This would be the fairest of introductions before (and after) hearing the honestly pining voice of local Jess Abran: singer, actress and spokesperson.
An alternative, folk, trip/hop artist from who has been playing music since childhood, Jess knew that this is what she was set out to do in life.
This redhead-ed musician is One that has to be heard to appreciate the current music scene’s riches, blending a quiet soulful whisper of a phrase that melts to a banshee wail that would make a Siren come running. A Montreal musician that can be heard as often as she can be booked, Ms. Abran is prevalent in and around the City’s core, right out to playing the West Island’s outskirts at John Abbott College.
Playing various venues and festivals, she achieved a great amount of attention around the city and its surrounding more suburban parts. She is an original indie artist who loves to work with other talent as well.
A world traveled musician, downtown is now where this wayfaring (nicknamed and self-proclaimed) “Pirate” calls home, and in this modern age of technology Jess can be heard online at the click of a button, or even seen on her own youtube channel or hosting the latest edition of The GamerNerdz.
Did I also mention that Jess has also been produced and recorded by well-respected Music Industry Producer/Engineer Paul Northfield ?
Open and forthcoming, with just a hint of bashfulness thrown in, we sat and shared a few minutes of which our last discussion included the following points of conversation:
When did you first start playing & singing?
I first started playing shows when I was 12 years old. My parents used to enter me into these talent Galas, and regional, and national singing competitions.
What’s the 1st song you ever remember hearing?
I don’t remember the first song I’ve ever heard but the 1st song I ever learnt on guitar was probably “Enter Sand Man” by Metallica or “God Save The Queen” by The Sex Pistols. I was quite the strange little girl.
What are you listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to a mash up of things actually, A lot of old school hip hop, a lot of 90’s alternative and a lot of new music too. I’ve been recently collaborating with EDM producers around the word on new Drum&Bass music, Ambient Electro and Dubstep. I will literally listen to anything that gives me the shivers up and down my spine. Good music is good music, doesn’t matter what genre.
Where would you most like to perform?
I would love to go back to Germany and play in Berlin again. There’s a festival called MELT and it’s HUGE. To be in front of an eager crowd of people like that? It’s a musicians dream come true. Also
Who would you most like to open for?
I think I would have close to an endless list of bands or musicians I’d die to open for but there is one local band that comes to mind that recently just exploded into the scene with popularity and that band is Half Moon Run. The band resembles a mix of Pink Floyd and Radiohead, and I haven’t seen so much emotion captured through music since I discovered Sigur Ros. They are REAL artists.
If you could get any Musician, Living or Dead, who would be in your “Dream Band”?
I’d want a vocalist with a voice like Jonsi from Sigur Ros and a guitar player like John Frusciante from the Chili Peppers That man makes me swoon (Don’t tell my boyfriend that ) 😉
What hidden talents do you have?
Well, I’ve been told I can have quite the animated voice when I tell stories J I’d love to be the voice behind some crazy cartoon character, I think that would be so much fun
What do you like most about your profession?
I love a challenge. And in this industry today, being an independent artist is an everyday challenge. It’s tough and so you’ve always got to keep yourself in the right mind set, cause it’s way too easy to give up and let yourself get lost in the noise that is everyone else who is competing against you. It’s hard not to compare yourself to other artists and other friends; it takes a toll on your mind, and your soul! But I really love it. I love it so much, every show and every day I wake up, it’s something different. It’s an ever changing career choice really, which is what keeps me interested and what makes it so exciting. It’s something that I’m willing to wake up for and keep fighting for, probably forever.
What’s the “Magic” formula for Success?
HAHA! If I knew how to make that MAGIC potion for success I wouldn’t be busting my ass at 3 different jobs and aimlessly and desperately looking through craigslist, that was a funny question.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
I practically throw up before every performance. It’s not something I’m proud of but after doing this for my whole life, I still manage to pump myself up with anxiety.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a Musician?
If I wasn’t playing music I’d probably finish my journalism degree and start reviewing bands for a living.
What’s the side of you that the public never sees?
Well I don’t know how secret this really is to the public, but most of my friends are very well aware that I’m a total pervert. I grew up in the Laurentians of Quebec, with a bunch of farmers, like my mother always said “ You can dresser’ up, but you can’t taker’ out!” True say mama, true say..
Do you have a band website? Why or why not? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify or SoundCloud to share your music?
You can find me almost anywhere folks! My main site is www.jessabran.com and you can find my on FB under www.facebook.com/jessabranmtl my Twitter is www.twitter.com/jessabran AND if you want to download my new EP “NAÏVE” for free, OR leave a donation please go to www.jessabran.bandcamp.com
You can also look me up on Spotify and iTunes.
My Soundcloud is www.soundcloud.com/jessabran
Do you think that online presence is important for fans to find you and critics to find your music to write about?
15 years ago, I don’t think the internet was really relevant for anything music wise. But today, EVERYTHING counts on how well you can sell yourself online and during Live shows and tours. Today it’s important you are linked in to social media and networking sites. You’ve gotta learn the business side of the industry and whore yourself out for everything you’ve got. It’s sad really. But it’s also a reality.
What’s NEXT for you?
I plan on releasing a well over due album titled “Seven Seas” My producer Paul Northfield is a very busy man working with bands around the world and is currently in London, England. Seeing as he took me under his wing I have nothing left to do but wait it out until he gets back. Then we can start the production of this album and setting up its release party. In the mean time you can always find me playing in Montreal whether it be festivals or a hole in the wall bar on Crescent street.
I’m always around!
With 2013 coming to a close, and the impending release of new works, please take the time and encourage those that inspire their art, and inspire those that enjoy their craft.
When you see Jess in concert, take it all in and congratulate the Artist.
Take a listen, take a look, appreciate, and pay it forward.
