Jessica Bundy

Folk music is the pure, minimalist form of musical expression, where the artist takes on the challenge of being a singular force with nowhere to hide, least of all behind the razzle-dazzle of costumes, pyrotechnics or sonic wizardry, because when you get down to it, there’s usually little more than a guitar, some honest storytelling, and a voice that can transfix the listener. In fact, a folk festival can often be more rewarding than a rock concert in terms of being a more intimate experience, an environment much more conducive to connecting with the artist and becoming more wholly invested in their craft. One such artist this could certainly be true of is Toronto based singer-songwriter Jessica Bundy. True to the genre, her recently released EP Careless Smile is deeply immersing indie-folk that’s traditionally framed but with a progressive flare, infinitely more intriguing than some of the milder derivatives fuelling the banjo-rock rage in recent years, mostly because this relies on nothing more than melodically enchanting, soul rendering, lyrically engaging acoustic balladry, instrumentally sparse songs that can wrap you up in uncanny and disarming sophisitication. Each song is a journey unto itself, and “My Body Instead” may be the most hauntingly beautiful song I’ve heard in a long while: Flowers fall from your lips / Words I can’t hear / Stolen words for a stolen kiss / It’s all I fear … With the songwriting and vocal chops demonstrated here, this is someone I already consider to be in a league of contemporaries that includes Sam Pinkerton, Aofie O’ Donovan, Rose Cousins, Megan Bonnell … a richly endowed genre indeed, and one in which Jessica Bundy is certainly making her mark. - Rokline

Singer/songwriter Jessica Bundy is a Toronto-based folk artist who renders heartfelt tracks of love and loss over jovial acoustics. This past year Bundy has been busy touring her debut EP, Careless Smile, across the west coast of the United States as well as several Canadian venues.

The EP is a stream of honest and experienced lyricism, which is no easy feat for a young up-and-coming artist. The whimsical tones of Careless Smile are accompanied by surprisingly profound lyrical content, as heard on “My Body Instead”. Jessica Bundy’s stripped down simplicity throughout the EP has concreted her breezy signature style, which she carries on and off stage.

Her seemingly effortless musical talents were instilled in her at a young age. As the daughter of a concert pianist, Bundy recalls growing up in a world of extracurricular choirs. The beginnings of her promising career as a songwriter took off when she received a secondhand guitar in her early teens. Later, while pursuing her master’s degree at York University, Bundy took a fateful leap into an active pursuit of her musical career.

Despite the blissful sounds that emit from Bundy’s easy-going vibrations, her journey as an artist has not always been bright and carefree. Tragedy overcame the artist with the sudden death of her beloved younger sister. Bundy reflects that the loss inspired a wealth of emotions that she filtered into her creative work. Jessica Bundy has undoubtedly found her footing as an artist and the consistent ease of Careless Smile guarantees her a prime player on your summer soundtrack.

Keep an eye out for Jessica Bundy on June 21st for her return to the Junction Musical Festival stage in Toronto! - Canadian Content Machine

The daughter of a concert pianist, music has always been an integral part of Jessica Bundy’s life. However, it wasn’t until the death of her beloved younger sister that she really let herself pursue her artistic career. While a newcomer onto the folk scene, this Toronto local is already making waves, spending her time touring North America playing festivals and solo shows to captivated audiences.

It’s hard not to be struck with how expertly Jessica Bundy navigates within the folk genre, making it something absolutely and obviously her own. Jessica Bundy’s debut EP "Careless Smile" is reminiscent of classic albums by Johnny Flynn, The Head and the Heart and early Laura Marling with its stripped down acoustics and clear, shining vocals. This is an absolute must-hear for anybody that dreams of the romance open fields and dirt roads can offer when paired with fantastic folk music. To put it simply, Jessica Bundy is a way to get out of the city without ever leaving Toronto. - We In The Pocket