Locals Only: Jess Day
Singer-songwriter Jess Day uses her voice for those who can’t, translating the turbulence of our 20s into songs on her rock-ready debut album, A Garden of Small Disappointments. Here, she explains why…
Interview by Zara Richards
Congratulations on the release of A Garden of Small Disappointments! What does this album mean to you?
I’ve had it mostly finished for two years and I’ve had some of these songs for as long as 10, waiting to be released at an appropriate time. So, it’s a huge relief to have it out!
This record captures you moving through your 20s, which is a turbulent time for most. How did you find revisiting old wounds?
It probably takes a month to digest the art you’ve created and get catharsis out of it. But when you sit [with songs], re-record them and pick them apart months or even years later, digging stuff up again is emotionally taxing. These songs brought up things I had worked through and didn’t want to revisit. But I felt like I needed to [write about] them to give my past self justice.
You cover mental health, mortality and reproductive rights on the record. Why was it important to touch on these topics?
I figure if I’m going to dedicate large portions of my time to making art, I don’t want to half-arse it. I’m a big advocate for saying what you want to say with your full chest. Most of what I write [aims to] resonate with people because I see it as my job to articulate what others can’t. I see it as a service almost... I find it’s important to be honest.
You’re going on tour to celebrate the album’s release, playing Lion Arts Factory on November 22. What should we expect from this string of Australian shows?
It will be a rock show through and through. These songs sound better live than they do recorded, and I’m going to be surrounded by incredible musicians on stage. It’ll be epic!
Do you find playing these songs live as emotionally taxing as recording them?
Yes, but in a live setting, it’s a two-way street. I’m getting my cup filled, and that’s the main difference. When you’re going through your sadness and heartbreak alone in your bedroom for 24 months, day in and day out, it’s like, what is it for? Why am I self-flagellating? What is the purpose? Whereas with a show, there’s a tangible repercussion in front of you. You’re connecting with people; you’re digging up this stuff to help and heal people, which is so much better.
How do you feel on stage?
It’s funny because I feel like some musicians’ stage presence could be described as ‘egotistical’, but I think when people perform, they enter an egoless stage. It feels like I’m not even myself – I’m just a vessel [that] delivers an experience to people. My ego is completely removed from [the stage]. I’m just there to give a performance.
You’re also passionate about getting more girls involved in rock music. Tell us about this.
A lot goes into making the music industry a welcoming place for women. It can feel intimidating… and I think that’s one of the biggest killers in women taking that leap [to] pick up an instrument, play a specific genre or get into production. Intimidation comes from a lot of things, such as not having enough role models or peers. I’ve always been a fan of doing bass guitar lessons with my friends so they can give it a go. One more woman in music has an exponential effect. A woman in a band you see on a random Thursday might inspire five women in the audience to think it’s not scary to pick up the guitar. It has an impact.
With that in mind, are there any SA acts you’ve been listening to lately?
My Chérie is an exceptional live act. She swept me off my feet – I highly recommend seeing her show if you want a great live band fronted by a woman. I’ve always been a fan of Molly Rocket, and Sunsick Daisy have some cool stuff as well. aleksiah is doing incredible things, too – she’s very talented.
Jess Day plays Lion Arts Factory on November 22. Tickets on sale now.
