Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
August 16, 2022
Jessica Lowndes got to show off her singing prowess on the CW series “90210.” The singer-actress is excited about the release of her solo album “ELEMENTAL,” which releases on Aug. 19. “My travels have exposed me to a lot of new music and introduced me to some of my favorite musicians, including some of my collaborators on my new album,” said Lowndes, who splits her time between Los Angeles and Vancouver. “At one point, we were all working on the album over Zoom from different countries – Canada, United States, United Kingdom, (Denmark).” For more information on Lowndes’ music, follow her on Spotify and Apple Music.
Q: This pandemic has made everyone think differently about how we spend our free time. What have you been up to?
A: I think for me, it has been a time to really appreciate the incredible people in my life and spend quality time with them and my family. I have taken a few short road trips. I spend a ton of time up in Whistler, which is a short drive away from Vancouver. I also recently spent a month in Costa Rica this year working remotely, which was an unbelievable experience. Nothing like screenwriting and writing music from the jungle with monkeys on the balcony.
Q: If you had to cancel travel plans due to the pandemic, where were they to?
A: Definitely Disneyland. I’ve been wanting to go back for a while now. I’m a huge Disneyland fan and used to be a season pass holder before the pandemic.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: It’s impossible to just pick one. I’m lucky to get to travel a lot and I fall in love with most of the places I visit. They usually inspire songs or locations for scenes in the films that I write. I love Europe so much. I especially love London. Some of my favorite people on the planet live there. If you’re planning on visiting, you must go to Hummingbird Bakery and try one of their red velvet cupcakes. They are my absolute favorite.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: I think Vancouver. I love it and found so many beautiful places there to film the visual album of “ELEMENTAL.” From the scenic views of the ocean, to the North Shore mountains, to the forests, Vancouver is just so clean and green. I love going on adventures. I love being able to drive to the snow in a heartbeat. I also really love the laid-back lifestyle in Vancouver and the people. It’s a lot slower-paced than L.A. but still has all the excitement of a major city. Even though I’m from there, my jaw drops whenever I take in the stunning scenery.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: Hawaii! It’s like heaven on earth. Beautiful white sand beaches, wonderful people and majestic mountains. I love the laid-back island culture and aloha spirit.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: To keep an open mind and to have empathy for people from all different walks of life.
Q: Where have you filmed on location?
A: I’ve filmed in a lot of places. There are so many beautiful parts of British Columbia – a ton of photogenic areas and locations that just made it easy to fall in love with my city all over again. I also filmed a movie in Malta last year and really loved learning all about its incredible history. Malta is home to some of the oldest temples in the world. It has a great balance of culture, adventure and beaches. The city as a backdrop to the film was a prop within itself. The pros of filming on location would be the understanding and appreciation you’re left with for different cultures. Exploring somewhere new also makes your downtime and weekends off a lot more fun.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Music festivals. It’s my dream to perform in one now that pandemic restrictions are beginning to allow for more live events.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: Last year I spent my birthday with friends in a chateau in Whistler, B.C., and that was an incredibly fun trip with some of my favorite people.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: Anywhere with the right people, but I’ve never been to the Amalfi coast. I actually just wrote a movie that takes place there so I’m very excited to film that one on location next year.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Bakeries and dessert shops. I have a major sweet tooth!
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I studied French in school. I’m currently in Montreal right now on vacation trying to brush up on the language. I like to think people can connect with the emotion in my music even if they don’t always understand the words.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Vancouver, London, NYC, Rome, L.A.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Music, good vibes and good company.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: A lot. I’ve stayed at some incredible places and made amazing memories by doing this. I love looking up the attractions and familiarizing myself with everything the city has to offer and all that’s available to me. Research really helps you plan your itinerary accordingly. I love discovering all of the hidden gems of my destination.
© 2022 JAE-HA KIM
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