Interview by Douglas Neill
Photos by Lucas MK
Jesse Jo Stark is coming into her own. She has been designing for her family’s clothing and jewelry company Chrome Hearts since she was six years old and writing music at an age most people experience their first heartbreak. Her delight in the ‘horror of love’ echos a Tim Burton sensibility and her vocal delivery often gets compared to the likes of Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star. Nothing Mag had the chance to ask Jesse a few questions before her upcoming tour with The Vaccines to find out where her inspiration comes from, and what we can expect from LA’s own Rock and Roll songstress.
Douglas Neill: What sparked your passion for Horror/Frankenstein/Macabre? Was there a person or moment that commenced the fascination?
Jesse Jo Stark: I can’t pinpoint the day or person. I’ve always been heavily fascinated in exploring a life other than this one. The idea of love after death..the fantasy and divine beauty of the dead. The fact that we are all made of bones humors me.
DN: You did some writing in Bath (Somerset, England) where else do you enjoy writing?
JJ: Bath was beautiful. I immediately felt comfortable and it lent to every word we wrote in our songs. I’ll be back there very soon. I don’t have a preference, as all places are unique and can lend a different feel.
DN: How did you and your band cross paths?
JJ: My band was pieced together over time. I met Thomas (my guitar player) when i was opening for “The Heavy” and than shortly after we started writing together and found the rest of the guys.
DN: How has life on the road treated you?
JJ: I love being on the road, playing in new cities everyday being with the band seeing new faces at each show. It’s all dreamy as hell, I love it. This last tour with Sunflower Bean was too rad. Every show was completely different and they were a pleasure to support.
DN: How do you coordinate time between designing at Chrome Hearts and making/playing music? Do the two crafts ever inspire one another?
JJ: They do of course, both being an ultimate expression of yourself. I have to say though my time hasn’t been cut down the middle lately..my focus and love has been with my music. That is my main focus.
DN: If you weren’t painting, making music or designing clothes, what would you be doing?
JJ: Cooking, beach, family.
DN: Steve Jones produced ‘Down the Drain,’ Jonathan Rice and Thomas Hunter worked with you on your newer songs..what is the mood like for ‘Wish I Was Dead’ and ‘Rot Away’ coming out September 13th?
JJ: Johnathon Rice worked on ‘Driftwood,’ ‘Dandelion’ was written by Thomas and I and produced by Dan Taylor. Dandelion is simply about love and it’s decay. I put the flower in loves place and let it tell the story. The mood for me will always be pretty and deadly.
DN: Where can we catch you playing next?
JJ; I’m on my way to Paris to play a show and than we go on tour in October with The Vaccines.
