At just 20 years old, JesseMelancholy is already turning heads, crafting vulnerable, emotionally rich pieces that speak to the heart of self-discovery and perseverance. Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Jesse describes his hometown as a “chill” place, where he’s lived all his life. His upbringing in such a calm environment has undoubtedly influenced the introspective nature of his music, though his artistic journey truly began when he discovered the "emo rap" scene during his teenage years.
Jesse’s passion for music ignited at 15, but it wasn’t until he turned 18 that he began releasing music under the alias JesseMelancholy. His early inspirations came from artists like Lil Peep and Lil Lotus, who were integral to his musical foundation. While he’s moved away from that genre, the influence of emo rap lingers in his work, particularly in the raw emotional honesty that he brings to his sound. This willingness to explore deep, often painful emotions is evident in his debut EP, "does the skin i wear define me?" a project that took nearly a year to complete.
This EP is a journey into self-discovery, tackling themes like identity and self-acceptance. Inspired heavily by Phil Elverum’s The Glow Pt. 2, Jesse worked meticulously to create a project that was more than just a collection of songs, it became a personal exploration of what it means to live in one’s skin. The creative process was one of constant reflection, a way for Jesse to find peace with himself while navigating the complexities we all face of being young and uncertain.
Among the tracks on the EP, “blisters” stands out as the most personal for Jesse. Written during a dark time in his life, the song serves as a metaphor for pushing through pain, both emotional and physical. He recalls the moment of inspiration vividly, walking home in shoes that hurt his feet, which became a powerful analogy for what he was going through mentally. The idea of moving forward, despite the pain, is a theme that resonates not only in his music but in his journey as an artist.
When asked about his influences, Jesse hesitates to list too many names for fear of leaving someone out. But without a doubt, Phil Elverum’s work stands at the forefront of his inspiration for this record. Elverum’s raw and introspective approach to music was a game-changer for Jesse, helping him to craft a project that feels intensely personal yet universal in its themes of growth and acceptance.
Looking back at his early career, Jesse says one of the most meaningful moments so far was performing two shows in Adelaide and Melbourne, part of a mini tour with friends. The energy of the audience, and seeing people singing along to his art, all gave him a sense of validation that made the years of hard work feel entirely worth it. And if he could offer one piece of advice to his younger self, “Embrace autotune, it is the best invention ever,” he says, a sign of the importance of staying open to new ideas and tools when making music
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