Jessie hits right notes for debut
by Emma Ballingall After two years based in Europe, folk singer-songwriter Jessie Monk has returned to Drouin ahead of the release of her debut album.
The former Drouin Secondary College student is also planning a three-month tour.
Jessie is enjoying the space and peacefulness of the local countryside which she believes is vital to her music and life.
“I think, after living in Berlin during the lockdown, I really want that, I want to live in the countryside,” Jessie said. “It’s been really good to come back home. I really missed Australia.”
Jessie travelled to Berlin in early 2020 and stumbled upon a thriving folk scene and decided to stick around. However, the pandemic struck, and she found herself in lockdown on the other side of the world and unable to perform or busk to earn an income.
However, the experience also provided self-reflection and song writing inspiration for her upcoming album.
“The songs kind of reflect a lot of what I was going through in 2020, which was quite a challenging year.”
She said one theme was innocence and grappling with maintaining it or losing it.
“Also, some references to being away from home; building McDonalds in my hometown gets a mention.”
The album, which is currently untitled, is currently being mixed remotely with the hope of a release in autumn.
Jessie is now spending nights on Zoom with her coproducer based in Berlin and says it’s very much still a work in progress.
After assembling a band of skilled musicians, Jessie hit the studio back in July and believes the melting pot of styles gives the album an edge.
“It is kind of very detailed and folky at times but with a lot of bold choices which come from my band being quite skilled and eclectic in their backgrounds,” she said.
Jessie says the band members have new music, jazz, Irish folk and Israeli backgrounds, with all being renowned musicians who were wonderful to work with.
She previously worked with several whilst recording her EP “Here Now” which was released early last year.
After completing the recording process, Jessie escaped all things lockdown in Berlin as Europe reopened.
“I realised, I don’t have to stay in Berlin, I can travel,” she said.
Jessie now plans to stay in Australia for the first chunk of the year, planning a tour in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia in March through to May. It will kick off with a gig at Sooki Lounge in Melbourne on March 27.
After studying musical theatre at Victorian College of the Arts and starring in David Bowie musical “Lazarus”, the singer, dancer and actor believes she has found her place.
“I really know what I want to achieve, and I can see pathways on how to achieve that.”
To help Jessie finish her album and gain access to exclusive uploads and creations, visit patreon.com/ jessiemonkmusic.
To follow her journey and keep updated on the upcoming album, follow Jessie Monk on Spotify, Facebook or Instagram.