---
title: "Jessmin: Why Ditching Traditional Radio Targets Ignited My Independent Music Growth"
url: "https://authoritymag.co/articles/jessmin-why-ditching-traditional-radio-targets-ignited-my-independent-music-growth"
publisher: "Authority Magazine"
author: "Martita Mestey"
authorUrl: "https://authoritymag.co/authors/martita-mestey"
interviewee: "Jessmin"
category: "Pop Culture"
datePublished: "2026-11-12T14:16:01.611Z"
dateModified: "2026-11-12T17:03:26.748Z"
tags: "Pop Culture"
---

# Jessmin: Why Ditching Traditional Radio Targets Ignited My Independent Music Growth

*Pop artist Jessmin discusses her journey from the Wisseloord Academy to releasing her debut EP Hyperfixated, and why shifting away from traditional metrics drove her success.*

> I realized that I didn’t need to depend on radio airplay or getting placed on major editorial playlists like New Music Friday to build an audience.

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As*a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the pleasure to interview Jessmin.*

*Jessica Mougin, professionally known as Jessmin, is a pop artist known for combining modern pop music with an honest and personal approach to performance. Moving between energetic live-driven songs and more intimate moments, she brings a strong sense of emotion and connection to both her recordings and live shows showing a distinct affection for poprock-inspired pop music. Her sound combines catchy pop melodies with rock guitars, emotional lyrics, and a rebellious attitude. Born in Audincourt (France) and raised in Alphen aan den Rijn (The Netherlands), Jessmin started performing from a young age. Her time at the Wisseloord Academy helped shape her artistic direction and stage presence, while also allowing her to develop her own sound and identity as an artist. As a performer, Jessmin balances confidence and vulnerability in her music. Her songs range from upbeat pop tracks with live energy to more stripped-back performances that place the emotion and storytelling at the centre. This contrast has become an important part of her artistic identity.*

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T**hank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?**

I was born in Audincourt (France) and when I was four years old we moved to the Netherlands. I spent most of my childhood growing up with my parents and younger sister. During my teenage years, my family and I moved to Paris for a while. After returning to the Netherlands, I finished high school. Music was always a part of my life growing up. I was heavily inspired by the pop and pop-rock music of the 2000s, especially artists like Avril Lavigne and Hilary Duff. I participated in lots of local talent competitions from a young age, which eventually led to my participation in X Factor when I was fifteen.

**Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?**

From a young age, I knew that music was something I wanted to pursue. I loved being on stage and performing, and taking part in talent competitions only made that feeling stronger. My experience on X Factor was an important moment for me, because it gave me a taste of what the music industry could be like. As I got older and finished the Music School PACT in Amsterdam, I realized that I didn’t just want to sing other people’s songs. I wanted to write my own music, tell my own stories, and develop my own sound. That eventually led me to the Wisseloord Academy, where I had the opportunity to develop my songwriting skills and work with other talented musicians, songwriters, and producers. Over time, I found my own direction in pop-rock, combining the guitar-driven music I grew up loving with modern pop influences. Being able to create something from my own experiences and then perform those songs live with my band is what makes me love doing this so much.

**Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?**

One of the most exciting experiences I’ve had was shortly after signing my publishing deal. I got the opportunity to travel to the United States and combine a holiday with songwriting sessions with lots of different writers and producers. One of the highlights was getting to write with Chad from Carolina Liar, who has also worked with artists like Martin Garrix. It was such a cool experience to work with someone who has achieved so much in the music industry. What really stood out to me was how down-to-earth and approachable he was, despite all his success. We were just two people in a room making music together, and that was something I really loved about the experience. It made me realize that no matter how successful someone becomes, at the end of the day, it’s still about connecting through music and creating something together.

**It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?**

One thing I can laugh about now is my early experiences with wired in-ear monitors during live shows. I remember getting tangled up in cables, almost tripping over them, and accidentally unplugging things in the middle of a performance. Suddenly, I couldn’t hear my cues anymore, which is not what you want when you’re on stage! At the time, it was stressful, but looking back, we can all have a good laugh about it. It also taught me something important about performing live. You need to feel comfortable and confident on stage, without constantly worrying about technical things going wrong. Since then, I’ve become much more practical about my live setup. I’ve switched to wireless in-ear monitors, which gives me the freedom to move around and focus completely on my performance, connecting with the audience, and enjoying the moment with my band.

**What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?**

There are so many exciting things happening right now! I recently released my debut EP, Hyperfixated, on October 2nd, which is a huge milestone for me. It brings together five songs that represent where I am as an artist right now, combining the pop-rock influences I grew up with and my own personal experiences. At the same time, I’m already preparing my new music for 2027. Most of the songs are already finished, and we’re currently working on the final details and getting everything ready for release. I’m really excited about these new tracks and can’t wait for everyone to hear them. I love being involved in the entire creative process, from songwriting to production, and it’s exciting to see how my sound continues to develop. Live performances are also a big focus for me. I’m getting more opportunities to play bigger shows, including supporting the Dutch pop-punk band Call It Off. Performing live with my band is something I absolutely love, and I’m excited to keep growing on that side of my career. We’re also currently planning several multi-day songwriting sessions to create lots of new music. One of my next big goals is to release a full-length album. Alongside playing more and bigger live shows, that’s something I’m really looking forward to working towards. I feel like there’s still so much music I want to make and so many stories I want to tell!

**As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?**

I think one of the biggest challenges as an independent artist is getting your music heard. There is so much music being released every single day, and sometimes it can be difficult to stand out. When I first started releasing my own music, I was really focused on getting support from local and national radio stations in my home country, the Netherlands. I thought that was one of the most important things you needed to grow as an artist. But over time, and after learning more about how the radio industry works, I started to look at things differently. I realized that I didn’t need to depend on radio airplay or getting placed on major editorial playlists like New Music Friday to build an audience. Of course, those things are amazing when they happen, and they can give you a real boost, but they aren’t the (only) way forward. Instead, I started focusing on what I could influence myself: making music I love, releasing it consistently, reaching new listeners, connecting with fans, and playing live shows. That change in mindset has made such a difference for me. I’m now reaching more and more people with my music, and some of the messages and comments I receive from listeners are honestly incredible. Seeing Spotify’s algorithm gradually connect my songs with people who genuinely enjoy them is really encouraging. It reminds me that music can find its audience in different ways, even without traditional industry support. And the funny thing is, along the way, Spotify has also started noticing my music and supporting my releases through their editorial playlists, which I’m incredibly grateful for! I’ve learned to take the pressure off every release. Not every song needs to land on a major playlist or get radio airplay to be successful. Those things are wonderful additions when they happen, but my main focus is creating music, reaching people who connect with it, and performing live. That’s what keeps me motivated. Knowing that every release, every show, and every new fan is another step forward. I’m learning to enjoy the journey instead of constantly worrying about the next big milestone.

**We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?**

Although my own experience is mainly in music, I think diversity is incredibly important across the entire entertainment industry, including film and television. First, I think it’s important for people to recognize themselves in the stories they see and hear. Everyone comes from a different background and has their own experiences, and being able to relate to someone on screen or through music can make people feel understood and represented. Second, diversity brings different perspectives and creativity. When people from different cultures and backgrounds come together, they bring new ideas, experiences, and ways of telling stories. I think that makes entertainment much more interesting and helps us understand each other better. And third, representation can inspire the next generation. Seeing someone with a similar background achieving their dreams can give others the confidence to follow their own ambitions, even if their path isn’t the most obvious one. Having grown up with both French and Dutch influences, I appreciate how different cultures can shape who you are. I believe entertainment has the power to bring people together, break down barriers, and remind us that despite our differences, we often share the same emotions and experiences.

**What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.**

**1. You don’t need the industry’s permission to succeed.**

When I first started releasing my own music, I thought getting played on national radio or landing on major editorial playlists was essential to building a career. I spent a lot of time focusing on those opportunities, especially in my home country, the Netherlands. Over time, I realized that there are so many other ways to reach people. Through releasing music consistently, connecting with listeners, and platforms like Spotify, I’ve been able to grow my audience without depending entirely on traditional industry support. And ironically, that support has started coming along the way! I wish someone had told me earlier that you don’t have to wait for someone in the industry to give you permission to move forward.

**2. Surround yourself with people who genuinely believe in you.**

I’ve learned how important it is to have the right people around you. Not just people who are talented at what they do, but people who genuinely believe in you and understand what you’re trying to create. I’m lucky to work with songwriters, producers and band members who share my passion for music. You don’t need the biggest team in the world. You need people who care about what you’re building together.

**3. Being an artist also means becoming a part-time content creator.**

I honestly wish someone had told me how much time goes into social media and creating content! When you dream about becoming a musician, you imagine writing songs, spending time in the studio, and performing on stage. You don’t necessarily imagine how much time you’ll spend thinking about Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and what to post next. I’ve learned that creating music is only one part of being an independent artist. You also need to find ways to share that music and connect with people online. Sometimes it really does feel like having a second job! I’m still figuring out what works best for me, but I’ve learned that content doesn’t always have to be perfect or overly complicated. Sometimes just being yourself and sharing what you’re passionate about is enough.

**4. Finding your own sound takes time, and it’s okay to change direction.**

I think a lot of young artists feel pressured to know exactly who they are musically from the beginning. But finding your own sound is a process, and I wish I’d understood earlier that it’s completely normal to experiment with different styles and genres. My own musical journey has been a process of discovering what feels right for me. Over time, I’ve found my direction in pop-rock, combining the guitar-driven music I grew up loving with modern pop influences. I see my earlier music and experiences as part of my development as an artist. Almost like a musical résumé, where every song, collaboration, and experiment teaches you something new. You shouldn’t be afraid to change direction or try something different. That’s how you grow and eventually discover your own identity.

**5. Never lose the joy of making music.**

This is probably the most important one for me. It’s easy to get caught up in release schedules, promotion, numbers, and everything else that comes with building a music career. But sometimes you must remind yourself why you started in the first place. For me, it all began with loving music, singing along to my favorite artists, and entering local talent competitions when I was younger. That same excitement is still there when I’m writing a new song or performing live with my band. Of course, I have ambitions and goals I want to achieve, but I never want to lose that feeling. At the end of the day, making music should be something that makes you happy, not just another thing on your to-do list.

**Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?**

My biggest advice would be to stop comparing yourself to other artists and try not to get too caught up in numbers. It’s so easy to look at someone else’s streams, followers, or achievements and feel like you’re falling behind. But everyone has their own journey, and success doesn’t happen at the same pace for everyone. I also think it’s important to focus on the things that give you energy. Don’t feel like you must do everything just because other artists are doing it or because someone tells you that’s how the music industry works. Find out what makes you happy, what inspires you, and what works for you personally. Of course, being an independent artist takes a lot of hard work, and there will always be things you have to do that aren’t necessarily your favorite. But I believe that if you spend most of your time doing things you genuinely love, it’s much easier to stay motivated and enjoy the process. And finally, don’t forget to take a break sometimes. Your whole life doesn’t have to revolve around music, social media, or your next release. Give yourself room to enjoy life outside of your career too. After all, those experiences are often what inspire the best songs!

**You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)**

I would love to start a movement that helps young people discover their talents, find their passions, and figure out what truly makes them happy. I think there are so many young people out there who have amazing talents or interests they haven’t even discovered yet. Not everyone knows from an early age what they’re good at or what they want to do in life, and that’s completely okay. Sometimes you just need the opportunity to try different things to discover what really excites you. I was lucky enough to discover my love for music when I was young, and participating in local talent competitions gave me opportunities to develop my confidence and experience what it was like to perform in front of people. I would love to create more opportunities for young people to explore different things, whether that’s music, art, sports, technology, or something completely different. A place where they can experiment, make mistakes, learn new skills, and discover what they’re passionate about, without feeling pressured to be the best at everything. I believe everyone has something special to offer and finding something you genuinely love doing can make such a difference in your life. Sometimes all it takes is someone giving you the opportunity and encouragement to discover it. And who knows where that might lead!

**None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?**

That would be my boyfriend, Giley Waizman, who is also my manager. He’s the person working behind the scenes to help me build my career as an independent artist. People usually see the music, the releases, and the live performances, but there’s so much happening behind the scenes that most people never get to see. From promotion and release planning to handling the business side, organizing rehearsals, coordinating with my band, arranging live shows, and constantly looking for new opportunities, he’s involved in pretty much everything. He’s always looking ahead and thinking about the next steps, while I can focus more on writing music, recording, and performing. We work well together because we both bring different things to the table. Having someone who takes care of so much behind the scenes makes a big difference, especially as an independent artist. I’m grateful for the work he puts into it.

**Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?**

My favorite quote is, “I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I’m not.” For me, this quote is all about self-acceptance and staying true to yourself. I think it’s so easy to get caught up in what other people think of you, especially nowadays with social media and all the expectations that come with it. Sometimes you might feel like you need to change who you are just to fit in or make other people happy. But I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone, and that’s completely okay. I’d much rather be myself and be surrounded by people who appreciate me for who I truly am than pretend to be someone I’m not just to gain someone’s approval. I think self-love starts with accepting yourself, including your flaws, your insecurities, and all the little things that make you different. You don’t have to be perfect, and you certainly don’t have to become someone else to be worthy of love or respect. This is something I also try to carry with me as an artist. I want to make music that feels honest and true to who I am, rather than constantly trying to fit into someone else’s expectations. At the end of the day, I’d rather be happy being myself than spend my life trying to be someone everyone else wants me to be.

**Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)**

I would absolutely love to have lunch with Max Martin! He’s been behind so many incredible songs that I grew up listening to, from Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys to Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift. As a songwriter myself, I would love to pick his brain about his creative process. How does he approach writing a song? What makes a melody truly unforgettable? And how does he manage to keep creating music that connects with so many people across different generations? I think it would be fascinating to hear his perspective on songwriting and how the music industry has changed over the years. And honestly, I’d probably end up asking him if we could write a song together instead of just having lunch, haha!

**How can our readers follow you online?**

You can follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @jessminmusic, where I share updates about my music, behind-the-scenes moments, new releases, and live performances. You can also find my music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. Just search for JESSMIN! I’d love to connect with you there!

**This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!**

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***About The Interviewer:****Tavares Beverly (*[www.tavaresbeverly.com](http://www.tavaresbeverly.com)*) is the Founder and CEO of Beverly Boy Productions, a national video production company that has helped organizations tell their stories through video for more than two decades. Over the course of his career, he has worked with everyone from Fortune 500 executives and healthcare professionals to politicians, nonprofit leaders, educators, and artists, gaining a unique perspective on the role communication plays in leadership, business, and human connection. A frequent contributor on topics including communication, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development, Tavares believes that the ability to communicate effectively is one of the most valuable skills a person can develop. His work is driven by a passion for helping organizations connect with their audiences and helping individuals unlock their potential through mentorship, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. To learn more, connect with Tavares on LinkedIn or visit*[www.BeverlyBoy.com](http://www.BeverlyBoy.com)*. If you’re interested in using the power of storytelling and communication to grow your organization, strengthen your brand, or inspire your audience, he welcomes the opportunity to connect.*

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Source: https://authoritymag.co/articles/jessmin-why-ditching-traditional-radio-targets-ignited-my-independent-music-growth (Authority Magazine, Pop Culture). Interviewee answers are first-person statements of the guest. Index of all pages: https://authoritymag.co/llms.txt