5 minutes with the soulful Jess Harlen

Tell us about the first time you were really inspired by music?
I think it might have been that 'Senzenini' song in The Power of One. 10 year old crying to an African Choir wanting to change the world. Jeez. It was subsequently the first record I bought.
 
What do you consider to be your greatest skill?
Panicking and Strategic Scrabble. They go hand in hand.
 
Name two albums you keep very close to hand.
The Score: The Fugees.
Just As I Am: Bill withers
 
The road to musical success is often long and hard. What is one lesson you have learnt along the way that changed the way you saw things?
 You have to stay positive. It keeps coming back to that. Much like yoga and meditation, if you look up any health problem or anything, the solutions always involve either yoga or meditation, dammit. With music, it's keeping positive. Otherwise I would have thrown this out the window yonks ago. Did I just say yonks?

Who inspires you? (Both in life and in music)
Right in this moment, Sheila Agee, mama of an aspiring basketball player in a documentary/film 'Hoop Dreams'. She holds everything together.

Tell us a quirky fact about yourself no one else knows!
I don't get along well with lizards. Shudder.
 
If you could have two wishes come true what would they be?
To dispel suffering.
And once that's done, I'd like to live on a paradise beach, with a giant pool on the roof, and spend my life swimming.
 
Before you step on stage for a gig, what do you do to prepare?
Hide.
 
What do your parents think of what you do? Have you ever taken them along to a gig?
My folks are all for it, luckily, because I don't have a back up plan just yet. Mum comes to all the festivals etc, she could pack festival survival kits and sell them to punters and make a mint I reckon. Mama knows how to do things properly. She'll have the tiniest bag, and be prepared for all weather. Nuttin' done rain on mamas parade.

If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
I always take these questions too seriously. Pass.

Having spent so much time on aeroplanes, are you an official member of the mile high club?
Oooh heheheheh, hehehehe, hahaha, no. How do people do that shit up there? Im usually looking for the extra hidden snacks they dont offer you unless you ask. I ask.

Jess's Debut Album Neon Heartache, produced by Plutonic Lab, is due for release on Plethora Records March 2010.

www.myspace.com/jessharlen