"It must be a narrow path, writing pop infused music as an independent artist." This was the impression I got hanging out with local based singer/songwriter Jessica Irawan. The indie scene as I know it is fiercely protective of its content and favours more alternative genres to whatever is popular on the mainstream airwaves. Meanwhile radio offers little exposure to up and coming local or regional offerings. So where is an independent pop artiste to go? The definition of independent needs to be re-examined. Is it a genre? Or is it a state of ownership to one's musical product?
I thought about all this as I examined Jessica's living room, a makeshift rehearsal studio with boxes of self funded CDs stacked on the side. It all seems pretty indie to me.
Stepping Out is Jessica's debut album, after several years of being in the gig circuit. The songs deliver a strong message of empowerment amidst the highs and lows of life's many experiences, much like Jessica herself who exudes a girlish charisma that sugarcoats a determined and unbreakable spirit. One detects the unmistakable influence of Sarah Bareilles and other keyboard wielding female songwriters. Her accompanying musicians have given each track a distinctive edge like in "Irresistable" where it takes on a more rock flavour or the guitar instrumentation in "Life is Too Short" which adds to the personality of the album.
The vocals are capable, but seem a little loud and dry in some of the softer songs. I find myself preferring the sound balance in her live performance with us which is more emotive and organic. You know what this means, this girl is an act you should catch live.
Make up your own mind and sample some of her music at http://jessicairawan.bandcamp.com/
Get to know the budding young musician in the video interview below, where she talks about how she discovered the joys of writing music when she was battling cancer and what she hopes to convey with her work.
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Interview
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Live Performance - Life is Too Short
Find out more about Jessica on:
http://jessirawan.com/
https://www.facebook.com/IrawanJessica
http://jessicairawan.bandcamp.com/