Caught A Ghost

[2014] I first saw Caught A Ghost this past summer. I had bought tickets to see Youngblood Hawke and was so excited that I had prepared questions for them, but completely forgot to check the opening acts and prepare questions for them as well. When Caught A Ghost began their performance, I fell in love with their old-timey sound and incredible stage presence. They seemed so natural on stage and Jesse and Tessa often exchanged glances between one another, which to me looked like they were telling each other "This is fantastic!" After the show, Kelly and I chatted with them briefly and they were so kind. It was from them that I bought my first vinyl, a record that was entirely my own. When I finally had the opportunity to play it, it really was an experience. Caught A Ghost performs soul music that I can say sounds it's absolute best on vinyl.

What artists inspire your classic sound?

Too many to name, but some big ones: Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Sam n Dave, Otis Redding, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, basically all the Motown and Stax artists.

Tessa, what do you love more, acting or singing? Theater or film? What is the greatest challenge you faced filming "Dear White People" and what was the greatest pleasure about it?

Tessa: Acting is my first love but I love making music as well. I will always consider myself a stage actress because that's where I got my start and it gives me such joy every time, but acting in films has been a dream of mine for years. I would say the greatest challenge of Dear White People was doing justice to such a great script and rising to the level of Justin Simien's masterful direction. The greatest pleasure was to make something meaningful and to work with such a talented group of artists.

What do you hope you achieve with your music?

Jesse: I just hope to stay active and produce as much good music in as many different styles as possible.

What was the last concert you went to?

The last big show I saw in LA was Tame Impala and it was wonderful.

What was the first tune you learned?

Jesse: 'Come As You Are' by Nirvana was the first song I ever played on the guitar.

How did you guys meet up and end up forming Caught a Ghost?

Jesse: Stephen and I knew each other from childhood- and when we met Tessa it just seemed a natural fit. The other musicians rotate a bit but are all such talented individuals and change the sound with what they bring to it.

You guys have so much energy and seem so confident on stage, do you guys get nervous before a show at all or are you completely comfortable? If you do get nervous, how do you handle the stage fright?

Nerves are part of live performance and incorporating your nerves into your show is part of it. You have to open up and let the adrenaline take you.

If you could play with any artist in history, who would you choose?

Jesse: Jimi Hendrix.

Tessa: Billie Holiday.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

You don't want to look in our fridge. It's a terrifying sight I'm sure.