Queer Singer Songwriter | Jess Martin

jessmartin.playsguitar@gmail.com

So excited for @virgosmoonmusic to play @drawingboardbrewingco this Saturday night!
#localmusic #westernmass #saturdaymusic #florencema

Queer Story Slam: Love, Libido, Liberation

Excited, honored, and maybe a little nervous (in the best way) to be part of the second Queer Story Slam! After a sold-out debut, this incredible night of storytelling returns—this time diving into the depths of love, desire, and liberation.

Queer love, self-discovery, and erotic expression are acts of defiance and joy, and I can’t wait to share space with storytellers who bring their whole hearts to the mic. Let’s gather in community, celebrate our stories, and revel in the power of queer truth-telling.

Join us! 🌙💫
📅 Date: Saturday, Feb 15th at 7 pm
📍 Venue: Bombyx Center, Florence, MA @bombyx.live
🎟 Sliding Scale Tickets: $5 - $20 (no one turned away)
🔗 Get yours: https://bombyx.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200471906

Hoping the weather cooperates, but either way, we’ll bring the warmth. See you there! 🖤🔥

#queerstoryslam #lovelibidoliberation #queervoices #lgbtqstorytelling

🌈🎤 I’M TAKING THE STAGE AT QUEER STORY SLAM! 🎤🌈

After a sold-out debut, Queer Story Slam is back, and I’m thrilled to be part of it!

Join us for “Love, Libido, Liberation”—a night of raw, powerful storytelling exploring queer love and erotic expression. From self-love to sensual awakenings to paradigm-shifting liberation, these stories celebrate the beauty, power, and freedom of queer desire.

📅 Saturday, Feb 15, 2025
📍 Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity
🎟 Sliding scale tickets: $5, $10, $20 (pay what you can). No one turned away!

Come for the stories, stay for the community. This event is supported in part by the Northampton Arts Council and the Mass Cultural Council—helping bring queer voices to center stage.

Get your tickets in advance, and let’s pack the house!

@bombyx.live
#queerstoryslam #LoveLibidoLiberation #queervoices #lgbtqstorytelling #queercreatives #speakyourtruth

🎶🔮 SHADOW, SOUND, SPECTACLE MEETS TINY DESK! 🔮🎶

We did the thing! Amy West, Abby Hanna, and I entered this year’s NPR Tiny Desk Contest with our performance of Nevermore—a dark, theatrical dive into the eerie and evocative. 👁️✨

The Tiny Desk Contest is all about discovering independent artists with a unique voice, and we’re bringing our signature blend of gothic folk, haunting harmonies, and theatrical storytelling straight to the table. Winning artists get a chance to play at NPR’s legendary Tiny Desk and go on a national tour!

💀🔊 Ready to experience the magic?
📺 WATCH our submission
💬 COMMENT, SHARE, & SPREAD THE WORD
👀 WATCH IT AGAIN (you know you want to 😉)

Link in bio

Let’s get loud, weird, and wonderful together!

@ajwpuppets @abee.jpeg.mp4
@tinydeskers

#tinydeskcontest #shadowsoundspectacle #nevermore #nprmusic #indiemusicians #gothicfolk #theatricalmusic #supportindieartists #queercreatives

🎶 BIG NEWS! 🎶

We just entered the 2025 NPR Tiny Desk Contest with a Shadow, Sound, Spectacle performance of my song “Nevermore”! 🖤🔥 This entry is something special—blending live music, shadow puppetry, and visual storytelling in collaboration with the amazing Amy West (puppetry) and Abby Hanna (f/x & videography).

Now, we need YOU to help us spread the word!

📌 Watch the video (link in bio!)
📌 Share it far & wide! Tag your friends, NPR Music—everyone!
📌 Drop a comment & let the judges know why this piece deserves the spotlight!

This project is a labor of love, and every share brings it closer to NPR’s Tiny Desk. Let’s make some noise! 🚀🎭🎤

@ajwpuppets @abee.jpeg.mp4

#tinydeskcontest #nprmusic #shadowsoundspectacle #puppetry #indiemusic #gothicfolk #storytellingthroughmusic #jessmartinmusic #puppets

✨I’m telling my story at the Queer Story Slam!✨

Excited to share that I’ve been selected to perform at the next Queer Story Slam: Love, Libido, Liberation! This event is all about queer love, desire, and the radical power of storytelling—honest, vulnerable, and full of joy.

The last one sold out, so don’t wait—grab your tickets now! 🎟️ Sliding scale ($5-$20, pay what you can). No one turned away.

📍 Bombyx, Florence, MA
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, Feb 15 @ 7 pm
🔗 Get tickets: https://bombyx.live/

Come be part of this celebration of queer storytelling! 💜🔥 #queerstoryslam #queervoices #storytellingmatters

@bombyx.live

📣 February Song Share Session Alert! 🎶✨

Join us Thursday, February 13th from 7-9 PM at Drawing Board Brewing (36 Main St, Florence, MA) for our monthly Song Share Session—a welcoming, inclusive space for nonbinary, trans, and women singer-songwriters to share their music and connect with a supportive community. 🎤💜

As featured in the Daily Hampshire Gazette:

“Even people who just watch can really sense how collaborative it is, and people who may have come to a session before not wanting to perform at all are now the first ones up.”

There’s no cover, so come grab a drink, listen in, or take the stage yourself! New members are always welcome—let’s build community through music. 🎶

@drawingboardbrewingco

#songsharesessions #florencema #lgbtqmusic #queerartists #transvoices #womeninmusic #inclusivecommunity #drawingboardbrewing

✨ Exciting News! ✨

Thrilled to announce that Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters has been awarded two local cultural council grants from the councils in Newton and Holyoke as part of the greater Massachusetts Cultural Council! 🎭🎶

We’re bringing this gothic folk and theatrical storytelling project to life in collaboration with my incredible partners, Amy West and Abby Hanna. Special thanks to our community partners—Newton Free Library, where we’ll host an event in October 2025, and Wistariahurst in Holyoke (date TBA).

Thank you to @masscultural, @newtonculturalcouncil, and @holyokeculturalcouncil for believing in the power of the arts to inspire and connect!

And thanks to our collaborators and supporters @wistariahurst and @newtonfreelibrary - we look forward to working with you!

#ShadowSoundSpectacle #GothicFolk #TheaterMeetsMusic #MassCulturalCouncil #NewtonCulturalCouncil #HolyokeCulturalCouncil #SupportTheArts #IndieMusic #Storytelling #puppets #puppetry

@abee.jpeg.mp4 @ajwpuppets @masscultural @newtonculturalcouncil @wistariahurst

🌿✨ 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

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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

Sat, Mar 01
Performing at Ana Bandeira
Northampton
Details
Mar 01, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Northampton, 48 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
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Fri, Mar 07
Performing at Luthier's with Scott Paquette
Easthampton
Details
Mar 07, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Easthampton, 108 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA 01027, USA
Share
Multiple Dates
Thu, Mar 13
Song Share: Women, Nonbinary & Trans Singer Songwriters
Northampton
Details
Mar 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Northampton, 36 Main St, Florence, MA 01062, USA
Share
Fri, Apr 11
Voices at Amherst: Shadow, Sound, Spectacle
Amherst
Details
Apr 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Amherst, 53 College St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
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Fri, May 09
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle @ Drawing Board Brewing
Northampton
Details
May 09, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Northampton, 36 Main St, Florence, MA 01062, USA
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Sun, May 18
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Mighty Squirrel
Waltham
Details
May 18, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Waltham, 411 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452, USA
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Tue, Oct 28
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters
Newton
Details
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.