Jesse Solomon, the breakout star of Bravo’s popular reality series *Summer House*, is set to conclude his highly anticipated “Happy to Be Here” tour at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, July 23. While many have followed his journey on reality television, Solomon is keen to remind audiences that his true passion lies in music—an aspiration he has nurtured since childhood.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jesse-solomon-1-072326-7d01336b1827402e984212d4ffa5c00f.jpg)
The 33-year-old artist, who has had an extensive background in music, has recently faced misconceptions about his transition from reality TV personality to musician. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Solomon expressed his desire to clarify that he is not merely a celebrity seeking to capitalise on his fame. “I think people have doubted me, thinking that this is just a reality TV personality trying to make it in music,” he stated. “But I’ve done music my whole life, and I want people to see that this is a real artist.”
Solomon’s musical journey began in his youth, where he took part in choir and specialised in vocal jazz performance at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. After graduating, he entered the music industry and even established his own company. However, the demands of a finance job pulled him further away from his true dreams. When the opportunity to appear on *Summer House* arose, he viewed it as a means of reconnecting with the entertainment world. “I was writing music the whole time, and I thought, ‘Let me just put some of these songs out and see how it goes,’” he explained.
In 2017, Solomon faced a life-altering challenge when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, a battle he would endure again in 2018. These experiences of illness forced him to reassess his priorities. “Getting diagnosed with cancer the first time was scary, and when it came back, it was a lesson of, ‘You never know what’s gonna happen tomorrow so you might as well live life to the fullest today,’” Solomon reflected. He is grateful to be in remission for seven years and cherishes the opportunity to pursue what he loves.
One of the highlights of Solomon’s burgeoning music career is his latest single, “Wildfire.” This track holds particular significance for him, as it delves into the themes of longing and the kind of love he dreams of experiencing. “I try not to write about love and relationship stuff too much, but this one just came to me,” he said. “If it’s not that wildfire love, I don’t want it.” He continues to navigate the often tumultuous waters of romance, humourously admitting his hope in finding that extraordinary connection: “I hope my person’s out there. Hopefully I don’t pass them up by accident!”
Support from his *Summer House* castmates has been a source of encouragement for Solomon as he embarks on this musical journey. He noted their presence at his shows, emphasising the camaraderie they share. “You saw that at the reunion a little bit,” he remarked, acknowledging how many of his fellow cast members have defended his shift into music. “They really were like, ‘Jesse takes a ton of s— for putting himself out there, but he’s actually good.’ And I was like, ‘Thanks, guys.’”
As Solomon prepares to close his tour, he is already focused on the next steps in his musical career. “I’m spending much of my time in the studio and hope to turn it up a notch by writing music that’s better than the last,” he stated with enthusiasm. In addition to his New York performance, he is also scheduled to take the stage in the Hamptons on August 23.
The journey from reality TV to the music scene has not been without its challenges for Jesse Solomon. However, through determination and a love for his craft, he strives to make a lasting impact as an artist. As he continues to evolve musically, audiences can expect more heartfelt songs and a deeper exploration of his artistic identity. For now, fans can listen to his inspirational new single “Wildfire” and follow Solomon on his path of rediscovery in the realm of music.