The energy and the adrenaline in the room escalates as Jessie Frye and her band take the stage. In a break between songs, Frye leans down eye-level with the crowd and looks meaningfully at all the faces. 

“No matter what, I want you to leave here tonight feeling positive and empowered, because life will get better."

And with that, she counts in her next song and the energetic show resumes. 

This is how Frye wants every show to feel, and her recent tour has given her the opportunity to do just that. 

Traveling through El Paso, Albuquerque, and all throughout California the past month has led Frye back to her roots in DFW to finish out the tour. 

Playing for a variety of crowds has given Frye a chance to do what she loves most; connecting with her fans. 

“I personally don’t see enough bands doing that,” she said. “I really love the connectivity of bands like Paramore. You know, you feel like you’re a part of something. I at least want people to feel like ‘Man, I want to hang out with her or I want to take a photo or chat with her’ because that’s how I feel about my favorite bands.” 

Frye is no stranger to the spotlight. She started the Jessie Frye band in 2009 after releasing a small demo of songs and sent it to South by Southwest, who then asked her to play that March. 

Since then, Frye and her band have been traveling and touring the country, spreading pop rock music to anyone who would listen, including former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. She’s also played many shows local to DFW like Oaktopia.  

While her career has brought along success, she’s been faced with many hardships in her personal life. 

“When I lost my dad in 2016, it took so much for me to get back on my feet on a mental health level,” Frye said. “The release of Honey was like, ‘Ok yeah, I’m back on my feet’, but it’s still taken a lot to get back to playing shows all the time.” 

Frye pulls inspiration from overcoming her loss and wants to convey positivity to her fans with her music. 

“Positive thinking is something that my dad always talked to me about,” Frye said. “I think it’s really important to tell other people we all go through really serious stuff that can be devastating or change your life in a negative way, but it’s so important to remember that you’re more valuable than your struggles.” 

As for the future, Frye is collaborating with musical artist Timecop1983 for a new single, and also plans on releasing a dance remix EP of her hit song Honey. 

Catch her final tour date tonight at Three Links in Dallas where she'll perform with Sudie and Clover the Girl. Check the Facebook event for more info.

Photos by Grace Bell
Header image layout designed by Mateo Granados