There’s something undeniably cinematic about Jessica Carter Altman’s world — the light, the texture, the emotion. With her latest single, “Trick of the Light,” the New York–based artist once again merges elegance and vulnerability into a sonic landscape that feels both timeless and modern. Out October 17th, the track radiates with the luminous warmth of love’s glow, blurring the line between fantasy and truth.
Written alongside Latifah Alattas and Grammy-winning engineer Jason Lehning, “Trick of the Light” shimmers with lush production and Altman’s trademark soulful vocals. What began as a reflection on the dangers of romantic idealism soon transformed into a celebration of it.
“At first, I thought the song was about ignoring red flags when you’re in love,” Altman shares. “But as I kept writing, I realized the lens itself isn’t the problem. Love is supposed to feel dreamy, glowing, and a little surreal. It only becomes dangerous when the person you’re seeing through that light isn’t deserving of it.”
That delicate balance — between reverie and reality — lies at the heart of Altman’s artistry. “Trick of the Light” captures the rare alchemy of emotional honesty wrapped in cinematic storytelling, where every note feels suspended in a dream. It’s no surprise the song is already receiving early support from SiriusXM’s Velvet channel, signaling strong momentum ahead of release.
Fans can pre-save “Trick of the Light” now and immerse themselves in Altman’s lush new era.
Fresh off her feature in SPIN’s “The Next Big Names in Music: 2025’s Top Emerging Artists,” Altman continues to ascend as one of the most multifaceted voices of her generation — bridging the worlds of music and fashion with grace, intelligence, and undeniable charisma.
A Voice and Vision All Her Own
Altman’s journey has been one of reinvention and steady ascent. In 2024, she released her acclaimed debut album Aftermath, toured alongside BBMAK and Tyler Hilton, and later reunited with both acts for an encore run in 2025. Her commanding stage presence and heartfelt songwriting have drawn comparisons to classic singer-songwriters while firmly positioning her in today’s modern pop narrative.
She’s opened for O-Town, performed live with Wheatus, and graced major stages including iHeart’s Dunkin’ Music Lounge in NYC, alongside national TV appearances on The Tamron Hall Show and regional performances across North America.
Her artistry extends beyond music — she’s become a fixture at Paris Couture Week, attending shows by Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Schiaparelli, Stéphane Rolland, and Giorgio Armani Privé, blending her effortlessly chic aesthetic with her evocative sound.
Recognized by outlets including People Magazine, Forbes, Entertainment Tonight, Flaunt, LadyGunn, and Grazia, Altman’s evolution embodies both creative depth and cultural resonance.
With “Trick of the Light,” Jessica Carter Altman continues to illuminate her path with sincerity and style — proving that sometimes, the glow isn’t an illusion at all.
You’ve been described as an emerging artist with a powerful story. Can you share more about the journey that led you to pursue music and songwriting?
JCA: I spent a long time pushing down the dream of being a singer-songwriter – it felt safer to follow a more traditional path. But when I finally started performing again during law school, something in me shifted. There was no really going back after that
I’ve always loved live music, but for a while, it was almost painful to watch. Seeing other people brave enough to chase their dreams made me realize how much I was holding myself back. So I decided to make a change—and I’ve never been happier.
Your debut album, *Aftermath*, received great recognition. How did the process of creating “Aftermath” shape the artist you are today, and how has that album influenced the direction of your music going forward?
JCA: Aftermath was my way of processing a period of change, loss, and self-discovery. Writing it felt like letting the dust settle after a storm – it helped me find my voice as a singer, a writer, and a performer.
With that chapter behind me, I feel ready to take more risks—to push the boundaries sonically, emotionally, and lyrically,
On April 25th you released your single “Mirror Mirror” via Symphonic. “Mirror Mirror,” dives into themes of self-image and the illusions we create to shield ourselves from the truth. What inspired you to explore these themes, and how do they relate to your personal experiences?
JCA: Mirror Mirror was inspired by a conversation about perception—how we present ourselves to the world versus what’s really going on underneath. It’s about the tension between appearance and truth, and how easy it is to become your own worst enemy.
Can you tell us a bit about the production process behind the track and what fans can expect from it sonically and emotionally?
JCA: The production process for Mirror Mirror was a little different from how I’ve worked in the past. I had a demo from my writing session with Jason Lehning and Latifah Alattas, and when we got to the studio, we started collaborating with Ruslan Odnoralov to build out the electronic foundation of the track. Once that core was in place, we brought in Juan Solorzano and Billy Justineau to layer in additional textures and depth—it made for a really creative, fun week in the studio.
Sonically, Mirror Mirror leans into a soft-pop sound with more electronic elements than I’ve explored before. It still feels intimate, but there’s a subtle edge and atmosphere that gives it a new kind of emotional weight.
Jessica, your new single ‘Trick of the Light’ is dropping on October 17th, what can listeners expect to feel and hear when they press play?
JCA: Trick of the Light is about how love can shift the way you see things. At first, I thought it was about the danger of rose-colored lenses—how they can make you overlook red flags—but as I kept writing, I realized the lens itself isn’t the problem. Love is meant to feel dreamy and a little surreal. It’s only dangerous when the person you’re seeing through that light isn’t worthy of it.
Sonically, it’s lush and cinematic. I want listeners to feel both the magic and the power of that glow—the beauty of seeing someone in that golden light, even if it’s fleeting.
You’ve been touring with Tyler Hilton and recently wrapped shows with BBMAK. What has it been like sharing the stage with these artists, and how has touring influenced your own performances?
JCA: Touring has been the best teacher. It’s shown me not just how to put on a show, but which songs really connect and why. It’s helped me understand what moments matter most— how to make them count and give the audience a night to remember.
As an artist with such a deep perspective on identity and legacy, what does “legacy” mean to you personally, and how do you want your music to contribute to that story?
JCA: To me, legacy is about growth, vulnerability, and the courage to evolve. As an artist I hope my work reflects that journey—that it shows you can be multidimensional and still be taken seriously. Being both introspective and bold, soft and strong, is powerful. That’s the kind of legacy I hope to leave behind.
Many of your songs explore complex emotions and introspective themes. How do you approach the vulnerability of putting such personal experiences into your music, and how do you hope your audience connects with those emotions?
JCA: I think there’s a real strength in vulnerability. When you write, you’re offering up pieces of yourself and trusting the world with them. I write about fear, heartbreak, and insecurity – things we all feel but don’t always say out loud. If sharing those moments makes even one person feel a little less alone, then I’ve done my job.
You’ve been described as an incredible conversationalist with a unique perspective. How do your interactions with others—whether on the road, in interviews, or in everyday life—inform your songwriting process?
JCA: I base a lot of my songs on conversations – what was said, and sometimes what wasn’t. It’s usually less about the exact words and more about how someone made me feel. I really believe the best songs come from lived moments – the ones that leave an emotional imprint and stay with you long after.
As a songwriter, what’s your process like when it comes to translating raw emotions into lyrics that resonate universally? Are there specific moments or techniques that you rely on to connect with your audience?
JCA: There are definitely techniques I turn to, but it really depends on when inspiration strikes. A lot of my favorite ideas come to me when I’m outside walking. When something hits, I try to capture it right away—whether it’s a melody, a title, a lyric, or sometimes almost a full song. It really just depends on the moment.
I love bringing those ideas into a writing session and seeing how the feeling I’m trying to describe connects with other people’s experiences. I always want my music to resonate on a personal level—to take something I’ve felt deeply and translate it in a way that lets listeners see themselves in the song, to step into that emotional world.
Looking ahead, how do you see your music evolving in the next few years? Are there any particular themes, sounds, or collaborations you’re excited to explore in future projects?
JCA: I actually just finished two weeks in the studio at Restoration Sound in Brooklyn. It’s my first time recording in New York, and I’ve been collaborating with a lot of new people, which has been really inspiring.
I think the themes and sounds will always evolve, but I want the heart of my music to stay the same – honest, lived experiences translated into songs and shared with people.
