Soul-pop singer songwriter Jess Fairlie has long had the attention of those “in the know” in the Melbourne music scene, but her reputation is about to be enhanced as she steps into the spotlight as a solo artist to be reckoned with.

Since first coming to attention while still a teenager when engaged by Australia’s iconic Kate Ceberano (and later Vanessa Amorosi) as a touring vocalist, Fairlie has quietly developed her own sound, presence and perspective that draws on a wide variety of musical inspirations. She has distilled her musical influences into a heady and intoxicating mix of soul, pop, r&b and hip-hop, all the time grounded in a love of jazz instilled by her obsession with legends such as Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald and Natalie Cole. Remarkably Jess was singing standards by these artists in Melbourne jazz clubs at the age of just 13.

This is a deeply rooted musical lineage and Fairlie combines this spicy musical gumbo with a soulful, personal perspective on her art and creativity.

“When I write a song, I challenge myself to find succinct curiosity-inspiring lyrics and melodies”, she explains. “Music makes life beautiful to live in. It’s like you’re listening to poetry all the time and when you get to write something yourself and put it in an aesthetic form, it’s like you’re contributing to that life-enhancing feeling and feels awesome.”

To date Fairlie has released two singles only (Senses and the just released Holiday Love) and gained attention and many glowing reviews from around the world with rotation airplay from Double J, JJJ Unearthed and ABC stations across Australia.

On the live front Fairlie has been supporting national and international bands such as the California Honeydrops, Sex on Toast and Dylan Joel nationally and selling out her own shows in Melbourne.

During social distancing and post-isolation Fairlie’s star will continue to rise. With a new frame of mind, even more musical and social influences being soaked up daily, some ultra-productive writing collaborations emerging, a new band and fresh songs arriving at warp speed, Fairlie is set for a wild ride over the remainder of this strange, strange year.

“I’m planning to release three more singles, one every two months, after this current release, Holiday Love”, she explains. “After that, I have an official EP release scheduled for the end of this year. And then I’ll be hopefully able to play live (when gathering restrictions are over) to celebrate and get back in front of audiences”.

A growing and dedicated audience seems certain to be waiting with anticipation to join Jess Fairlie on the journey of her musical lifetime.