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Despite being born into a musical family and growing up with a famous dad, Jessie Clegg has not hung onto his father’s coattails. He is the poster boy for brooding good looks, and of course rock ‘n roll. We caught up with him after his recent Lowveld gig and asked him some of our favourite questions from the Straight Shooter list.
Did you always want to be a musician?
I grew up in the music industry and was exposed to the highs and lows of being an artist. Initially I was hesitant about going into music because of all the unglamorous elements that an artist has to face and the difficulties of constantly travelling. But when I started playing and writing music, my passion for music outweighed these concerns and I knew I wanted to take on this challenge. What else would you be doing?
I have a BA Law degree and Honours in English Literature so I would either be in academia or in law.
Tell us about your new single Sinking?
Sinking is about someone experiencing doubt in his or her life. We all encounter moments where our beliefs are challenged and we have to make a choice about whether we are going to grow and learn from this challenge or fall
into denial. The song is about someone facing that choice.
Best compliment you’ve ever received?
Whenever someone comes up to me and tells me that
my music has meant something to them. It’s a deeply rewarding compliment and makes me feel that I am doing something important.
Five people (dead or alive) you’d invite to a dinner party?
Christopher Hitchens, Wes Anderson, Charles Darwin, Thom Yorke and Joseph Conrad.
Something you’ve tried that you’ll never try again?
In Germany I unwittingly ate a blood sausage. It’s a delicacy there, but I wouldn’t recommend it!
What’s your favourite love song?
Starlings by Elbow
What would your funeral song be?
Mercy Street by Peter Gabriel
What item would you save from a burning house? My guitar.
Best band of all time?
That’s a tough one. Three favourites are Radiohead, The Beatles and James Blake.
Favourite curse word?
8 | LOWVELD LIVING
shooting
Poker, cocktails and music... Meet Jesse Clegg
Words Nicky Manson
straight