Stopping by to catch up with CJ from Audacy’s CHANNEL Q, Jess Gylnne chatted all about her upcoming album Jess, set to drop April 26, her 5 year hiatus, how therapy saved her life, and more.

LISTEN NOW: Jess Glynne Stops by CHANNEL Q

Her first new music in five years, Jess explained why she felt she needed to take a step back from the industry, “I took time for myself and I I took a break from being Jess Glynne,” the singer shared. “Then I like started to get back in the studio, and then it was like a bit of a journey what I went through with my team, and with personal stuff and relationships… I think just me taking a moment, especially away from socials and away from like just the industry… it just allowed me to gain a different perspective.”

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Taking a “step back” also helped Jess go back into music making “with a very open mind.” Along with “being in therapy and working on myself,” which has in turn led to “just kind of like establishing a new confidence in myself.”

“I think going into the studio I’ve just been a bit more open and more and honest, and just kind of wanted to make great music and great records that speak volumes and makes me feel something, which makes other people feel something, so songs that people can relate to."

While Jess has had personal gains and growths, when it comes to her sound, “it’s Jess Glynne.” The singer assured, “I haven’t gone into this album,” trying to change to much of who she is sound wise. “I’m a Pop girl through and through… those are my records so it’s like, I’m not gonna just like reinvent myself.”

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That being said, “I mean but obviously I have evolved as a person and as a woman,” she added. “Years have gone on, like it’s five years since I released an album, so it’s like I’ve changed and I feel like I’m definitely in a different place in my life which means my music obviously gonna follow that.”

Curious about how therapy played a part in being more than just a catalyst to Jess’ musical reinvigoration, CJ asked if the saying “therapy changes lives,” applied to her.

“It’s definitely saved my life, a bit, just because I went through something super tragic and I needed the support and I think that for me was super super important. I didn’t know how important, until like even you know now, and I look back at where I was and where I am now. It’s like, it really has saved me and it’s taught me a lot and it’s like it’s a journey that you have to be prepared to want to go on.”

“I think it’s like each to their own, like if it’s not something that you feel you need, or you want, or like you believe in… you’re entitled to that… At the same time, I do think it’s important you know, especially like in this industry, with the pressures… there’s so much that comes with it. I do think its important to have an incredible support and find ways that you can handle that stuff within yourself as well, and that’s what it’s taught me. So from that perspective like I think it is an incredible thing."

Jess also talked about her journey to “living that true, authentic version of myself,” as well as how performing this latest album will be a cathartic experience that she’s “actually really excited” to do. “I guess it is gonna be very therapeutic and very kind of overwhelming and like exciting. And like I’m sure it’s gonna feel like numerous things, but ultimately it’s like this is a very storytelling album. It’s a very kind of heart and sleeve and just real raw, but it’s me.”

To hear the entire conversation, listen to the interview above.

Words by Maia Kedem Interview by CJ