Jesse Bloodgood opens his heart on EP. "Wishful Thinker"
There’s a particular kind of honesty that feels lived-in rather than performed, and Jesse Bloodgood taps directly into that space on Wishful Thinker. Released on February 6th, 2026, the four-track EP serves as his solo studio debut, and it arrives with the confidence of an artist who understands that vulnerability can be a strength rather than a risk. Rooted in upbeat indie rock but shaded with emotional depth, the record feels intimate without ever sounding small and undoubtedly reflective from beginning to end.
From the opening moments on “Lighthouse Night Owl”, Wishful Thinker establishes a warm, melodic foundation that balances bright guitar tones with earnest vocal delivery. Bloodgood’s voice carries a natural sincerity, the kind that doesn’t strain for impact but instead earns it through his straight up honest. His multi-instrumentalist background shows throughout the EP, with arrangements that feel thoughtfully constructed and emotionally aligned with the writing. Each track brings its own character and tempo, yet the project holds together as a cohesive statement. He knows when you to bring you up and when to get the message out in the best way possible.
What makes the EP truly great is how it pairs accessible indie rock energy with deeply human lyricism. The songs move easily, often leaning into buoyant rhythms and melodic hooks, but there’s always something stirring beneath the surface. Bloodgood’s writing explores internal landscapes with care, capturing moments of uncertainty, aspiration, and quiet self-examination in a way that feels relatable rather than confessional. We spoke about this in our interview and though the songs are certainly accessible, it’s like an open journal into his life at the same time.
In our interview with Bloodgood above, he spoke candidly about the making of the EP, tracing its origins back to years of songwriting shaped by introspection and growth. Working with Plaid Dog Recording in Waltham, Massachusetts, he emphasized the importance of creating a space where emotional authenticity could guide the process. Influences came up naturally in conversation, not as templates to follow but as touchstones that helped him understand what kind of artist he wanted to be. He also shared how the songs evolved from early demos into fully realized recordings, shaped by collaboration, patience, and a willingness to sit with difficult feelings until they revealed something useful.
Where the first three tracks really do an amazing job at keeping the groove steady and infusing that rock sound, things certainly take a turn. Our favorite song on the record was the closer “Cutting Room Floor”. It’s the longest track at about four and a half minutes, but lyrically speaking, it’s him at his most raw. The instrumentation changes, the tone dissolves, and he even let us know it was the most difficult song to put together by far.
All in all, the EP’s strength lies in its balance. It’s upbeat but vulnerable and doesn’t use cheesy gimmicks to keep you hooked. We know for a fact that Jesse Bloodgood is just getting started, and he’s doing so with heart fully intact and eyes firmly forward. We urge everyone out there to enjoy our conversation, but also to listen in and follow along for more by clicking those links below!
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