Singer-songwriter Jessie Murph recently concluded the North American leg of her Worldwide Hysteria Tour, sharing exclusively with People how the profound connection with her fans provided unexpected healing amidst personal struggles, cementing her place as a voice for those navigating life’s highs and lows.
At just 21 years old, Jessie Murph has carved out a unique space in the music industry, known for her raw honesty and genre-defying sound. Her journey from viral social media sensation to a critically acclaimed artist has been marked by a deeply personal connection with her growing fanbase. Most recently, Murph wrapped the North American leg of her highly anticipated Worldwide Hysteria Tour, a journey that proved to be both immensely challenging and profoundly transformative.
The tour, spanning 37 cities across the United States and Canada, served as more than just a series of performances. For Murph, it was an unexpected path to healing. She candidly shared with People that while it was “one of the greatest experiences of my life,” it was also “one of the hardest.” Despite facing struggles behind the scenes, stepping onto the stage each night and witnessing crowds resonate with her emotions became a powerful source of strength.
Healing Through Shared Experience
The Alabama-raised singer-songwriter emphasized the therapeutic power of music and shared vulnerability. “Walking out on stage every night to crowds of people who were feeling the same way I was feeling and singing these songs together with me healed me in ways I could have never imagined,” Murph stated. This sentiment echoes her belief that her songs, which often delve into themes of heartbreak, anxiety, and finding beauty in life’s darkness, can make listeners feel less alone, a mission she finds deeply rewarding.
Murph’s ability to openly express her struggles and connect with a wide audience has garnered her a massive following, with nearly 10 million across various platforms. Her early experiences with a fractured family, bullying, and societal pressures fueled her dedication to music, where she found solace and a voice. She learned piano, ukulele, and guitar, drawing inspiration from diverse artists like Adele, Lady A, 6lack, and Lil Baby.
From TikTok Covers to Chart-Topping Albums
Jessie Murph first gained widespread attention at 15 by sharing covers and original songs on YouTube and TikTok, launching her TikTok account in 2020. This viral popularity quickly translated into a record deal, as she signed with Columbia Records in 2021. Her early tracks like “Upgrade,” “Look Who’s Cryin Now,” and “Sobriety” resonated deeply, with “Always Been You” alone amassing over 115 million global streams. Before her latest album, she had already tallied over 100 million streams with songs such as “Pray,” “I Would’ve,” “While You’re At It,” and “How Could You.”
Her discography reflects her eclectic influences and lyrical depth. Some notable tracks and collaborations include:
- “Look Who’s Cryin’ Now”
- “Upgrade”
- “If I Died Last Night”
- “Drunk in the Bathtub”
- “Always Been You”
- “Sobriety”
- “Pray”
- “I Would’ve”
- “Wild Ones” (feat. Jelly Roll)
- “Texas” (feat. Maren Morris)
- “Heartbroken” (feat. Diplo & Polo G)
- “High Road” (feat. Koe Wetzel)
- “Dirty” (feat. Teddy Swims)
The Sophomore Album: Sex Hysteria
The Worldwide Hysteria Tour followed the release of Murph’s sophomore album, Sex Hysteria, on July 18. This 15-track album is a testament to her versatile artistry, blending elements of ’60s pop, early 2000s trap, and a distinctive hint of country. The album quickly made an impact, debuting at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart. It features the chart-topping hit “Blue Strips” with Sexxy Red.
Prior to Sex Hysteria, Murph released her debut album, That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil, in December 2024, and an earlier mixtape, Drowning, in 2023. Her continuous evolution showcases her commitment to exploring various musical landscapes.
Beyond the Stage: Ice Skating and Future Ambitions
Amidst the rigorous touring schedule, Murph found moments of joy and reconnection with her past passions. A standout memory from the tour was an impromptu ice skating session after her show at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri. As a former competitive figure skater, being on the ice is one of her “happy places.” This unique experience has sparked ideas for her future shows. “One day I would love to figure out a way to incorporate skating into my shows like I’ve incorporated cheer stunts this year,” she mused.
Looking ahead, Murph remains steadfast in her desire to avoid being confined to a single genre. “I never want to just be one genre,” she told People in a December 2024 interview. While her Nashville origins and Alabama upbringing ensure country music remains an integral part of her sound, her artistry continues to evolve, promising a diverse and emotionally resonant catalog for her ever-growing fanbase.
As Jessie Murph prepares to take her Worldwide Hysteria Tour overseas this fall, her journey stands as a powerful testament to the healing capacity of music, both for the artist and the audience. Her sophomore album, Sex Hysteria, is currently available to stream, inviting listeners to connect with her unfiltered stories of life, loss, and resilience.
