By: Teresa Lam
Like a time capsule, Jesse Jo Stark’s songs are made up of fragments of her childhood, a time when she was introduced to some of the greatest punk and rock music in history by her parents. Her raw lyrics and signature hazy sound are indicative of her old soul, as she poetically compared her music to “little stars in the past escaping the modern world” at our interview.
As a Stark woman, the 28-year-old LA artist was born with a natural affinity for music and a cool-girl sense of style. Fashion enthusiasts may recall the all-black Chrome Hearts gown that Jesse Jo and her mother designed for Bella Hadid for the 2018 Met Gala. And while design has been one of her favorite creative pursuits since a young age, the singer-songwriter has kept herself busy with touring, performing live shows and working on her forthcoming debut album these days.
Before she hit the stage at Vancouver’s Biltmore Cabaret last month, we sat down with Jesse Jo to talk about her last EP ‘Dandelion,’ her appreciation for old movies and songs and how they influence her work, as well as the people that have inspired her the most.
Jesse Jo Stark
and Her Rock 'n' Roll Memories
[I'd want them to know] that I’m in a band, that I play music. I really want people to take the time to listen to my music, because I feel like sometimes that’s not always the first thing that they know about me. So when I get those true fans that have followed my growth in that realm, I really respect and appreciate that.
For those who’re just getting to know Jesse Jo Stark, what are some things you’d want them to learn about you?
Most of your songs and music videos have a distinct, nostalgic feel to them. How do the movies and music that you grew up with influence your songwriting and artistic vision?
I’ve always been infatuated with horror and old films, and how beautiful the dialogues are — they’re so well-spoken. I grew up watching old movies, so I like to get that across my videos and paying ode to that time. I think everything crosses over with each other. I like to draw from the same things that I’ve always been into since I was little. Not necessarily creating the past, but embracing it and trying to embody that in my work now.
I grew up listening to what my dad played in the car and the concerts he had been to. At the time I didn’t really appreciate it — I just wanted to listen to pop music — but I think it’s really influenced my taste now. It comes through in my writing. Hearing country every morning on the way to school just kind of stuck on me. I also try to incorporate some punk elements into my music.
I feel what was important to me from those studio sessions was really being there. I loved to be in the studio the entire time when the music was being made. I don’t like to miss anything.
What I learned is being really true to your sound and making sure that no matter who you’re collaborating with, they have your back and you have theirs. It’s a joint creation. I don’t just sing and leave, I want to be a part of it, and that’s what made it a special body of work for me. It was the first one that I really felt comfortable releasing and loved.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned while producing ‘Dandelion,’ the EP that you released last year?
I guess it would be my first album ever, and I’m hoping to put it out before December. I’m ready to do that. It’ll be an extension of ‘Dandelion,’ but I do think there will be different elements this time. I grew up a little bit more with [creating] every song.
I’m nervous to put out an album because I’ve been doing a single a month, so I think this would be a pivotal point in time for me and I’m every excited. So I try not to overthink it and put it out.
Can we expect your full-length project to drop soon? How would it progress from ‘Dandelion’?
My parents, some of my friends, my band, my godmother (Cher), artists that I don’t even know — so many people influence me in different times in my life. I meet so many incredible people every day. Just the band that I get to play with inspires me and allows me to grow as an artist.
Who are some mentors that have helped you get to where you are today as a musician?
I’m still learning how to be a good performer. Touring has allowed me to grow immensely and made me a lot stronger — getting on stage, playing to new people that have never heard my sound, and having to really gain their respect. I learn something new about myself every time I play.
What do you think makes a great performer?
This tour has been really fast but so amazing. Lauren is really supportive, it’s been great to be [touring] with a woman again. She has such a powerful voice, so I’ve honestly been taking her in every night and learning from her. It’s amazing to meet all these new people. I knew who she was, but being able to be with her and watch her play, and being able to play to her audience is completely different than the last tour. I’m sad that it’s so short, but it’s been really empowering and great.
Speaking of touring, tonight marks the second-last stop of your tour supporting Lauren Ruth Ward. How has the experience been for you?
I’m excited that we’ll be going to London, and playing one of my first festivals in Leeds. And then I’ll have a solo show. So I don’t really feel like tour is over, it’s kind of like an extended tour. I’m not too sad that we get to travel a bit more.
What’s next for you after finishing up this tour?
Jesse Jo Stark
music
Chrome Hearts
Bella Hadid
2018 Met Gala
Find Jesse Jo Stark’s latest tour dates here.
here
Cher
Like a time capsule, Jesse Jo Stark’s songs are made up of fragments of her childhood, a time when she was introduced to some of the greatest punk and rock music in history by her parents. Her raw lyrics and signature hazy sound are indicative of her old soul, as she poetically compared her music to “little stars in the past escaping the modern world” at our interview.
As a Stark woman, the 28-year-old LA artist was born with a natural affinity for music and a cool-girl sense of style. Fashion enthusiasts may recall the all-black Chrome Hearts gown that Jesse Jo and her mother designed for Bella Hadid for the 2018 Met Gala. And while design has been one of her favorite creative pursuits since a young age, the singer-songwriter has kept herself busy with touring, performing live shows and working on her forthcoming debut album these days.
Before she hit the stage at Vancouver’s Biltmore Cabaret last month, we sat down with Jesse Jo to talk about her last EP Dandelion, her appreciation for old movies and songs and how they influence her work, as well as the people that have inspired her the most.
Find Jesse Jo Stark’s latest tour dates here.
Jesse Jo Stark
Bella Hadid
2018 Met
Gala
here
music
Chrome
Hearts
[I'd want them to know] that I’m in a band, that I play music. I really want people to take the time to listen to my music, because I feel like sometimes that’s not always the first thing that they know about me. So when I get those true fans that have followed my growth in that realm, I really respect and appreciate that.
I’ve always been infatuated with horror and old films, and how beautiful the dialogues are — they’re so well-spoken. I grew up watching old movies, so I like to get that across my videos and paying ode to that time. I think everything crosses over with each other. I like to draw from the same things that I’ve always been into since I was little. Not necessarily creating the past, but embracing it and trying to embody that in my work now.
I grew up listening to what my dad played in the car and the concerts he had been to. At the time I didn’t really appreciate it — I just wanted to listen to pop music — but I think it’s really influenced my taste now. It comes through in my writing. Hearing country every morning on the way to school just kind of stuck on me. I also try to incorporate some punk elements into my music.
For those who’re just getting to know Jesse Jo Stark, what are some things you’d want them to learn about you?
Most of your songs and music videos have a distinct, nostalgic feel to them. How do the movies and music that you grew up with influence your songwriting and artistic vision?
I guess it would be my first album ever, and I’m hoping to put it out before December. I’m ready to do that. It’ll be an extension of Dandelion, but I do think there will be different elements this time. I grew up a little bit more with [creating] every song.
I’m nervous to put out an album because I’ve been doing a single a month, so I think this would be a pivotal point in time for me and I’m every excited. So I try not to overthink it and put it out.
Can we expect your full-length project to drop soon? How would it progress from Dandelion?
My parents, some of my friends, my band, my godmother (Cher), artists that I don’t even know — so many people influence me in different times in my life. I meet so many incredible people every day. Just the band that I get to play with inspires me and allows me to grow as an artist.
Cher
Who are some mentors that have helped you get to where you are today as a musician?
Jesse Jo Stark
and Her Rock 'n' Roll Memories
By: Teresa Lam
I’m still learning how to be a good performer. Touring has allowed me to grow immensely and made me a lot stronger — getting on stage, playing to new people that have never heard my sound, and having to really gain their respect. I learn something new about myself every time I play.
What do you think makes a great performer?
This tour has been really fast but so amazing. Lauren is really supportive, it’s been great to be [touring] with a woman again. She has such a powerful voice, so I’ve honestly been taking her in every night and learning from her. It’s amazing to meet all these new people. I knew who she was, but being able to be with her and watch her play, and being able to play to her audience is completely different than the last tour. I’m sad that it’s so short, but it’s been really empowering and great.
Speaking of touring, tonight marks the second-last stop of your tour supporting Lauren Ruth Ward. How has the experience been for you?
I’m excited that we’ll be going to London, and playing one of my first festivals in Leeds. And then I’ll have a solo show. So I don’t really feel like tour is over, it’s kind of like an extended tour. I’m not too sad that we get to travel a bit more.
What’s next for you after finishing up this tour?
I feel what was important to me from those studio sessions was really being there. I loved to be in the studio the entire time when the music was being made. I don’t like to miss anything.
What I learned is being really true to your sound and making sure that no matter who you’re collaborating with, they have your back and you have theirs. It’s a joint creation. I don’t just sing and leave, I want to be a part of it, and that’s what made it a special body of work for me. It was the first one that I really felt comfortable releasing and loved.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned while producing Dandelion, the EP that you released last year?
