Jess Martin

Artist / Creative (Individual)

Jess Martin’s gothic folk and modern rock blend spectral storytelling with a modern twist, reminiscent of Nick Cave or PJ Harvey. Their music feels like ghost stories sung beneath moonlit pines—haunting yet inviting, with melodies that echo themes of nature, identity, and belonging.

Discover more on their website, and stream their music on Spotify.

"Jess Martin’s songs pull you in as their secrets and stories unfold. Whether sharing tales of unrequited love or breathing life into an iconic figure like Amelia Earhart, the listener is treated to catchy, driving music that feels both nostalgic and fresh." - Ruth Critcher, The Secret Chord / The Velvet Bouquet

In 2025, Jess is bringing exciting new projects to life. Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters merges music with visual storytelling through intricate puppetry. Supported by local cultural council grants from Newton, Holyoke and Springfield, this innovative show will captivate audiences across Massachusetts.

Jess is also embarking on 3 Songs/3 Producers, collaborating with diverse producers to craft a dynamic, genre-spanning experience that highlights their versatility and creativity.

​“Jess’s openness and commitment to collaboration are truly inspiring, bringing people together through music in meaningful ways.” - Anders Griffen, Musicevolution

Echoes in Nature: Hampshire County, created with poet Kim Hoff, explores local landscapes through poetry and song. Funded by Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton and Williamsburg cultural councils, this project fosters environmental awareness and inclusive community spaces.

Jess’s passion for building community was recently featured in the Hampshire Gazette, celebrating their Song Share Sessions for women, nonbinary, and trans singer-songwriters. They also appeared on Valley Free Radio's The Town Crier to share their vision and perform live.

In Fall 2024, Jess released three evocative singles:

"Nevermore" – Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting tales.

"Every Quiet Night" – A soulful journey of solitude and self-discovery.

"Headless" – A rebellious anthem challenging conventional narratives.

Whether crafting new music or leading creative collaborations, Jess Martin continues to redefine indie music, welcoming dreamers and outsiders into their world.

Videos:

Primary Discipline

Music - Pop / Rock

Additional Disciplines

Music - General
Music - Band
Music - New

Activities

Performance / Concert / Reading
Virtual Events
Arts for Social Change / Creative Activism
Public Art Projects (In Free, Public Spaces)
Community Arts
Professional Network Gatherings / Events
Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class

Awards

  • 2025 Local Cultural Council Grant Recipient from Holyoke, Newton, and Springfield for Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters
  • 2025 Local Cultural Council Grant Recipient from Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton and Williamsburg for Echoes in Nature
  • Nominated for Best New Play 2006 for Home by the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE)
  • 2005 Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Grant for Playwriting

Education

  • Masters in Playwriting, Boston University

Additional Information

  • Year founded: 2019
  • Is a Touring Artist
  • Approx. 20 events per year
  • Geographic Reach: City/Town-wide, County-wide, Surrounding Counties/Region, State-wide, Surrounding States/Region, Nationally, Internationally
  • Seasons active: Year round