Published on May 6th, 2016 | by Nigel Cartner
0Jess Kemp ‘Camden’ EP Launch @ Manchester Academy 3
Telling Her Stories
Jess Kemp headlining Manchester Academy 3 is her biggest gig to date and marks the launch of her charming 4 track EP, ‘Camden’. She’s been around for a few years now, playing most of the well known (and less heard of) venues around the North West, having a reputation of playing anywhere, anytime, which is why she’s dubbed the ‘serial gigger’. Her performance at last year’s Blackthorn Festival compounded her popularity and talent, where she was arguably one of the standout performers of the entire festival. Appearing once again at this year’s line-up backs up that statement.
A sizeable, excitable and youthful crowd turn out in their numbers at The Academy to see this ‘pop’ sensation take to the stage and show just how far she’s come to realising her burgeoning potential. After four warm up acts suitably fuel the crowd’s anticipation, Jess Kemp appears with backing band in tow. She’s striking enough as a solo artist, but throwing a band into the mix adds a dynamic dimension to her already enthralling sound.
‘Killer Shoes’ opens, which is a killer tune straight from Jess’ deep imagination. It’s about a man who she’s never met who gets his comeuppance from his devious actions (listen to the track to decipher its meaning.) It’s a great way to begin the show as the nature of the track gives Jess a chance to emit a swaggering attitude to inspire confidence for the rest of the show. The track appears on the EP and has a subtle country beat and feel to it in parts giving it an edgy element.
‘Instead of Me’ is quite upbeat despite its hidden solemn meaning. This is what Jess does. She has an uncanny ability to write a sad song and inject a shot of adrenaline to make it uplifting whilst keeping the touching tone in the underbelly. The same goes for ‘Two Coins’, lyrically another sad song with the use of the harmonica that has a sprinkling of Jess’ bubbly tonic to make the track a little more enriching.
The three remaining tracks on the EP, ‘Camden’, ‘Stay’ and ‘Stars’, all feature on the set and carry on in the same vein of Jess’ distinctive song writing: melodious, catchy, with an undercurrent of sadness and sense of loss in the lyrics that is so easily to be completely engrossed by. ‘Stars’ is one well known for Jess’ fans, having been a single release last year, and many in the crowd are able to sing the lyrics back to her when prompted by Jess before she launches into it.
Lead EP track, ‘Camden’, finishes the set and is a mesmeric track which I’ve played repeatedly since hearing it. It really does have that overpowering effect where you have to listen over and over. It’s a wonderfully seductive pop tune that has great production value that brings the song to life. The way the track came about is quite ironic, turning a negative experience into a positive one based on when Jess unfortunately didn’t win a song writing competition final in Camden. She turned that disappointment into creative inspiration and wrote a song that would probably win that competition now.
You can’t help but fall in love with Jess’ voice and style. She’s such an intoxicating young artist carrying all the charm of a seasoned pro. She is the epitome of what an element of ‘pop’ and chart music should sound like. The catchy nature of her songwriting would surely capture the hearts and minds of a nation. Her voice is quite unique, switching between a bluesy and soulful snarl, to something more gracious and velvety. Her songs are relevant and tell a story, yet carry an emotive tone that sits beneath a surface crammed with buoyant melodies.
Her hard work is starting to pay dividends now, and her potential and protégé status is beginning to take shape. Despite her age she’s already an inspiration to other aspiring artists given her industrious work ethic. Of course, having a great work ethic is only part of the battle, it needs backing up with talent and Jess has this in abundance. This girl just continues to impress and impress, dazzle, soar and inspire! A star is well and truly on its way.
‘Camden’ was produced by Sugar House at Catalyst Studios in St Helens.
To listen to Jess talk about Camden and play a couple of live tracks for Sonic Bandwagon at Pure 107.8FM Studios then click here.
All photos by Richard McCann - Labrat Photography
About the Author
Nigel Cartner Nigel's immense passion for music, broadcasting and writing is what drives him along through this strange and surreal world!
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