JESS LAMB
Singer/ Songwriter
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| Photo credit: Annette Navarro |
One night, my friend (Actress) Carrington Rowe, asked if I would meet her at Japp's Bar Downtown, owned by the wonderful Molly Wellman. We were sitting there, at a table with friends, just talking about the day to day. There was this energy in the room, a strong energy. We heard singing and music playing. It instantly grabbed my attention, I glanced near the front of the room and there was Jess Lamb. She was boldly playing the piano and had such a powerful presence. You could barely see her eyes from under her elegantly rimmed hat and large feathered earrings. She was playing her song, "The Morning," which at the time I had no idea. I was so moved by her incredible talent and just had to find out more about her. Thankfully, she graciously accepted my offer to be featured on Cincy Streets.
Here is our interview.
Here is our interview.
Jess lamb is a singer and songwriter, with an amazingly gifted voice. She sings from her whole body and soul. Jess has accomplished so much in these last few years, she began her music career officially in 2010.
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| (Photo credit, copyright by Brian Glass/Concert-captures.com) |
I started playing piano when I was 8 years old. I learned to play by ear as I sat next to my aunt on the piano stool in a little Pentecostal church in Red Lion, OH.
My entire family is musical, busting out their instruments and harmonies at family functions.
Music was the thing that connected us, whether it was for fun or for worship.
I always knew I wanted to sing, but it wasn't until I was in college at Miami University that I realized I could make a living with music.
There are so many artists I've been inspired by. I grew up listening to Mahalia Jackson, Mississippi Mass Choir, and a bunch of Southern Gospel artists. I was deeply inspired by their harmonies and positive message. Today I am most inspired by Portishead and Regina Spektor.
Jess Lamb, in 2015, performed on the notable and popular TV Show American Idol. She has been featured in CityBeat, Dayton Daily News, Cincinnati.com, WLWT channel 5, WCPO Channel 9, radio station Warm 98, radio station Class X, and many more. Jess has performed at the Prince Tribute Purple Reigns in 2016. She has toured many cities, especially in Los Angeles, and including playing with the Legendary Bootsy Collins.
I always knew I wanted to sing, but it wasn't until I was in college at Miami University that I realized I could make a living with music.
There are so many artists I've been inspired by. I grew up listening to Mahalia Jackson, Mississippi Mass Choir, and a bunch of Southern Gospel artists. I was deeply inspired by their harmonies and positive message. Today I am most inspired by Portishead and Regina Spektor.
Jess Lamb, in 2015, performed on the notable and popular TV Show American Idol. She has been featured in CityBeat, Dayton Daily News, Cincinnati.com, WLWT channel 5, WCPO Channel 9, radio station Warm 98, radio station Class X, and many more. Jess has performed at the Prince Tribute Purple Reigns in 2016. She has toured many cities, especially in Los Angeles, and including playing with the Legendary Bootsy Collins.
Here she is playfully playing alongside with singer, musician, Harry Connick, Jr. during her appearance on American Idol.
She was ecstatic when she was chosen to go to Hollywood. Although she didn't win, she has become successful in Cincinnati and is a force to be reckon with.
She was ecstatic when she was chosen to go to Hollywood. Although she didn't win, she has become successful in Cincinnati and is a force to be reckon with.
Her appearance on American Idol opened many doors. It gained the interest of respected and prominent producer David Sisko. He has worked with artists like Bryan Ferry, Justin Timberlake, Destiny's Child, Kelly Clarkson, and many more.
March 30th 2015 released single “Memories,” she originally wrote it in 2009, and by 2015 it was remixed by Sisko.
She has been nominated and won CEA Awards (Cincinnati Entertainment Award), as well as performed at the CEAs.
Her 2017 newest album is called, "Collection" from the Jess Lamb and Factory.
What are one of your memorable moments thus far as an independent musician? Thoughts on the indie scene?
We kicked off our first West Coast tour in 2016 opening for Bootsy Collins in Oakland, CA. As an indie artist it was exciting to perform for a sold out, massive, attentive crowd for the first time ever. The indie scene usually consists of playing smaller venues that we book and market on our own. But it is empowering to be an indie artist these days because we can own our publishing, release our music in all the major outlets and stay true to who we are without giving a percentage to a label.
Where did you learn to sing and play? Where do you play around Cincy and where have you played outside of Cincinnati?
I learned to sing and play in the church. Now, as I am more spiritual than religious, I perform in my Queen City, primarily in OTR and Northern KY. I hold a residency gig at Japp's in OTR every Thursday in which area musicians come to share their music and network. When we do tour, we perform on the West Coast (primarily LA).
How hard is it to be a performer? What are your struggles?
Performing isn't the biggest struggle I encounter. I am happy and free when I perform. As an indie artist, the struggle happens behind the scenes- booking, networking, publishing, marketing, etc. It is all worth it though.
Any advice for indie artists?
Master your craft. Sing and write everyday, even if you don't feel inspired. Inspire yourself. Support your musical peers. Collaborate with other artists. Be confident. And most of all, be present when you perform- music connects you to people in the audience in such an intimate way. The frequency you evoke when you are truly present can change the energy in a room. You are most powerful in that moment.
SONGS (recommended)
Memories Album 2015
Step Out of the Dark Album Dig Deep 2016
The Morning Album 2017
Thank you Jess Lamb for being a guest on Cincy Streets, it was an honor!
If you would like to hear more of her music, contact information and background, just click the links below:
JESS LAMB OFFICIAL WEBSITE
JESS LAMB MUSIC
TWITTER CityBeat Interview
AND.... as always, thanks for reading!
