Jess Martin is a queer singer-songwriter, storyteller, and interdisciplinary performance artist based in Western Massachusetts. Blending gothic folk, modern rock, and theatrical storytelling, their original music explores identity, transformation, memory, and belonging, with echoes of David Bowie and PJ Harvey.
Jess develops collaborative productions that bring original music together with puppetry, poetry, photography, and film. Their work transforms familiar stories into unexpected theatrical experiences, connecting audiences through music, imagination, and shared discovery.
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters
Part concert, part shadow puppet theater, part gothic fever dream, Literary Monsters reimagines classic literature through original songs, puppetry, film, and a contemporary queer lens. Created with puppeteer Amy West and writer/performer Abby Hanna, this 50-minute multimedia production brings literary figures to life through an inventive blend of music and visual storytelling.
The production has toured libraries, theaters, and festivals across Massachusetts, including Worcester Public Library, Puppet Showplace Theater, Providence Fringe Festival, and libraries in Cambridge, Dedham, Falmouth, and Norwood.
Building on the show's success, Jess and their collaborators are expanding touring opportunities, developing new presenting partnerships, and envisioning future Shadow, Sound, Spectacle productions.
Echoes of Nature
Created with poet and naturalist Kim Hoff, Echoes of Nature combines original songs, poetry, and photography to explore place, grief, memory, caregiving, and belonging. Supported by local cultural councils, the project has reached audiences through museums, festivals, and community partnerships, including Wistariahurst Museum, the Belfast Poetry Festival, the Danforth Museum, and The Care Center in Holyoke. The collaborators are exploring new directions for the project through artistic research and development.
Community & Collaboration
Jess founded Song Share Sessions in 2023, a monthly gathering for women, trans, and nonbinary singer-songwriters, now hosted at Mill River Music & Guitars in Northampton. Their community arts work has been featured in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and on Valley Free Radio.
Jess welcomes partnerships with libraries, festivals, theaters, and cultural organizations seeking original, imaginative performances.
Music: jessmartin.bandcamp.com
