Canadian songwriter Jesse Roper is playing an all ages show at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis tonight (Tuesday, Oct. 13), with Mae Simpson opening in support. The doors are at 7 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets here.
Jam in the Stream caught up with Roper, who lives in Victoria, British Columbia, for a short interview this week.
He’s got a compelling story that he expresses through his songwriting. He talked about what inspires his writing, his music recently being included in a video game soundtrack, his struggles with stage fright and how he overcomes periods when he struggles to write.
Catch him tonight at The Cedar!
Jesse Roper performing at CaveJam at The Caverns in Tennessee in 2025.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JESSE ROPER
Roper is a gifted songwriter who channels the blues.
From The Cedar: “Canadian songwriter Jesse Roper is a master at connecting his personal story and experiences to his songwriting - crafting narratives that hit on life's challenges and eccentricities - but that remain upbeat, engaging and wildly entertaining songs.”
JITS: From where do you pull inspiration to fuel your songwriting and, assuming there are times when you struggle to write, how do you break through?
JR: I’m in a “struggling to write” time right now. It’s tricky. I kind of have to just keep trying and coming back to it. In the past I’ve found just getting out to the woods and going on a long walk got me going but I think I’m feeling the pressure right now. Trying to effort out a song works, but when I’m feeling it and going with the flow it’s simple. I suppose I’m mostly working on getting out of my own way at the moment. The “nah that’s stupid thoughts” are invading a lot. I’ve written a few dandy’s though in getting ready for my next hop in the studio, so I think persistence and finding the fun is my most tried and true method.
JITS: What inspiration do you get from nature and living in a beautiful place and how does that impact your writing?
JR: It helps a ton. I think going into a completely quiet and beautiful place is key to my imagination unlocking its self — that and whacky life experiences.
JITS: Which musicians are the biggest influences on your sound and how does that come out in your music?
JR: Jimi Hendrix and AC/DC are my two biggest influences. But there’s so much good art out there. I think the blues roots in both those bands makes its way into my music.
JITS: What was your reaction to “Does Anybody Know?” being used in a video game?
JR: I was shocked honestly. It’s such a chill song. I would’ve picked a dozen other ones to be picked over that but I’m certainly not complaining. I was honored. I’m honored any time any one uses my music for anything. I’ve yet to play the game but I will.
Jesse Roper at Starbelly Jam Music Festival in British Columbia.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JESSE ROPER
JITS: Tell me about your struggles with stage fright and how you have overcome that? Do you still struggle?
JR: I do still struggle a bit. Recently though, I’m finding my confidence in a real way maybe for the first time in my performing career. It’s nice. Worrying is tiring and a big distraction. It’s been something I’ve had to learn, and it’s been good for me. At the end of the the day, I’m learning that past the fear is the fun and if I make mistakes, in the moment I need to forget them and move on. After the gig, I need to ask myself why I made that mistake and if it’s something I can correct or improve upon, I need to do that.