Queer Singer Songwriter | Jess Martin

jessmartin.playsguitar@gmail.com

🌿✨ Exciting News for Echoes in Nature: Hampshire County! ✨🌿

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been awarded funding from the Amherst Cultural Council! 🎉 This support joins our awards from the Belchertown Cultural Council and the Williamsburg Cultural Council, creating a strong foundation for our mission to connect communities with nature through music and poetry.

🌳 What is Echoes in Nature? 🌳
This collaborative project between poet-naturalist Kim Hoff and me, Jess Martin, explores Hampshire County’s stunning landscapes. Through hikes, creative sessions, and performances, we’re crafting six original songs and six poems inspired by local natural spaces. Together, we aim to foster environmental stewardship, community connection, and inclusive spaces for all.

We’re so grateful for this opportunity to share the beauty of our local environment and can’t wait to bring these stories to life. Stay tuned for updates and event announcements! 🎶📖

@amherst_cultural_council @belchertownculturalcouncil @masscultural @kimbahoff123

#EchoesInNature #HampshireCounty #PoetryAndMusic #EnvironmentalStewardship #CommunityBuilding #NatureInspiredArt

🌿✨ More grant News! ✨🌿

So excited to share that Echoes in Nature: Hampshire County has received a second grant for our project. Now featuring our collaboration with the Williamsburg Cultural Council! 🎉 This collaborative project, led by poet and nature essayist Kim Hoff and singer-songwriter Jess Martin, celebrates the beauty, history, and ecological significance of six unique natural areas in Hampshire County. 🌲🦋

We’re excited to present our work at the Meekins Library later this year, and we’ll keep you informed when dates fall into place.

Big thanks to the WCC and Mass Cultural Council for supporting this vision!! Stay tuned for updates, event announcements, and sneak peeks of our creative process. 🎶📜

@masscultural @kimbahoff123

#massculturalcouncil #williamsburgma #echoesinnature #westernmass

🌿✨ Exciting News! ✨🌿

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that Echoes in Nature: Hampshire County has received a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council! 🎉 This collaborative project, led by poet and nature essayist Kim Hoff and singer-songwriter Jess Martin, celebrates the beauty, history, and ecological significance of six unique natural areas in Hampshire County. 🌲🦋

Through immersive walks in these landscapes, we’re creating six original songs and six poems inspired by the surroundings. Each piece will be shared in live performances, complete with visual projections and audience engagement, fostering deeper connections to these spaces and promoting environmental stewardship through art.

A heartfelt thank-you to the BCC and Mass Cultural Council for supporting this vision. We’re honored to contribute to the vibrant arts and culture of Belchertown! Stay tuned for updates, event announcements, and sneak peeks of our creative process. 🎶📜

@belchertownculturalcouncil @masscultural @kimbahoff123

#EchoesInNature #BelchertownCulturalCouncil #hampshirecounty #environmentalart #poetryandsongs #communityconnections #natureinspiredart #jessmartinmusic #KimHoffWrites

🌈🎶 Join Us for the January Rainbow Supper Club! 🎶🌈

Please RSVP!

✨ When: Wednesday, January 15th, 5-7 PM
✨ Where: Holyoke Council on Aging, 291 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA
✨ What: Dinner & local music to kick off the new year in celebration of our vibrant community!

I’m thrilled to perform alongside the incredible Wylder Ayres (they/them) 🎧 and Indë (they/he) 🎨. Together, we’ll bring a magical evening of music and connection to this wonderful event.

💵 Cost:

$3 for ages 60+
$6 for under 60
(Dinner & entertainment included. If cost is a concern, please reach out—we’re here to help!)
🌟 The Rainbow Supper Club welcomes LGBTQIA+ older adults (60+), younger friends, partners, and allies. Let’s gather, share a meal, and celebrate community!

📩 More info & RSVP: https://ow.ly/6tbX50UBgm2

Can’t wait to see you there! 💖✨

🎙️✨ BIG NEWS! Tomorrow, I’ll be on Valley Free Radio’s show The Town Crier with the fabulous Ed Malachowski! 🎉 Tune in as we dive into all the juicy details about the Song Share Sessions for Nonbinary, Trans, and Women Singer-Songwriters, chat about my music journey, AND share a live performance! 🎶💫

📅 When: Thursday, Jan 9th at 8:30 AM ET
📻 Where to listen: Valley Free Radio – valleyfreeradio.org/show/the-town-crier

Let’s fill your afternoon with some soul-stirring tunes, meaningful conversation, and a sneak peek at what makes the Song Share Sessions such a vibrant and inclusive space. 🌈💜 Don’t miss it!

Spread the word, grab a cozy spot, and tune in. Let’s make this moment shine together! ✨
@valleyfreeradio1033
#radioappearance #localmusicians #songsharesessions #nonbinaryartist #transmusician #womeninmusic #valleyfreeradio1033 #jessmartinmusic

🎶 KICKING OFF 2025: Expanded Song Share Sessions 🎶

We’re thrilled to announce the first Song Share Session of the year is happening Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Drawing Board Brewing in Florence, MA!

🌈 This year, we’re expanding our circle to explicitly welcome trans, nonbinary, and women singer-songwriters—because everyone deserves a space to share their voice, their stories, and their songs.

🎤 What to expect:

A supportive, inclusive environment for original music
Time to share your song and, if you’d like, get constructive feedback
An open invitation to audience members who want to be part of this collaborative energy
These sessions are about more than music—they’re about building community and creating space for marginalized voices in the arts. Western MA is a hub for creativity, and we’re here to keep that spirit alive and growing.

⏰ When: Thursday, January 9 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Where: Drawing Board Brewing, Florence, MA

🎸 Songwriters: Bring your instrument, original songs, and printed lyrics if you want feedback!
🎟 Free to attend and open to all.

Big thanks to our amazing hosts, Drawing Board Brewing, for supporting this initiative. Let’s make this a night to remember!

👉 Tag your songwriter friends and help us spread the word!

@drawingboardbrewingco

#SongShareSessions #westernmass #TransAndNonbinaryCreatives #womeninmusic #inclusivespaces #singersongwriters #originalmusic #communitythroughcreativity

Happy New Year! Endeavoring with music and love

December pick, number 12
To celebrate a year of creativity in community

Another long night, waiting outside the ER. Decided to do the midnight loop around the hospital. I know this place too well.

🎶✨ Join us for the final Song Share Session of 2024! ✨🎶

This Thursday, December 12th at 7 PM, we’re gathering once more at Drawing Board Brewing (36 Main St, Florence) to celebrate a year of community, creativity, and song! 🖤

In the spirit of the season, we’re spreading the love beyond music. Please bring a non-perishable food item to support the Northampton Survival Center. Every bit helps! 🎁

🛒 Recommended Items:

Baked beans, canned chicken, canned fruit, veggies, pasta, rice, peanut butter, granola bars, hearty soups, and more!

For a full list, check out their website or see the list in this post.

This session is open to women & non-binary singer-songwriters, whether you’re a returning member, a new face, or a curious listener. All are welcome! Let’s celebrate community, creativity, and giving together. 💜

📍 Thursday, Dec 12 | 7 PM
Drawing Board Brewing, Florence

#northamptonma #womeninmusicbusiness #nonbinaryartists #songsharesession #givingseason #supportlocalmusicians #communitythroughmusic

@drawingboardbrewingco
@ntonsurvival

🌈🎤✨ Queer Open Mic Night at The Parlor Room! ✨🎤🌈

Join us TONIGHT, December 10th, at 7 PM for an evening of music, poetry, comedy, and storytelling as we celebrate diversity, collaboration, and self-expression! I’m thrilled to be hosting this special night where LGBTQ+ voices take center stage.

In a world where safe spaces are precious, The Parlor Room Collective is here to amplify underrepresented voices and build meaningful connections. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping up for the first time, our stage welcomes all identities and experiences with open arms. 💜

💫 Let’s add some sparkle! It’s December — wear something glittery and bring some light to the night! ✨

🎟️ When: Tonight, Dec 10th, 7 PM
📍 Where: The Parlor Room, Northampton, MA
🕊️ Host: Jess Martin (me!) – jessmartin-music.com

🥫 Let’s give back! We’re collecting non-perishable food items for the Northampton Survival Center. Consider bringing items like:

Baked beans, canned chicken, canned fruit, hearty soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter, oatmeal, and more!
Let’s make this a night of community, creativity, and generosity. Can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

#queeropenmic #theparlorroom #lgbtqcommunity #northamptonevents #queercreatives #safespaces #openmicnight #sparkleandshine

@parlorroommusic

A clip from Saturday night’s Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters

@ajwpuppets @abee.jpeg.mp4 @drawingboardbrewingco

#lgbtqmusic #westernmassmusic #hauntedsongs #edgarallanpoe

Rehearsal complete, and we’re ready to see you tonight! Join Shadow, Sound, Spectacle for a special night of fundraising for Team Drawing Board @drawingboardbrewingco !

Raising funds for @hotchocolaterunforsafepassage !

Live puppetry, live music, live trivia!
We kick off at 7 pm, donations welcome to support this important cause to support Safe Passage

@ajwpuppets @abee.jpeg.mp4

Join us for this special fundraiser event to support Safe Passage. Team Drawing Board will be running in the Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton, MA on Sunday, Dec 8th, and the night before, we invite you to a special fundraiser at Drawing Board Brewing to break last year’s team’s amount and enjoy a splash of community (without the running).

Special guests Shadow, Sound, Spectacle will debut the latest piece of their ongoing production work on Literary Monsters. This time with new live music and puppetry on Jess Martin’s song: Bridge of No Returning.

Wear your sparkles, bring your festive energy and see you at Drawing Board on Saturday night!

@drawingboardbrewingco @hotchocolaterunforsafepassage @ajwpuppets @abee.jpeg.mp4

#puppetshow #safepassage #drawingboardbrewing #westernmass

Join us on Saturday, December 7th at 7 pm at Drawing Board Brewing for so many good things:
* raise funds for Team Drawing Board for the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage (the run is the very next day!)
* see the latest installment of Shadow, Sound, Spectacle’s Literary Monsters piece: Bridge of No Returning (live music & puppetry!)
* hear some wonderful voices from the monthly Song Share Sessions for Women & Nonbinary Singer Songwriters crew
* festive fun times!

@ajwpuppets @abee.jpeg.mp4 @drawingboardbrewingco

November resolution complete, pick shot number 11
First time playing out with a drummer, and completely off book. Memorization dedication continues

Kicking off December @parlorroommusic with a free singer songwriter showcase! Join us for new music, treats and community! Hosted by our coach @erinxmckeown

Starts at 4 pm! Bring yourself and your friends!

#northamptonma #localsingersongwriter #decembermusic #newmusicshowcase

Feeling like a kid again, sitting way too close to the TV but you know, gotta get close to the art. In live performance I never get to watch @ajwpuppets magic!

From last night’s Wham Bam Puppet Slam: Thanksgiving Edition curated and hosted by America’s favorite cartoon with @toybox_theatre

Watching the Macy’s Parade and how well @ajwpuppets carries the Pilsbury Doughboy down the city streets

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Excited to share that our Shadow, Sound, Spectacle piece: Bride of Frankenstein will be included in Toybox Theatre’s Wham Bam Puppet Slam: Thanksgiving Edition tonight (Thursday) at 7 pm ET.

Tune in on Toybox Theatre’s YouTube channel and check out some wonderful puppetry as you enjoy family, friends and togetherness this day.

@ajwpuppets @abee.jpeg.mp4 @toybox_theatre

An awesome evening @luthierscoop to jam with Scott Paquette! Thanks to everyone who came out last night. 🎶❤️🎸

🎶🔥 BIG NEWS: THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22! 🔥🎶

Come join us at Luthier’s Co-op (108 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA) for a night of original music like you’ve never heard before!

✨ Debuting as a duo:
🌟 Queer singer-songwriter Jess Martin (jessmartin-music.com)
🌟 Drummer Scott Paquette (Pamela Means Jazz Project, Masala Jazz)

🕖 When: 7 PM
🎸 What: A bluesy-punk set of Jess’ originals, including Headless, Nevermore, Done, Dead River, Bad Luck, and Bridge of No Returning.

Many of these tracks can’t be heard anywhere else, and none have ever been performed in this fresh, dynamic format. 💥

@luthierscoop

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@jessmartinmusic

Daily Hampshire Gazette: Read More

"Jess's gift for storytelling work in tandem with their evocative vocals on these three works {Haunted Singles: Nevermore, Headless, Every Quiet Night}. Though we've heard these tales before, Martin's layered and intimate approach to the material wholly transports the listener, enfolding us into the goosebump-inducing realm of ghosts."

Lily Sexton,

Splendid Torch & Sweet Lightning

The Projects

Book Us

Shadow, Sound, Spectacle

Media Kit

Book Us

Echoes of Nature: Hampshire County

Media Kit

Haunted Singles Project:

Nevermore, Headless,

Every Quiet Night

Hosts monthly Song Song Share Sessions for Nonbinary, Trans and Women Singer Songwriters at Drawing Board Brewing in Florence, MA. See Events, every second Thursday at 7 PM. Read all about it in the Daily Hampshire Gazette!
New Singles: This Fall 2024, Jess releases three new singles: 'Nevermore,' 'Every Quiet Night,' and 'Headless,' each inspired by classic literature. *Special shout out: Nevermore is featured in the latest publication from Ravens Quoth Press: Evermore 4 (now available)!
Echoes of Nature: Hampshire County (Media Kit) is a collaborative project with Kim Hoff (nature essayist and poet) that merges music and poetry to inspire stewardship and inclusivity in six natural locations across Hampshire County.
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle (Media Kit), merges music and puppetry to create immersive, visual storytelling experiences. Jess is joined by collaborators: Amy J. West and Abby Hanna. Read more here: The Reminder

STREAMING PLATFORMS

Coming Up Next

Multiple Dates
Thu, Feb 13
Northampton
Song Share: Women, Nonbinary & Trans Singer Songwriters
Feb 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Northampton, 36 Main St, Florence, MA 01062, USA
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Sat, Mar 01
Northampton
Performing at Ana Bandeira
Mar 01, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Northampton, 48 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
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Fri, Mar 07
Easthampton
Performing at Luthier's with Scott Paquette
Mar 07, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Easthampton, 108 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA 01027, USA
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Fri, Apr 11
Amherst
Voices at Amherst: Shadow, Sound, Spectacle
Apr 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Amherst, 53 College St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
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Tue, Oct 28
Newton
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters
Oct 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Newton, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA 02459, USA
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ABOUT JESS MARTIN

Haunting Melodies, Literary Depth, and Theatrical Storytelling

Jess Martin, a singer-songwriter from Western Massachusetts, fuses gothic folk, punk, and modern rock with haunting melodies and poignant lyrics. Dubbed "a punk rock Joan Baez," Jess’s music explores themes of identity, transformation, and belonging, drawing literary inspiration from icons like Edgar Allan Poe and Patti Smith.

Jess’s latest single, Headless—an edgy, rebellious anthem—is part of a trio of Fall releases showcasing their ability to transform classic literary landscapes into unique auditory journeys.

Jess also bridges music and visual storytelling through Shadow, Sound, Spectacle, a puppetry and performance project. With a knack for community engagement and genre-defying innovation, Jess continues to invite misfits and dreamers into their world of sound and spectacle.