My fans - My friends… I just feel moved to write this, because “Thanks” doesn’t feel like enough to me. If I could hug each an every one of you, I would. If I could sit and listen to you vent, hear your problems, hear your hopes and dreams, the good and the bad…just be a friend - be there for you, I would. If I could offer the best advice, should you ask for it, I would. If I could make a living playing free music for you all for the rest of my life, I damn well would. I am so grateful for all of you. You’ve gotten me where I am today, and I will never forget that.
Years ago, even before I ever went on The Voice or found success on American Idol, a lot of you guys were there. I was playing in pizza joints, playing three and even four-hour sets in every smoky bar across the southeast, in dive bars beneath bridges, and I was even performing sick, and you were there. When I got pneumonia for six months back around 2012, I had to cancel half a year of shows…but my “family” of fans still supported me and wished me well. When I played my first comeback show, it was slam full. You were there when I was just getting my feet on the ground in songwriting (some of my older songs…well, let’s just say they’re in the vault and I appreciate you listening to them when I couldn’t! Ha!) Lots of you have become like family to me, and that has only grown stronger - and the family has grown much larger - over the years.
American Idol, obviously, was a huge turning point, and I look at it as a massive door to the MuseMafia family. There was an influx of support because AI is such a massive platform. The education and love I received from being on that show is priceless, and the support I got from the Muse Mafia…well, there’s nothing that compares. I’m so happy that show happened to me. So happy. I can’t even find the words to express my gratitude. Aside from the education, the Idol experience led me to you. I hope you guys know there were several times I’d receive a gift, a fan letter, or see one of you after a performance on the tour…I’d be tired and worn out from the road and irregular sleep and thinking too much (if you know me, you know I fight with anxiety on a daily basis, and it can get hard sometimes)…Y’all would do something so small, and it meant so much. It would turn my day around and bring a huge smile to my face. You were - and are - the constant reminder for why I do what I do.
You guys inspire me. The Muse Mafia inspires me to be the best person I can be, not only for myself, but for you. For the young girl who sends me a DM on Twitter saying she stopped cutting herself because something I said resonated with her…For the older woman who lost her dear husband and found peace in my songs…For the young boy who doesn’t really have much at home, but clings to Jess Meuse music and knows every single freaking word…For the middle-aged guy who just loves rocking music…For all of you…I love you guys. Some people call me a kiss-ass to my fans…Well, I guess I’m a kiss ass. You guys make me. You guys are the light this world needs, because, my friends, we live in a weird ass time! Keep being the light, the inspiration…and thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I’m a normal person who bleeds just like you, and the love, kindness, and support you have shown me (and that I’ve watched you show one another) fills my heart and gives me hope in humanity.
Thank you for that.
Now let’s go kick some ass.