Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Jess Ball
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I’d say my first solo in the primary school choir. My mum was a teacher at the school and had no idea that I sung. I kept it a secret so that I could surprise her at the school assembly. My music teacher told my mum about it just before we performed and my mum replied “Jess doesn’t sing”. So attention seeking of me!
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I think growing up my family loved listening to music and singing along to it so I developed my love for singing as a result of that. From an early age I started making up little random songs just about day to day events that would happen around me, and singing along as I did them. For example, if I were grocery shopping I’d probably be singing about grocery shopping at the same time.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I am currently exploring a new solo project, breaking away from the dance world I have been so lucky to have many great opportunities in. I loved that part of my music career, but I am now eager to go down a different path and experiment with different genres and create music that resonates with me on a deeper level.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would say in a general sense it is indie pop but with a bit more grunge and honesty to it.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
That experimenting is good and stepping outside the box is often where you’ll find the best ideas.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I would say my guitar and my amazing producer Richy Sebastian. If I’m not in the studio with Richy, the guitar somewhat does the job, but working with him opens my mind to a lot more possibilities with the music we make and gets the creativity flowing!
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I am absolutely loving Broncho. Specifically the song, ‘Dreamin’.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I would say all of my personal experiences have influenced my music in a very direct way, as every time something makes me emotional or I feel the need to vent, it comes out in a song. I’m not really one to journal or anything like that, but I will write a song about it.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope that listeners can listen to my music and feel as though they’re not alone in feeling any emotion at all. Just because not everyone is open about how they feel or what is going on in their personal lives, it doesn’t mean they’re not feeling or that bad things aren’t happening.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That nothing is linear in life and that is ok. Mistakes are meant to be made and not everything is always fair, and that it’s all a part of the process.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’d say Rod Laver Arena. I would love to play in the same venue I grew up watching my favourite artists perform live at.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Cigarettes after sex as they’re genuinely the playlist to my life. It doesn’t matter what mood I’m in, I can always happily listen to them and it would be surreal to be able to work with them.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?(Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
The next chapter is the UK and to pursue more opportunities over there. I had a great visit there earlier this year and keen to explore more of it. The dream is to be touring and playing all over the world.
