JESS LOCKE Signs to Dot Dash Releases new single & video ‘Fool’

Melbourne artist Jess Locke is known for penning indie pop tracks that are at times subtle and full of melancholy, at times delivered with an acerbic tongue, but always steeped heavily in narrative. As premiered by triple j’s Home & Hosed, new offering in ‘Fool’ is simple and raw, seeking to partner dirty grunge guitars, a fuzzy lead, gritty vocals and a punchy rhythm section. With the new track comes the announcement that Locke has inked a deal with cherished Melbourne label Dot Dash, of which artists such as Gena Rose Bruce, Methyl Ethel and Donny Benét call home.

Revealed by The Music, Jess Locke shares “I’m so excited to be signing with Dot Dash. I’m a big fan of the artists on the label and I couldn’t be happier about becoming part of the family.'”

Dot Dash Recordings & Remote Control Records’ Head of Label & Promotions, Sweetie Zamora adds “It’s an absolute joy to officially welcome Jess to the Dot Dash Recordings family. She’s been part of the extended Remote Control family since 2017 and we’ve long admired her dedication to songwriting, art and gluten-free vegan baked goods. The forthcoming music from Jess, Chris and Jim floored us and we’re immensely proud that they’ve trusted us to share it with the world.”

“Is this the best you can do? You look like a fool” by Locke’s own admission this is as acid as her tongue gets. Delivered with irony, ‘Fool’, gives voice to real feelings of disappointment in people and in the way they treat each other, the way some set about to divide and exploit when threatened.

Of the track Locke asserts: “I originally imagined the chorus being sung by the Earth, or some other omniscient entity, to humans, like a loving parent to a wayward teenager – not angry, just disappointed. Although I wrote the song more than a year ago, I feel like it could have been written as a soundtrack to 2020”.

‘Fool’ was recorded with the help of band mates James Morris and Chris Rawsthorne, along with producer Rob Muinos (Saskwatch, Julia Jacklin) and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis in the UK (Lana Del Ray, The Killers, Gorillaz).

It’s been a patient wait for new music from the admired songwriter, ‘Fool’ follows on from 2018’s 7” My Body Is An Ecosystem / Nothing At All and 2017 LP Universe which debuted at #18 on the AIR Independent Label Album Chart, scored triple j Feature Album, landed in the Australian Music Prize nominations list and at #20 in Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Albums of 2017.

Keen to hit the road again when restrictions are lifted, Locke has supported the likes of Paul Dempsey, Julia Jacklin, Fazerdaze and Marlon Williams; as well as played at many of Australia’s favourite festivals: Bigsound, Fairgrounds, Falls, Til The Wheels Fall Off, St Kilda Festival, Yours & Owls, Festival of the Sun & NYE On The Hill.