Music
Press
The nine songs sit cross-legged between yesterday's folk and today's indie rock, all plaintive strums and contemplative musings awash in cavernous reverb. - The Bainbridge Review
Bainbridge Island, Washington, where singer-songwriter Jessica Star Rockers lives and where she recorded her album Beloved on Earth, was named the second-best place to live in the United States by CNN in 2005. On "Haunted", she sings matter-of-factly, "this life, this life has never been good", then "the lights are dark/we're living off generator power". There's a real sense of the rainy Pacific Northwest in the sound of Beloved on Earth, of claustrophobia and malaise, that confusion sometimes reigns in the best of situations. This is never overdone or self-pitying; there's just a recognition of everyday driftless feelings, made compelling by Rockers' sweet, unaffected vocals.
The basic recording features nothing but her voice, guitar, some effects, tape hiss, room noise, and the sound of fingers squeaking on the fretboard. This is a smart move, and it elevates the carefully understated songwriting to heights that studio production wouldn't approach.
Also of note here are two excellent covers. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" comes across as everywoman Cat Power, stripping down the song to turn the celebration into a plaintive lament. And the lesser-known "If I Give My Soul", by Texas country legend Billy Joe Shaver, makes the most of every ringing note, turning the song into a harrowing, field recording spiritual.
In short, fans of smart, appealingly honest, and lo-fi should make a point to pick this up; it's a grower. - indiefolkforever.blogspot.com
Discography
Beloved On Earth (2006) Several tracks get radio and internet airplay.
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Bio
Jessica Star Rockers began writing music and poetry as a child growing up in the farmlands of Illinois. Her education and travels eventually led her to the rainy Pacific Northwest and the Puget Sound island she calls home. A mix of these two regions deeply informs her music, combining Midwest roots and folk music with the indie rock sensibilities of Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula.
Shes coming back to music and writing after a short hiatus, when she and her husband, photographer and scientist WD Flitter, gave birth to a beautiful child they affectionately call Mr Nibs.
In 2006 Jessica released her debut album Beloved On Earth (available from CDBaby.com and iTunes.)She is currently co-authoring the blog MFABitch.com, writing songs for her second album, and playing shows throughout the Seattle area.
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