The interview with Jess Hieser from Melbourne, live @ 24Moons on Thursday, June 11th for Emergenza Festival Australia:  

PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR BAND: HOW AND WHEN WAS IT BORN?

I’ve been performing as a songwriter for 15+ years, collaborating with people along the way. I currently perform primarily as a duo with guitarist Damien Van de Geer, which allows me to play the sax with my vocals!

WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN MUSIC BEGIN? AND HOW HAS YOUR MUSIC CHANGED FROM THE MOMENT YOU BEGAN TO PLAY TOGETHER?

My interest in music began very early at age 3, when I first learnt the dulcimer. I have since then learnt to play 7+ instruments, and can play any instrument at some level. My solo songs began to transform when joined by Damien Van de Geer on lead and rhythm guitar, giving them an edge, and more confidence as an artist to explore my vocals farther and build my own guitar skills.

HOW DO YOU CREATE A SONG? (WHO WRITES LYRICS, WHO MUSIC, ETC...?)

I write all my own songs. Before I write a song I have to feel something, even if frustration at not knowing how I feel! If the energy pulls me enough, a song must be written. The songs come to me very quickly, and usually I have the song within 20-30 minutes, sometimes in 5-10 minutes! And some that need finessing take longer.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW YOU?

My music, vocals and performances are indie acoustic, with guitar, vocals and sax, my songs are powerful, positive, passionate, honest, interesting, Unique and delivered with raw vocal expression.

WHICH BANDS INSPIRED AND INSPIRE YOU?

The Living End; Pearl Jam; Pink Floyd; Katie Noonan; Ash Grunwald; Janis Joplin

TALK US ABOUT THE PECULIARITIES OF YOUR MUSIC!

I do quite a bit of vocal improvisation when I am drawn to, sometimes a new idea will come to me and I’ll incorporate that into the song, I have a 3 and a half octave range so if I feel the need to sing a ridiculously high note I do and have strong capacity to sing notes at length, so love to hit those big powerful notes and hold them. I also play sax and on occasion have been known to juggle at the same time!

HOW DID YOU KNOW ABOUT EMERGENZA FESTIVAL AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO 
TAKE PART IN IT?

I know from previously years about Emergenza and have stayed in contact. I’m super grateful for their work supporting original music and musicians. I think it’s a great opportunity to stand up and be noticed with the possible rewards of winning being a long time dream for me to perform at a much greater level to much bigger audiences!!

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM EMERGENZA AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR 
FIRST EMERGENZA CONCERT?

I am super excited to be a part of this festival. I’m excited about the venue as I feel the stage really allows for a kick arse performance! I plan to choose my most rock tunes to sing, and definitely with lead electric guitar and some saxophone!!

Wanna enrol your band in  Emergenza Festival Australia? Click here!