Get to Know: Jesswar
The newest source of fiery hip-hop fresh out of Brisbane is JESSWAR. More than just a flash in the pan, Jesswar has cut her teeth, gigging around the Gold Coast and Brisbane over the past couple of years, but now she's setting her sights well beyond the local scene and straight onto the international stage.
After a few bangers released over the years including 'Blue Roses x Red Violets', she has unleashed a fresh fury in the form of 'Savage' - an upbeat, in-your-face, all-out warcry of not only who she is, but what she stands for. Complemented with an almighty video that subverts rap stereotypes, there's nothing more certain than the fact that Jesswar is here to stay.
Having recently inked a deal with Golden Era Records, she's clearly got a lot more where this came from up her sleeve, but before she explodes, we wanted to get to know her a bit better.
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Who are you?
Jesswar, 22 Fijian, Rapper. Grew up on the Gold Coast, now calling Brisbane home.
How did Jesswar come to be? (when did you start making music etc)
I’ve been writing recording and performing music in Australia since I was 16 but 'Savage' is my first solo release into the Aus hip hop scene. Before this I was rapping in bands and gigging around with different artist before I took the plunge into a solo act.
What are we talking, vibes-wise?
I make hip hop but hip hop is evolving so quickly that this genre is becoming a lot broader than its stereotyped definition. So on the technical side it’s hip hop but I definitely don’t feel bound to any one sound. I’m really keen to create more.
Tell us a bit about your new single, 'Savage'?
I wrote 'Savage' seven months ago. I wasn’t trying to be shocking or brutal, I just wanted to say what I felt over a heavy bass driven beat with a hook that could become an anthem. I hope this song gives people as much power and strength as it’s given me. It’s always a dream when I see all the women move to the front when we play Savage at shows. The song’s rugged and it gives the audience that power. The track has a huge energy live because it has such a build up, I love the hype that the audience reflects back to me whenever I play this track live.
What can we expect from you moving forward?
Y’all can expect more music videos and singles plus a 6 track EP coming next year. I’m really stoked to show everyone what I’ve been working on and I’m keen to see how it will all be received. After the EP is out I want to tour and work on a debut album. But overall I just want to continually push myself onto bigger and better things. I don’t ever want to be repetitive. I‘m looking forward to inspiring collaborations and travels that will all feed my music. So you can expect to hear my evolution through my upcoming music.
Where can we hear more of your work?
Catch Jesswar live in Brisbane on the 8th of December at The Flaming Galah w/ Miss Blanks and Pink Mater.
Image: Hannah Bronte
Interview by Emma Jones
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