Jessica Carter Altman is a prominent singer in the contemporary music scene, renowned for her powerful voice and ability to convey deep emotions through her performances. Her unique style blends elements that create a rich and immersive listening experience.

“Aftermath,” her most recent release, showcases Jessica at her finest, delivering a provocative pop song with a clever arrangement and a memorable chorus. Her performance reflects a quest for truth and stability after turmoil with the track's uneasy, mysterious, and seductive elements, including evocative rim shots, ghostly backing vocals, and a probing bass line.

Produced by Grammy winner Jason Lehning “Aftermath” features a tasteful synthesizer and a full string section. Lehning's balanced production creates a perfect sonic environment for Jessica Carter Altman’s haunting storytelling to shine.

In this interview, you will discover the artist behind the melodies and explore her journey through music.

You have just released your debut album, “Aftermath,” in which you include songs with deep lyrics, a bit of melancholy, and in which your voice shines and takes the center of attention. Tell us how you feel about it.

I am so excited to finally have it out in the world! This album is filled with some of the happiest and saddest moments of the last few years and it feels so special to be able to finally share these stories.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind “Aftermath” and how it continues the narrative from your previous releases?

When I started writing this album, I was trying to figure out how to best capture this chapter in my life. I started writing this album after a difficult time. I realized that in the wake of some kind of profound change or trauma, life continues. And we get to decide: surrender or rebuild.

My previous releases explored those early stages when you’re just coming out of the haze of disaster. This album explores all the highs and lows that come in the aftermath.

Would you say that the songs in this album are connected to each other, or rather are they themes that tell different stories?

They are all different chapters in the same story.

Did you work with other artists for this album? If so, how was the experience? How have they influenced your sound on this new album?

I worked with my producer and co-writer Jason Lehning and two incredible writers, Latifah Alattas and Palmer Lee. I was inspired by artists in creating the sound on my new album and using it as inspiration to create a little magic.

Let’s talk about the songs in this album. Since your single, "Pieces," you've broadened your sonic palette. Can you share with us the evolution of your sound and what listeners can expect from your new material?

We experimented quite a bit on this album and really focused on how to create the best treatment for each song. My EP “For You” was mostly softer acoustic treatments and “Aftermath” has really started to push the boundaries into the pop universe.

We got “Bad Energy.” You said you wrote this song “as a message to those toxic people and, hopefully, as a reminder that we all deserve better.” So, the idea of this song came up spontaneously or was there any specific situation that made you write it?

I have always had a tendency to be a people pleaser. It was always difficult for me to build up the courage to prioritize myself and my own happiness. A few years ago I started to take up a little more space for myself and there were a few people in my life who had issues with that. It was then that I realized that the only people who have an issue with you having boundaries are those who benefit from you not having any.

You mentioned that you had a visual of Bonnie and Clyde when writing “Smoke,” tell us the story behind this and how you chose this to be the focus track.

There is a famous Hunter S. Thompson quote: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke … loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a ride!’”

I loved the idea of going up in a cloud of smoke. Rather than endure whatever is going on, sometimes it is better to light a match and run out the door - take off in a cloud of smoke.

“Fake It” for example, seems to be a song about lies and maybe pretending to be something you're not. But what is the story behind it?

‘Fake It’ is one of my favorite songs on the album, in part, because it was inspired by the title of a class at the University of Michigan Law School.

My Property Professor taught a class called ‘Faking It.’ The class explores the circumstances where we are not completely immersed in the roles we are playing - often finding ourselves acting and worrying we might blow our cover. The general principles always seemed to convey that people are afraid of being their authentic selves and often stray from their dreams due to fear of failure.

I have always struggled with imposter syndrome and for the longest time, it was something I tried to hide. When I finally told someone about that insecurity, I felt free. I discovered that so many people struggle with similar feelings. I wanted to set us all free with that song and bring light to that deep dark secret. It is okay to feel like an imposter sometimes - we all do.

“London Fog” is a very nostalgic song that is very easy to identify with because it summons many feelings that perhaps many of us have felt. What is happening in this girl's life?

I wanted to keep the specific circumstances vague. We don’t know what is going on in her life, just that she is struggling with a major decision. Every time I perform this song, I have a different story I tell myself about what this girl is going through. But whatever it is, the indecision is torturing her.

I would be very curious to hear what stories other people are giving her.

This album is a testament that your music often feels like a heartfelt conversation with your audience. What is your technique to create this intimate connection, and what do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I am always writing down whatever I am seeing or feeling at a given moment. Before I sit down to write a song, I go through these notes and see what is inspiring to me. Whenever I write with others, I will bring up some topics from the notes and we have conversations about whatever the topic is: imposter syndrome; falling in love; loss; etc.

I try to be as authentic as possible in what I create to allow for connection with my audience. I hope my listeners feel seen in the music and lyrics.

You've been featured in prominent media outlets and playlists, including People magazine and Apple Music's "Breaking Singer-Songwriter." How does recognition on such platforms impact your journey as an artist?

It is always an unbelievable honor to be recognized on those platforms. But I try not to chase those forms of recognition or validation. I think I am at my best when I am being authentically myself and I would have a hard time doing that if I were solely focused on receiving accolades for validation. That being said, it is always a nice surprise when it happens.

Do you have any life mantras you want to share with us?

I love little sayings and mantras. I grew up in a family that had a quote or saying for everything. Several years ago, my dad and I sat down to make a family photo album that would incorporate all of these sayings.

One I’ve always loved is: “Live for today - but remember there are a lot of tomorrows.”

Reveal to us what you are manifesting in the universe these days.

I have always been a bit of a dreamer. Right now, I am manifesting my dreams coming true.

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Exclusive Interview with Jessica Carter Altman on Her Latest Album “Aftermath”

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