By Jaci Jedrych
Jess Baldwin’s latest track is no joke– the indie-jazz-soul singer/songwriter announced her single “April Fool”, off of her debut album, on April 1st.
Columbus, Ohio-based Baldwin is no stranger to the music industry and has been releasing music since 2012. Her music is personal and explores savoring the beautiful and surreal, while also healing from religious and developmental trauma. “She loves sharing time, space, and good bourbon with dreamers and weirdos.”
“It took me a long time to start writing songs because religious and developmental trauma can make it hard to speak your truth. My recovery and my songwriting have gone hand in hand.” Jess said. “It can be hard to tell my story, but it’s worth it when it helps people feel less alone.”
“April Fool” explores these themes, showing her first steps outside of the confinement.
“The Fool archetype represents starting a journey. It’s also about unlimited potential, spontaneity, trusting the flow, recapturing childlike joy, and pursuing wild dreams. In many ways, The Fool is the antithesis of how I naturally walk in the world. I generally prefer to take careful steps with lots of research and preparation, constantly on the lookout for potential pitfalls. But on a weekend in April back in my mid-20s, I was ready to hit the ground running after grad school, and had moved to a new town for work opportunities. I was also starting to deconstruct my faith. Potential was everywhere, and I was ready for a dance with The Fool.”
Fans of Laura Mvula or Sufjan Stevens should check out Jess Baldwin. Find “April Fool” below and on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixture playlist on Spotify.
Jaci Jedrych is a World Politics student at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She loves going to concerts and exploring different genres, and has a passion for arts and news writing.
Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.
Recent Articles Aria Velz is a director, TikToker, and Lesbian Media Enthusiast based in the D.C. area. On November 2nd, she sat down with me
More to Watch D.C. locals Dot Dash compile 16 of the band’s best tracks, and re-releases them with Country Mile Records. Terry Banks (lead vocalist
Queer duo Witch Weather discuss new album and the influence of the DMV on their sound.
Philadelphia-based queer punks Witch Weather have a message for anyone who feels hopeless and worthless: you are not alone. With an irresistible sound that draws from 80’s goth and lo-fi grunge, the indie duo wears their heart on their sleeve, giving voice to complex emotions that many would opt to suppress in the recesses of their minds.
Join Alchemical Records as they connect with Witch Weather to discuss the band’s new self-titled album, their search for a sense of belonging as members of the queer community, the important element that keeps the duo’s creative bond strong, and the influence of the DMV on their sound.
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
