jes valentine
i play acoustic guitar - ranging in style from folk to indie to psuedo-country to emo. i attempt to write lyrics that are honest and allegorical and to use content material that is often overlooked (though mainly the songs just end up being love songs in one way or another).
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I picked up a guitar at 18 after doing spoken word seriously for a few years. Started playing out around 23 and recorded my first EP in the spring of 2004. Have toured in support of EP since.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
sure. mostly in small dives and coffee shops. I used to organize a singer/songwriter night in the round up in Indianapolis called the Fractured Folk Showcase. It rocked socks!
Your musical influences
Bob Dylan, Hayden, Elliott Smith, Damien Jurado, Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Michelle Shocked, Ani Difranco, Bright Eyes, Old 97's, Leonard Cohen
What equipment do you use?
An Alvarez acoustic guitar with a Dean Markley pick up. Occasionally i'll play this shitty Peevey i picked up for about $100.
Anything else?
PLEASE! leave any and all critques and/or reviews on the message board. any and all input is greatly appreciated!
