Raised in Corsicana, Texas on a steady diet of gospel, it didn’t take long for Jalesa Jessie, aka Chief Cleopatra, to veer off the beaten path thanks to a serendipitous viewing of the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” video at the impressionable age of eight.
From that point on there was no looking back for the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter as she built a foundation of soul, funk, pop and hip-hop influences ranging from fellow gospel devotee Aretha Franklin to galactic partygoers Parliament-Funkadelic to the grimy rap of Wu-Tang Clan.
Cleopatra’s new sonic direction echoes fellow pop experimenters Blood Orange and Thundercat, with the playful instrumentation framing the sultry, soulful, and subtly-powerful style she showcased on her 2020 Chief Cleopatra EP.
Her new EP ‘Luna’ (out March 4 on Park The Van) will find Cleo delving deeper into those psychedelic soul roots and more experimental instrumentation, with featured production by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Walker Lukens and performances by Curtis Roush and Jack O’Brien (The Bright Light Social Hour).
Cleopatra’s new single “Fortuity” is a timeless love song. “I love this song because anyone can imagine this chance encounter with someone who takes your breath away,” explains Cleopatra. “The song has a magic to it that the listener can believe in.” Cleopatra answers our questions about her latest single in the interview below
What makes this song special in your opinion?
It allows people to idealize love, the same way a romantic film or play does.
What inspired this track?
The track was inspired by Doo Wop and Love! And I may have been watching “A Bronx Tale” at the time of writing this song.
What are some of the core messages here?
The core message for me here is the excitement and magic of love.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?
I think the most important aspect right now in my life is getting my music out there on a bigger scale. Getting more people knowing about Chief Cleopatra.
How do you think tik tok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?
Oh tik tok and social media are an artist’s best friend, especially if you have endless amounts of content to put out.
Good content, along with good music, is the way to success these days.
What excites you about your life?
I’m excited just to be here breathing and pursuing my dream. I feel super blessed right now.
What are some of your core values as a human being?
Empathy, compassion, respect, and kindness.
