EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jesse Roper Talks 2023 Highlights, 2024 Plans & More

On-the-rise Americana/alt-country artist Jesse Roper had an impressive 2023 playing live across much of the United States and Europe and as we slowly ease our way into 2024, he is gearing up to hit the road once again with shows in January and February including his Brighton show on January 26th at The Brunswick, Hove promoted by Twenty Music Roots.

Here we chat exclusively with Jesse Roper about his 2023 highlights and 2024 plans:

Hey Jesse, congratulations on a great 2023, what would you say your personal highlight was?

The highlight of 2023 was definitely the European tour I did. It was the first time I’d been over there and it was a real adventure. I put 9000 km on my camper van rental and pretty well played every night. I opened for a guy named Dylan LeBlanc. He and his band treated me like I was part of the headline act. I felt like I was really living the dream! I’m stoked I get to come back again so soon and with my band to boot.

You certainly played a lot of shows over the past twelve months, what’s your favourite part about being on stage?

The energy exchange between the performer and audience is the best part about being on stage. When things are going good I leave the stage feeling as high and energetic as I can be. It’s addictive. I’d do it every night of my life.

How did you wrap 2023?

I wrapped up 2023 by playing for people at a house party I went to. Folks expect it from me and I don’t like to leave them disappointed. It was fun. I got home around 3 am and fed the cat some salmon and toasted myself to a solid end to the year.

You’re kicking off 2024 in style, with several live dates in the diary for January and February, how excited are you about the upcoming gigs?

I’m f*cking stoked! All I ever want is more dates on the calendar! It’s what I live for. If my calendar was filled 2 years in advance I’d be concerned there weren’t enough gigs for the 3rd year.

There’s also a UK show pencilled in for Jan 26 at The Brunswick, how excited are you about that one?

The Brunswick show is going to be excellent.  I feel like I’m at my best right now and I’m really encouraged that my agent brought me back so soon. I’m not going to let him down.  It’s always exciting to hit some new territories.

You’re working with Twenty Music Roots for that event, what’s it been like working with them?

Twenty Music Roots is getting me a pile of interviews and promotions for an area that not many folks have heard of me and I appreciate that a lot.  Shows don’t sell if nobody knows they’re happening.  I’m hoping we can continue to do bigger business.

What can the UK audience expect from your live show?

The UK audience can expect a show that blows their hair back, mellows them out and makes their heads bob. I bring a variety.

Looking ahead, what else does 2024 hold for you?

2024 is going to be a new high-water mark for me. I’ve got 20 songs ready to release and new agents working on new territories. It’s looking like lots of time on the road. I’ll miss my cat but he loves hanging with the neighbours.

Tickets for Jesse Roper’s Brighton show are on sale now.