JESS MARTIN

Jess Martin, an emerging artist based in Western Massachusetts, is a dynamic voice in the indie music scene, blending gothic folk, punk, and modern rock into a sound uniquely their own. Known for haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, Jess’s music tackles themes of identity, belonging, and transformation, resonating deeply with audiences.

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Praised as “a punk rock Joan Baez” and for crafting “lyrics that blend like Patti Smith meets David Bowie,” Jess draws on literary influences and raw emotional depth. Their songwriting is evocative and daring, reimagining classic narratives and weaving them into bold, contemporary tracks. From explorations of unrequited love to anthems inspired by historical figures like Amelia Earhart, Jess delivers performances that are equally raw and theatrical.

 

This Fall, Jess released three standout singles:

• Nevermore: A brooding homage to Edgar Allan Poe's gothic legacy.

• Every Quiet Night: A soulful meditation on solitude and self-discovery.

• Headless: An edgy, rebellious track challenging traditional narratives.

 

Beyond music, Jess ventures into innovative storytelling through Shadow, Sound, Spectacle, a puppetry and performance project which features the talents of Amy West and Abby Hanna. Their debut production "Literary Monsters" has been enthusiastically supported by Drawing Board Brewing Company in Florence, MA. This boundary-pushing collaboration combines intricate puppetry with immersive music, captivating audiences with narratives that blur the lines between sound and visual art.

 

Equally passionate about celebrating nature’s voice, Jess co-leads Echoes in Nature: Hampshire County with poet and environmental educator Kim Hoff. This project weaves spoken word and song to explore themes of environmental preservation and the profound human connection to wilderness, amplifying the natural world’s stories. This production will be touring Hampshire County in 2025.

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With roots in theater, Jess brings a storyteller’s sensibility to their music. Years spent with Queer Soup Theater, along with a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant for playwriting, have honed their talent for crafting narratives that resonate with authenticity.

 

A strong advocate for fostering creative spaces, Jess hosts monthly Song Share Sessions for Women & Non-binary Singer-Songwriters in Northampton, MA. This platform supports diverse voices, reinforcing Jess’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. 

 

Their live performances span intimate venues and festivals, including Easthampton Porchfest, Northampton Pride, and The Parlor Room’s Back Porch Festival. With each performance, Jess invites audiences to dive into a world of sound and spectacle, connecting deeply with their stories.

 

Jess Martin’s artistry is a celebration of misfits, dreamers, and the power of transformation. With a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices and pushing creative boundaries, they are redefining what it means to be an indie artist in the 21st century.