Montaigne, singer and songwriter
This revolution of being conscious of one’s own personal impact – physically, emotionally and spiritually – on the world is pretty inspiring to me ...
Jessica Cerro, known to most as Montaigne, is one of the fastest rising stars in the Australian music scene. The Sydney-based singer and songwriter came to our attention as one of the finalists in 2012’s Triple J Unearthed High competition, but she really catapulted into our ears with her Life on Montaigne EP, which boasted singles ‘I Am Not an End’ and ‘I’m a Fantastic Wreck’. 2016 is set to be the biggest year in Montaigne’s career, with a string of hit singles earning acclaim in the lead-up to the August release of her debut album, Glorious Heights. In addition to the new tunes, Montaigne will be peforming at Splendour in the Grass before embarking on a national tour. We quickly caught up with Montaigne in one of her brief moments of down time.
You’ve found success quickly and at such a young age! How has the experience been for you so far?
Oh, you know – good!
I understand you are set to release your debut album, Glorious Heights, soon! What can people expect from it when it drops?
Well, mostly music. But there’s also cool cover art and some oblique references to Kingdom Hearts.
Your songs up until now have dealt with a spectrum of personal issues – what sorts of topics will you be tackling on this album?
I suppose just more personal issues. Some relationship related things, some perceived inadequacies in myself, power struggles, inner struggles, struggles. How weird is the word ‘struggles’?
What do you hope listeners take away from the album?
Something that resonates with them, and hopefully the inspiration to look within themselves and take ownership of their personal development.
Are there any stylistic changes that we should keep our ears out for with the new material?
Yeah! It’ll be obvious, I don’t have to tell you what they are.
Since capturing the nation’s ears with ‘I’m a Fantastic Wreck’, how have you grown as a singer and songwriter?
Well, I’ve had more life experiences, of course. That has changed me as a person in a big way, which has affected my lyrics and the way they’ve been written. I’ve been listening to a heap of new music, reading new books, watching new movies and that’s probably changed my writing. All the new music I’m listening to is probably affecting the way I sing and write songs. The more time I spend exploring my voice, the more varied my tonal palette is. So, that’s probably how I’ve grown!
Your performance at Splendour in the Grass is coming up, which must be very exciting! As someone who is deathly afraid of public speaking I am sweating at the thought of being on stage in front of so many people. How do you overcome the pre-show jitters?
I don’t get jitters – being on stage is the best thing ever for me!
The Splendour line-up is full of amazing talent! Are you keen to check out any other sets while you are there?
The only act I’m super-duper keen on seeing is Sigur Rós, but alas, I won’t be around when they’re playing – so that’s the worst. Such is life.
You’ve toured and performed with some amazing musicians in your career to date. What would be your three dream collaborations?
Björk, David Byrne, and Owen Pallett.
What would you say is your career highlight to date?
Marina Diamandis DMing me on Twitter to tell me that she checked out my music and “love[s] it so much!”. I silent screamed in public when I received the message!
What are you currently finding inspiring about the world around you?
This revolution of being conscious of one’s own personal impact – physically, emotionally and spiritually – on the world is pretty inspiring to me. The rise (and inevitable universality) of veganism is an example of a growing social conscience, an increased respect for life and an increasing level of compassion – even if they’re only on the rise for selfish reasons (such as “not changing our behaviour is going to destroy us all, as well as the planet” etc.).
If you are lucky enough to have scored yourself a ticket to Splendour in the Grass, you can catch Montaigne on the Saturday at 12:30 pm on the G.W. McLennan stage. If you prefer to see Montaigne in a more intimate setting, you can catch her on tour in September and October. She’ll be playing at The Spiegeltent for Brisbane Festival on Tuesday September 13, at Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers on Friday September 16 and at the Caloundra Music Festival on Monday October 3. For a full list of tour dates and info, head to Montaigne’s website!
