Project Description
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Interview with
JESS DAY
(8th May 2024)
Interview with Dave Bruce
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Have you always wanted to be an artist? When did you get the song writing bug?
As a kid, I always enjoyed writing. I thought maybe I’d be an author if anything – but later found a real connection to playing guitar. I never thought I would be an artist though, as it’s not in my nature at all to enjoy the spotlight. I first wrote songs from about age 16 but really got into it around 18.
Briefly describe the journey so far.
They say find what you love and let it kill you. I think being an artist is the only thing I’ve felt I was meant to do. Nothing compares to being able to turn your experiences into art. But it’s also been incredibly double edged for a number of reasons. I’d say being a musician in this current landscape has been a rollercoaster – that’s required a lot of mental fortitude more than any other skill.
How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
I’d describe it as honest and a little blunt. If I had to infer as to why people like it – it’s probably because of that.
Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
Hayley Williams (Paramore) will always be a god to me.
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Your latest ‘Lilith’ has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution.
It was written very quickly, probably in a couple of hours. The lyrics came first and the instruments afterward. I knew it was fairly gritty thematically, so made sure to match that with the music. It had a very distinct energy from the get-go – which always makes a song easier to write. Less of a stab in the dark – more of a carving away until I could see what it was meant to sound like, come into shape.
What tours and events are coming up? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I’m just glad to be finally putting music out. I’m keen to get the rest out there into the world. I also haven’t played a show in a very long time so I’m eager to do that again.
With that in mind, what piece of advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Anyone who says they know what they’re doing – is lying. No one in this industry can guarantee you anything, so trust your intuition and find people who are truly passionate about your music. Overnight successes are always 10-year projects.
What is the best thing about performing to a live audience?
Knowing I’ve made someone feel less alone in their experience.
Finally, just a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Impossible to answer- but “Narrow Stairs” by Death Cab For Cutie is a timeless love for me.
Artist – Radiohead
Movie – I don’t often watch movies but I enjoyed “1863”, the TV show
Place to visit – Fremantle
Venue to play – The Forum
Food – Pho
Drink – Coconut water
Tattoo – The goat on my forearm
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Follow JESS DAY
website – facebook – instagram – tiktok
About LILITH
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Jess Day returns with the first taste of new music in over two years in the form of ‘Lilith’ – a song that heralds a brand-new chapter for the Australian artist and strong creative era for the dynamic performer and lyricist.
Vibrant and confident in its composition and delivery, but quite dark thematically, ‘Lilith’ had a story that needed to be told which drove the song to fruition.
“’Lilith’ is a particularly potent song in terms of the language choices I made,” explains Jess. “It’s very visceral and specific to that song. The last song on the album is probably closest to ‘Lilith’ in terms of its content. However, all of the songs on this album have a very clear concept and you can find that specific brand of darkness creeping its way into even the happier songs on the album.”
Jess has been working on this new chapter of music for about two years, with some songs on there that span back four or so years. Less of a conceptual album, Jess has compiled a collection of songs that she had written over those years, that she believes are worthy of existing.
“I think the album name, A Garden Of Small Disappointments, reflects that. ‘Lilith’ very instantaneously became the first offering. The lyrics came so easily and swiftly that by the time I grabbed a guitar, it was a very clear energy that I had to musically articulate. I knew it was going to start off with crunchy guitar and continue to be quite dark thematically.”
Jess Day first achieved national recognition with the release of singles ‘Why Is She So Beautiful?’ and ‘Rabbit Hole’, securing Feature Artist and rotation placements with triple j and Triple J Unearthed. Along with later single ‘Signals’, Jess’ profile continued to rise, her catalogue surpassing 1 million Spotify streams, and enjoying a particular peak with the release of ‘Affection’, landing a Top 15 spot of the most airplay of Australian artists on national radio across the board.
As a touring artist, Jess has enjoyed a sold-out headline tour, as well as successes as national support act for both King Stingray’s and Spacey Jane’s sold out 2021 national run of shows.
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About JESS DAY
Jess Day is a singer/songwriter from Adelaide, South Australia. Growing up in the isolated mining town of Roxby Downs, a shift to city living in her pre-teens caused feelings of nostalgia and loneliness to arise and she found solace in the company of her favourite music.
Fascinated by nature, Jess turned to music to find a connection outside of her dislike of school. She is self-taught and writes all aspects of her music; recording demos in her bedroom with all instrumental parts. She is her own producer and composer, crafting moody indie-pop and snarling punk tunes that are relatable, raw and honest. Underpinned by glittering indie instrumentals, it’s Jess’s voice and song writing that stand out, her remarkable storytelling always at the forefront.
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