Zoey Tess Blends Activism and Art
Inspired by politically vocal artists that have come before her, singer-songwriter Zoey Tess blends her passion for music with activism in hopes of inspiring radical change. Her latest single, “Knocking at Your Front Door,” faces issues relevant to people of color, the LGBTQ community, and women head on. With her debut album, “There’s Gonna Be a Reckoning,” on the way, we can’t wait to see what’s in store. Also a proud advocate for gun reform, Tess was recently welcomed as an Artist for Action under the Sandy Hook Promise organization. To learn more about Zoey Tess and her upcoming music, read on.
Where are you based?
Hi Jejune Magazine, thank you for inviting me to chat. I am proudly based in Newtown, Connecticut. It's a stone's throw away from New York, which is where I work out of when I'm not in my home studio.
What inspired you to start making music?
My late grandmother, a brilliant concert pianist, passed away before I was born. My father was given her George Steck baby grand piano, which was kept in our living room. When I was four, I was instantly drawn to it, climbing onto the bench and teaching myself Burt Bacharach's "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." I took classical piano and violin lessons for several years and was fortunate enough to attend The Interlochen Center for the Arts. I began writing and recording my own music at twelve, briefly attended Berklee College of Music, and then spent two years living and working in the basement of a recording studio in my early twenties. I learned the business and the technical side of music from the ground up, which I value just as much as being a singer and songwriter.
How would you describe the kind of music you make? Are there any artists or genres that you take inspiration from?
I began my career creating contemporary jazz for a jazz-fusion band in Connecticut, but I've always admired artists who used their platform to enact social change. Nina Simone is my biggest inspiration; her music was a movement, and she believed artists had a duty to reflect societal inequalities. I love folk and soul. Artists like Odetta, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Joan Baez. I'm also grateful to have grown up in the '90s, with women who broke the mold and paved the way, like Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, Sinéad O'Connor, and Fiona Apple.
My music is the culmination of these trailblazers. It captures the spirit of '60s and '70s folk and the female alt-rock musicians of the '90s. It's unapologetic by nature.
Congratulations on your new single “Knocking at Your Front Door”! What was the inspiration behind this song?
Thank you kindly. I don't mince words. I wrote it out of fear for marginalized communities and the sadness over the inevitable rolling back of rights for women and LGBTQ+ folks, and the rise in racism towards Black and Brown communities. I was angry, and this was my way of confronting not only the current administration and their inhumane policies, but also a larger system that has led to a false sense of democracy and the failures on both sides of the aisle.
“Knocking at Your Front Door” is an unapologetic protest song. Why do you use music as a form of protest?
I didn't have a choice; it was something I needed for my own sanity and survival, and to shine a light on the ugly truths embedded in our society. While some may be disillusioned, I know that music can, has, and will affect change. I needed a place to channel and release the anger, sadness, and pain. My goal was to create a body of work that could also help others through their own intense feelings.
You have your debut album, “There’s Gonna Be a Reckoning,” set to release soon. What are some things listeners can expect to hear from it? What are some of the themes you explore throughout the album?
The album explores themes of societal inequality, religious hypocrisy, and authoritarianism. However, there's a much softer side and a light at the end of the tunnel. For me, it was a lot of shadow work. Processing these intense, awful feelings with a really great group of people to create something tangible that people can hold onto. A life raft in this sea of chaos.
I was incredibly lucky to work with an amazing team, including my musical partner and producer, Spencer Hattendorf, who co-wrote some of the songs and played on many records. Mario McNulty provided the brilliant mixing, and Paul Antonell, owner of Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck, New York, served as sound engineer. The legendary Dave Eggarwas gracious enough to play cello and viola on two songs, and the wonderful Chris Gehringer of Sterling Sound mastered the album, bringing it to another level of brilliance.
We aimed to incorporate the artists and sounds that shaped the '60s and '70s protest movements alongside the female alt-rock singer-songwriters of the '90s. Finding that balance of capturing an analog sound without sounding dated was walking a tightrope, but I'm incredibly proud of this record and everyone involved.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music? What do you hope to inspire within your listeners?
A lot of folks don't have much to believe in right now; we are all searching for answers and grieving the loss of the illusion of democracy. The question I hear most is, "What can we do?" We all have a part to play in the collective: investing in community-based programs, organizations, businesses, protests, art, and music, and helping each other. I wanted to give folks a reason to hold on and a piece of my soul. Art is meant to leave the listener changed, offer new perspectives, and change hearts and minds. It's human and real in the age of artificial creation. We need human connection, and this was my offering. I hope listeners take away a sense of peace and strength, and I hope to inspire change on a larger scale.
Within your music there is an intersection between art and activism. How do you think art as a form of activism differs in the way it connects with and inspires people as opposed to more traditional forms of activism?
Art is incredibly powerful. There's a certain magic and frequency that music creates that can inspire radical change. Listening to Nina Simone and Phil Ochs still gives me that fighting spirit to this day. We all have a part, or many parts, to play in activism. Right now, we need every voice to speak out; we need all hands-on deck. Not everyone can be on the front lines, but we can all challenge the status quo, use our voices for those who are silenced, and spread awareness in all ways possible. Art has the power to move folks, and it has a way of uniting us all.
We also just heard that you were recently welcomed as one of the artists for Artist For Action foundation, which was started by Mark Barden who tragically lost his seven-year-old son in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Can you tell us a little bit about what it means to be one of their artists?
Thank you very much. When my family and I relocated to Connecticut, Newtown was the first town we moved to. It wasn't simply a town, but a community of kind and welcoming people. Flash forward to December 2012: I was home on winter break from Berklee College of Music in Boston when the world learned of the devastating news. My heart broke, as did the rest of the world, for the families of the children, teachers, and staff whose lives were taken in an unimaginable way.
I first learned of Artist For Action because I'm a proud supporter of Sandy Hook Promise, a wonderful organization co-founded by Nicole Hockley (who lost her son Dylan) and Mark Barden (who lost his son Daniel). They have done incredible work to end gun violence by teaching the warning signs and offering resources and helplines for students, teachers, and communities. They, and all the parents who lost their children, are the very definition of strength and hope.
Artist For Action (AFA) is a coalition of artists and musicians who stand united to address the growing issues of gun violence, mental health, social isolation, and loneliness in America. AFA helps artists engage with their fanbases, raise awareness, and share vital resources to build safer and more connected communities. Some of my favorite musicians, including Patti Smith, Paula Cole, and Billie Eilish, have all lent their voice and platform. I am so pleased to join this wonderful cause, as I believe it's crucial that we all speak up and speak out to protect our communities for a safer world. I look forward to doing anything I can to help make a positive change.
Gun violence is a major issue in America, and our current administration doesn’t seem very focused on it. How would you like to see it addressed?
I believed the tragic events that took place at Sandy Hook would be the moment that Congress would reach across the aisle to enact gun reform, to put measures into place that could stop senseless tragedies from happening again. I believed it would unite lawmakers in a bipartisan effort to make mental health initiatives and safety prevention programs for the children of this country. I encourage everyone to visit Artist For Action’s Site: https://www.artistforaction.com/ as well as Sandy Hook Promise’s Site: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org to learn more about what we can all do to help prevent gun violence in our communities, to share resources for mental health and preventative measures, and to find out more about what we can all do to make a difference.
Do you feel there is anything the lay population can do to help?
Absolutely. We all have a unique, beautiful soul and an individual light. We all have a part to play, whether that's sharing resources and information, being part of communities, uplifting and supporting Black and Brown-owned businesses, protecting minority groups, or creating and sharing art. Fascism and authoritarianism thrive on fear and surrender. We must abandon the defeatist attitude, because there are so many more of us on the side of good, and there is power in numbers.
Why is speaking out against our current administration’s actions important to you?
I have no fear, and I am afforded privileges that many do not have right now. This is not a matter of choice but a necessity.
What advice do you have for young girls who want to pursue music?
We need more women in positions of power within the music industry. I have long preached about this. We need safe places for all women and girls. My advice is to never compromise your morals or your artistic integrity for anyone. Trust your first gut reaction with music and in life. Lastly, study the business of music and learn to own your own publishing and masters. Oversee every aspect of your career and finances. Know your worth and don’t compare yourself to anyone.
Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
The second single and title track, “There’s Gonna Be a Reckoning,” arrives Friday, November 21st. I had the pleasure of working with the masterful Dave Eggar, who lent eldritch strings to the already haunting folk ballad. The full studio album is slated for release at the end of January.
In early December, we are headed back to Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck for an acoustic live studio album and performance. I am very excited to announce I will be joined by the incredible Tiger Darrow on strings, as well as a coven of string players. I plan to play the piano and perform five songs from the studio album alongside them.
It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
We create, we fight back, we join in community, and we do everything we can to confront this administration head-on. I see the terror, the madness, the cruelty, but on the other side, I see the beauty of folks coming together to help. I remain positive that we will overcome this, but it will take us all getting out into the streets and demanding an end to this administration’s reign of terror. This album has helped me survive mentally; it’s been therapy and it’s been cathartic. I plan to continue to create art and share my words with the world.
What is your motto in life?
Do something small, every day, to help make someone’s life better.
To learn more about Zoey Tess, please check out the links below:
Artist For Action
Sandy Hook Promise
Official Sites & New Music: https://linktr.ee/zoeytess
