Australian-born, Brooklyn-based songwriter and producer Jess McAvoy takes a departure from her 13-album, 22-year spanning pop/folk singer/songwriter guitar and vocal palette with Curious- a dark pop synth heavy beat-scape that questions a world in which people are losing the art of inquisitive face to face conversation. Tomatrax caught up with Jess to ask a few questions.
You've just released your latest single, 'Curious' how did this song come about?This song was a very deliberate effort to not only explore a new sound, but comment on the increasing lack of face to face communication that is happening in day to day life. Also I just really wanted to put something new out, seeing as it's been so long!
The song is quite different from your previous work, taking on a more darker atmospheric sound, what inspired this change in direction?Living in New York has really pushed me to look at what I have been doing for all this time, all of the records I have released, and confront what it is that I really want to be making. I've just come to terms with the fact that I want to make the music that I enjoy listening to, so for this moment, it's this style of dark electronic indie pop. I'm also working on some more bluesy stuff, but with the luxury of the single by single mentality of releasing music now, I feel like I have the freedom to explore different palettes.
Is this a sign of things to come?Maybe! I mean, I really enjoy this flavor, so I am sure I will work with it more often. I doubt it will be an exclusive change though, I do like a lot of different styles of music.
Are there plans for another album?
No solid plans yet. I churned out so many over the last 20 years that I think it's time for me to really spend some time in development before I take on another massive project. I feel like I've only just started to explore my potential as a writer and singer, especially since moving to New York so I wanna roll around in that for a little longer.
What inspired you to relocate from Australia to New York?Music! 100%.
I always want to challenge myself and stretch as an artist and it was the right move for sure. I love it here. It makes sense to me and I really feel at home.
How does making music in the USA compare with making music in Australia?It's a lot of pressure, to be honest. There's so much noise and so much quality to get your head around and above, that it's overwhelming at times, but more importantly it's super inspiring! There are so many fantastic musicians here, not to mention busking in the subway! It's inspiring as hell and often moves me to tears. I feel very fortunate.
Do you think you'll ever return to Australia?It's hard to say. I've been away from Australia for almost 5 years now, having lived in Toronto previously... Australia feels more and more foreign each time I visit. My sister even reckons my sense of humor has changed, become more American! Having said that, the land is such a magnetic force, I'll always miss that feeling of being on Aboriginal land. There's just so much for me to explore elsewhere right now, so I'll let that take me over for now.
You've been releasing music for over two decades, what is the secret to your longevity?Tenacity. Stubbornness. A relentless need for recognition.
But really- these days I am glad to say that the secret to my longevity is passion for making things. I learn so much from making and performing music and the art forms associated with making and performing music that I don't ever want to stop for as long as I live.
You've put out 13 albums, is it hard to keep coming up with new material?Nah, not at all. It's one of the few things that I am unequivocally confident about- is writing music. I get better and better and do it as much as I can. I think as long as you keep practicing it doesn't get too rusty.
You've often invited fans on Facebook to suggest cover versions for you to do ahead of a show, have you performed any cover versions that were suggested?Yeah for sure. Not for aaages though, but yeah I have. I don't do covers very often, I kinda like to use that time and space to really try out the things that I make.
When writing what comes first, the words or the music?Most often the chords sit as a bed for me to doodle over. I sing random melodies over random chords until something sounds useful.
Do you ever listen to your own music?Not too often after it's been recorded. I all too often hear all the mistakes. But while I'm still in the writing and development stages of new songs I listen to them a lot. It's part of the process.
What music do you listen to?I listen to all kinds of stuff, but lately there's not a lot of music I like to listen to for fun. My work brain always grabs on to what's happening, be it compositonaly or production wise. So when I do listen to music for fun it's often stuff that I have no interest in creating for myself. Like music in languages other than english, traditional devotional songs from many cultures other than my own... and metal.
Now that your latest single is out what do you plan on doing next?Make more and more and more! Hopefully more releases more frequently!
Check out Jess McAvoy's website to find out more!
