Amplifier

25.08.09

In the Spring of 2009, Jess Chambers will embark on her first solo tour of New Zealand performing 16 dates in towns and cities from Leigh to Dunedin. Intimate and acoustic, the tour will include theatres and cabaret style venues, chosen for their ability to allow the audience to truly experience the delicacy of Jess' music. 

On the eve of the tour Jess answer's some questions for amplifier.

Jess what got you into singing and music?

Well my mum is an American lady and was quite seriously into the old school Pentecostal style of church when I as little. She would take me and my bro to praise Jesus 2 or 3 times a week when we lived over there.

It was all the dancing round, hand-clapping, glory side of the music that got me excited. The passionate self-expression and soul-fullness of it all. Luckily I was able to minus the god-factor and soak up the musical inspiration instead.

Your first foray into recorded work were with artists such as Rhian Sheehan, Module, Minuit, Antix and the Upbeats.All electronic producers. Yet your recent endeavours with the Woolshed Sessions and on your album Jess Chambers And The Firefly Orchestra you are working in the country/folk arena.

Did you consciously decide to change direction? 

It wasn't so much a change of direction as just another style of expression. I enjoy all kinds of music. 

Big beats are always a good time so I am happy to collaborate with electronic producers. I have a song coming out later this year on the new Upbeats album actually... 

Jess, other than those mentioned above, what other acts have you been and are you still involved with?

You've pretty much covered all the people I've worked directly with. My songs have also been remixed by

Benny Tones

Raze- Philidelphia (US)
The Phony Orhants (Sweden)
Rhombus
Agent Alvin
Hummel
Ekto
Interference 

Antix and Minuit re-mixed songs I originally recorded with Rhian Sheehan. 

I play alot of shows with Justin 'Firefly' Clarke under my own name and with the Woolshed Sessions, which includes Age Pryor, Lee Prebble, Peter Hill and Andy Hummel amoung others. 

Tell us something about the Jess Chambers And The Firefly Orchestra album - where was it recorded and with whom?

I mainly worked with Justin Clarke on that album. Recorded with Lee Prebble at the Surgery here in Welly. We had only 8 days in the studio, which was pretty whirlwind so we kept it simple.

Justin wrote the string arrangements and got the recording process up and running. Our mates, Tessa Rain, Rio Hemopo, Betty and Billy from Rosy Tin Teacaddy and others dropped into the studio and it was a lot of fun. Because we had so little time I couldn't agonise over anything and most of the songs were recorded in one or two takes.

Do you have plans for a follow up album?

For sure, I've got a new collection of songs and a particular sound in my head that I'm going for this time. I'm looking for the right recording space and producer who can create it for me. It would be great to work with T.Bone Burnett or Rick Rubin for instance.... dreams are free! 

If so any idea when we can expect it?

Sometime next year, hopefully.

Any plans to collaborate on other projects such as The Woolshed Sessions.

I guess it just depends what comes my way, Woolshed doesn't have any plans to make another album at this stage. But there's always new projects brewing in this town. 

Your song Stringing Me Along from the  Woolshed Sessions was named the APRA Best Country Song for 2009. How did you feel about receiving this award and what are your thoughts on industry related awards? 

I am totally stoked to be awarded Best Country song! 

I love how country is considered slightly un-cool but if you really check out the old-school legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash etc you'll find that these artists had amazing showmanship and song-writing skills. Their songs are often quite subtly complex even while they seem so simple. 

Island from your solo album was used by the Green Party as their TV campaign song - how did that come about?

Their campaign manager was taken out on a date to one of my shows and he loved the song. Hey, you never know who you're playing to, I think the Green Party is doing some really good things for NZ.

The song has also been selected as one of the Silver Scroll finalists for this year. What are your feelings about this?

Again, totally stoked! 

If I win, I'm going straight to the travel agent and buying a round the world trip ticket. You won't be seeing me next winter. 

What are you currently listening to?

Gillian Welch 'Time the Revelator',
The Felice Brothers and Lhasa de Sela, amoung others.....

What local bands or musicians would you like to see live or play alongside?  

I would have liked to see Eru Dangerspiel's show last week at the Auck Town Hall! Amazing band with a 25 person choir! I'm sorry I missed it. 

I love hearing Warren Maxwell and Mara T.K. perform. Electric Wire Hustle are a great band too. Flash guys.

If you were stuck on a dessert island and could have five of your favorite albums from a New Zealander to listen to, what would you pick?

Trinity Roots - Home Land and Sea
Rhian Sheehan's- Standing in Silence
Hannah Howes- Candy
Renee Louise Carafice- Tells you to Fight
Opiuo -Physical Symptoms EP

You've performed with other acts and are now about to head out on your first solo tour. Are these the first Jess Chambers shows?

Not the first Jess Chambers shows, I've been gigging around Wellington for a while now, but it is the first tour all to myself! :)

What can people expect from your live show?

My friend Tim Guy, one of my favorite songwriters will be opening the show. After him I'll play a set of songs from the FireFly Orchestra album, The Woolshed Sessions album and new material yet to be recorded. Peter Hill will be on mandolin, and Tim will join us singing on a few tunes also.

Thanks for your time Jess, is there anything else you'd like to mention?

Your welcome. Hmmmm, maybe "Give country a chance".....?

Amplifier

Jess Chambers debut long player Jess Chambers And The Firefly Orchestra is available here.

Jess and her band are touring the country from September 10th.