dolphin-assisted births and comments on the peculiar nature of Los Angeles residents. Additionally, he jokes about an attempt to invite a singer out, only to find she was unable to attend because she was pregnant.
He has also had experiences with expensive hotel stays and feeling uncomfortable in those settings
Theo shares memories like buying gifts from Bath and Body Works for his first girlfriend or receiving a kind note from actor Bob Odenkirk. He also mentions attending a venue after Odenkirk and receiving his first piece of art—a depiction ...
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Theo Von's own interests and experiences
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Red Clay Stray is a fictional band mentioned in the text. They are portrayed as exceptionally talented, with Theo Von comparing them to iconic bands like the Beatles and Aerosmith. Jelly Roll is a real-life artist known for his work in hip-hop and country rap music. Theo Von's interest in these artists showcases his diverse musical tastes and influences.
- The Suicideboys, stylized as $UICIDEBOY$, are an American hip hop duo from New Orleans, Louisiana, formed in 2014 by cousins Scrim and Ruby da Cherry. They gained popularity on SoundCloud for their abrasive beats and lyrics focusing on themes like substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. The duo operates their own label, G*59 Records, and have released music that resonates with the underground rap scene. Their debut studio album, "I Want to Die in New Orleans," was well-received commercially, marking a significant milestone in their career.
- Jessie Murph is an American singer and songwriter known for her music career. She gained recognition for her work, including collaborations with artists like Diplo and Polo G. Her songs have charted on various music charts, showcasing her growing success in the industry.
- Los Angeles residents are individuals living in the city of Los Angeles, which is known for its diverse population and unique cultural characteristics. The reference to Los Angeles residents in the text may imply observations or interactions Theo Von has had with people from this city, showcasing his perspective on their behaviors or attitudes. Los Angeles residents may exhibit certain traits or quirks that Theo Von finds noteworthy or amusing based on his experiences and encounters with them.
- Bob Odenkirk is an American actor, comedian, and producer known for his ro ...
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