Lynda Carter's Inspiring Influence: How Singer Jessica Carter Altman Followed Her Musical Passion

Jessica Carter Altman Max Botticelli

Jessica Carter Altman is still in disbelief that she had the courage to take a leap of faith and pursue her dreams. This experience became the motivation behind her latest single, "Naïve".

In an exclusive interview with We, the 33-year-old singer shared that she used to ask her dad about her worst quality, and he would always mention her naivety. However, he also acknowledged that it was one of her greatest strengths. Inspired by this, Jessica set out to write a song about embracing one's naivety and recognizing its beauty, as it enables one to be a dreamer and fearlessly chase their aspirations.

Altman abandoned her path towards becoming a lawyer in order to pursue a career in music, realizing that the legal field did not provide the level of challenge and passion she desired. She expresses deep gratitude for the experiences she gained in her previous endeavors, but acknowledges the distinction between finding something intellectually stimulating and enjoyable versus something she is truly passionate about.

Since making the switch, Altman has never looked back. She feels immense gratitude every day for being able to make a living through music and cherishes every moment of her career. Beyond the performances that people witness, Altman finds joy in writing songs, recording, and even practicing voice lessons. She appreciates every aspect of her musical journey, from start to finish.

Courtesy of Jessica Carter Altman/Instagram

Keep scrolling to learn more about the rising singer:

On What Inspired Her to Get Into Making Music

Ever since I can remember, my love for music and performing has been unwavering. From my early days singing in a chorus during the first grade to joining a band in seventh grade, my passion for being on stage and making music has never ceased. However, growing up in D.C., there were few entertainers in my surroundings, apart from my mom. This made my desire to become a musician feel foolish and impractical. Additionally, I was raised with a strong emphasis on education, instilling in me the belief that college was a non-negotiable path. Consequently, I pursued a law degree and later decided to further my education with a graduate degree. I am truly grateful for the valuable experiences gained during this time. Nonetheless, there was always a persistent, almost agonizing feeling every time I attended a concert. Although I enjoyed witnessing live performances, there was an ache within me as I looked up at the stage, questioning why I wasn't the one up there. Eventually, I reached a breaking point and realized that I would forever regret not pursuing my dreams and passions. I vividly recall discussing my aspirations with my dad when I was still in law school. Opening up about my desire to be a musician, he wholeheartedly supported and encouraged me to go after what I truly wanted in life.

On Changing Careers

During my conversation with my dad, I was already heavily involved in my music career, having dipped my toe back into the music scene. Despite investing significant time and effort into becoming an attorney, completing law school and graduating, I had secured a job at Gibson Dunn and Crutcher in Washington D.C. after graduating from the University of Michigan. Following graduation, I decided to take the bar exam to complete the entire experience. While most people take a trip after the bar exam, before beginning their work at their firms or clerkships, I made the unconventional choice to travel to Nashville to schedule several meetings. It was during this trip that I crossed paths with my producer, marking the beginning of my work on my first EP titled "No Rules". At that moment, I knew I wanted to make a complete switch, but due to my lack of experience in the music industry, I decided to pursue both paths simultaneously, continuing to work at my law firm. For almost three years, I maintained my practice as an attorney while recording and performing in Nashville on weekends. I am incredibly grateful to everyone, including my producer and collaborators, for their understanding and flexibility, knowing that I was juggling a demanding legal career alongside my music aspirations.

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On Watching Her Mother, Lynda Carter, Perform

I have gained a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from my mom, particularly in the realm of music. Observing her performances and witnessing the talent and cohesion of the band and musicians she has assembled has been instrumental in my own development. Her exceptional storytelling ability and captivating stage presence have left a lasting impression on me. The first time I saw her on stage was a transformative experience. Although she had taken a break from performing while I was growing up, she returned to the stage during my high school years. In this resurgence, a part of her truly came alive. Her authenticity and unique personality shone through in her performances. Witnessing someone pursue their true passion and being genuinely enthused about it is an awe-inspiring sight. I had the opportunity to collaborate with her in a few performances, and the lessons I learned from her were invaluable. I am incredibly grateful that she provided me with the space to discover my own voice, develop my own personality, and forge my own path.

On Her Dream Collaborator

On What’s Next

Recently, I had the opportunity to perform at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, a venue where John Mayer frequently takes the stage. It was an incredible experience, and it has fueled my desire to collaborate with him. In fact, I often include one of his covers in my performances, and the thought of collaborating with him is beyond my wildest dreams. I am actively working towards making that dream a reality.

My upcoming EP, titled Aftermath, is set to be released on November 3. This EP serves as the focal point for all my future musical releases in the coming year. The pandemic has affected everyone differently, with many experiencing loss and hardship. This situation raises the question of what occurs in the aftermath of tragic, difficult, or life-altering events. Personally, I have learned that life carries on, accompanied by sadness and change. However, amidst these challenges, there are still countless beautiful things that unfold. This theme has been an ongoing exploration for me and has provided a cathartic experience.

(Source: Reporting by Andrea Simpson)