Interview: 2016 Must-Know - Jess Kent

Sydney-based Jess Kent boasts Coldplay as fans, is the winner of Triple J Unearthed's recent Field Day competition, and recently dropped one of 2015's catchiest songs with the genre-straddling 'Get Down' - which soundtracks lyrics about suburban teenage-life with a pop-hook reminiscent of Santigold. 

"...move to the beat of your own drum..."

COUP DE MAIN: 'Get Down' is a very relatable with its lyrics about teenage-life in suburbia. Do you think it's important for music to convey a message?
JESS KENT: I think it's essential for music to convey a message. For 'Get Down', I was trying to think of a way to help people understand where I come from, and link all the kids I've chilled with all around the world in the last few years with everyone listening who I haven't met yet.

CDM: What do you hope for people to take away from listening to your music?
JESS: I hope they can use the song as a reminder that it's okay to move to the beat of your own drum, not take themselves too seriously and let your hair down every now and then!

CDM: How does your songwriting process work?
JESS: I write rhymes all day long and then jam out on my guitar when I actually sit down to write. It varies every time though - that's what's so fun! You never know when an idea is going to come to you.

CDM: Do you write your lyrics specifically for the songs, or do you write poems or prose and then evolve them into song-form?
JESS: It's a combination of both... but usually for me, it's the lyrics that come first.

CDM: Lyrically, what's your favourite song that you've written?
JESS: So far my favourite lyrics would have to be in a song called 'The Sweet Spot'. It's a pre-gig gee up!

CDM: What do you think is the difference between a good song and a great song?
JESS: I have this rule that when 1+1=3, then it's a great song. You can't explain it. I just know that it's more than just technical.

CDM: If you were a country, which song would be your national anthem?
JESS: 'Get Down' ;)

CDM: Which one emoji do you feel best represents you?
JESS: ????

JESS KENT's single 'Get Down' is out now - click HERE to purchase it via iTunes.

Watch the 'Get Down' music video below...

P.S. Click HERE to check out more of CDM's 2016 Must-Know artists in CDM Issue #17!