A Quick Chat with Jess Cullity
Jess Cullity bares her soul with Shadow Love, a vulnerable indie-pop gem. At just 22, the Perth singer-songwriter has already carved out a reputation for pairing delicate, intricate vocals with raw storytelling, and her fourth single is her most powerful yet. Opening with a haunting voicemail before blooming into plucked guitar, soaring strings, and emotive vocals, Shadow Love captures the sting of realising someone isn’t who you thought they were and the quiet strength that follows. We caught up with Jess to talk about the track, her process, and what’s next.
Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
This track means a lot. I wrote it at a time where I was struggling to deal with a relationship breakdown and the games that were being played. I use song writing as an outlet, so you are getting lots of raw emotion in this one!! I would love for people to take away from this song that no matter how someone treats you, you will be ok and make it to the other side.
Who are some of your influences, and why?
Gracie Abrams is definitely an influence for me. The way she makes the most captivating bridges with layers of vocals and instruments is so amazing, I think she is so talented, and I would love to be able to make a song as good as hers one day!
What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
I usually am inspired by a significant moment and then almost as a way of coping with something I sing about it. I pick up my guitar, choose some chords, press start on voice memo and see what words come out. Alternatively, I was taught by Kav Temperley from Eskimo Joe to get a piece of paper and write whatever you can think of down on the page for a period of 10 minutes. Then go through and pick out the best bits. Once I have a loose idea of lyrics and a chord progression, I take it to my producer Glee Depot and he helps turn the chords and vision into life.
What do you think makes a great song?
I think the bones of a great song come from feeling and emotion, almost like your own version of therapy hahaha. I think what makes a great song is soaring harmonies and a dramatic build. I personally love strings. Strings are a MUST in all of my songs, I think they are so beautiful and add so much drama and emotion.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Maybe unsurprising given my answer above but Gracie Abrams! As I think our styles are quite similar and I know she would be able to teach me so much. I would love to create a layered build with her. I think that would be so fun. Or Florence + The Machine as they are so cool and I have loved them for forever and ever!
When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
I love to bake and decorate cakes using cool icing techniques. Love birthdays as it’s an excuse to bake a fun cake and I love a challenge. When I was little I used to recreate all the MasterChef dishes and post them on my baking Instagram page.
Who are some local bands we should check out?
RubyHoo and Fifth Oddessy. Both are local Perth bands and have some great tracks.
Winter or summer and why?
Summer – definitely! There is nothing better than warm days by the beach in Perth. Trips to Rottnest Island and down south with friends and family can’t be beaten. I love the sun, the ocean and the social life that comes along with it. Nothing beats a WA summer!
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
I am in my final year of my law degree so I will be completing a semester until November this year. However, I hope to get another song out before the end of the year so stay tuned!
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