IN CONVERSATION WITH JESSE SOLOMON
interview by JANA LETONJA
The breakout star of Bravo's ‘Summer House’, Jesse Solomon is now rewriting his story. A trained vocalist with a deep love for music, he continues to nurture his creative side while managing his career and public life, and fans can expect more musical endeavors from him in the future. Through all of his accomplishments, he remains dedicated to using his platform to inspire others to enjoy life.
What initially drew you to ‘Summer House’, and how has the experience of being on reality TV compared to your expectations?
I’ve been heading out to the Hamptons since I graduated college, so when the opportunity came to me it felt like something that could be a good fit for my personality. I was excited about the opportunity to make new friends and build a platform to be able to give back. It’s hard to know what to expect, but being on the show has been great for my life and my development as a human being. You’re forced to look at who you are and talk about things that might otherwise get swept under the rug.
Viewers have really connected with your humor and authenticity. How do you balance being your true self while on camera?
It can be jarring at first to have cameras in your face, but over time you grow more comfortable and are able to be yourself and be vulnerable. As you develop true friendships with others in the house, it becomes much easier to be the truest version of yourself. My castmates are all incredible human beings and have made it easy for me.
How has being on ‘Summer House’ changed your personal life and career opportunities?
My personal life is pretty similar. I still have my friends and family supporting me, and do all of the things I love, but it has allowed me the opportunity to pursue what I’m passionate about and make music that can inspire others and speak about my health journey to encourage others to go, get checked and prioritize their personal health.
What’s next for you in the entertainment world—would you ever consider other reality TV projects?
Right now, I’m loving being in ‘Summer House’. I’m spending as much time as I can making music, working with as many talented people as I can to co-write and produce music while thinking about what my live performance is going to look like.
Your battle with testicular cancer at 24 is incredibly inspiring. How did that experience reshape your perspective on life?
I’m incredibly grateful for my family who supported me through chemo. I try my best to approach everything I do from a place of gratitude, and take the good and the bad in stride. I worry less about trivial things and am still working every day to become a better person and help others.
What advice do you have for young men when it comes to taking charge of their health?
Make sure to do a self exam once a month. Go get your annual physical. Go to the gym, eat well, and prioritize your mental health.
Mental resilience is such a huge part of facing a diagnosis like yours. How did you stay positive during your journey?
You don’t have to be super positive and happy every day, but you just have to do the best you can. I feel like I know how to approach my mental health, and implementing strategies to make me feel good. I’m definitely human and not perfect at it, but I at least have my strategies and know what I'm supposed to do and try my best to implement them. Some things I make sure to implement are working out, eating right, talking to friends and family to stay grounded, working with a therapist, etc.
You’ve been passionate about music since your Bar Mitzvah days. How has your sound evolved over the years?
I studied jazz throughout high school and college. I’m still finding my sound and figuring out how jazzy I want my music to sound. I love listening to R&B and funk, and go back and forth on making that style of music with my crooner style tone or more straight ahead jazz/pop music.
What artists influence your music style, and are there any dream collaborations you’d love to pursue?
My early inspirations were Frank Sinatra, John Mayer, John Legend, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder. These days I listen to a lot of Tom Misch, Daniel, Caesar, and John Splithoff. Michael Buble, Jacob Collier or Tori Kelly would be a dream come true to work with. I’ve been listening to Mac Ayers a lot recently.
Health and wellness are big parts of your life. What’s your daily routine to stay balanced?
I have a great morning routine of making my bed, washing my face, getting coffee and going for a walk to the gym. I also typically journal or meditate when I have time. I try not to look at my phone until I leave the house.
What’s next for you? What can you share with us about your upcoming projects or goals?
I’m going to perform live in NYC this fall. I’ll be releasing new singles throughout the fall and winter and hope to tour some major markets in 2026.
CREDITS
photography SARAH SCHNEIDER
