London based Rock-Blues singer/songwriter Jess was raised on rock and blues by her musician parents; who have their own band (Bad Influence). She would go along to their gigs every weekend and knew that’s exactly what she wanted to do when she grew up. The day her mum looked down from the stage and saw shy Jess (age 9) head-banging to their version of ‘Running down a dream’ by Tom Petty, she thought that girl might just have the blues! Jess says “Being raised by musicians has been the best thing ever and I’ve never taken it for granted. Mum and Dads writing and playing has completely guided my way through my own musical journey as I love what they do. They really are my biggest inspiration. Jess started guesting with them at age 15 and since then has guested with them on some incredible stages.

Age 16, Jess thought it was time to spread her wings and started at The Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, Surrey. She studied there for 3 years discovering new artists as she went, such as Led Zeppelin, who she credits as one of her biggest influences! It was a real learning curve and a great experience to be around young like-minded musicians. Age 19 she graduated and couldn’t wait to get out in the world and start gigging. She formed the ‘Jess Hayes Band’ playing the London blues circuit. Covid hit not long after Jess started out and she was gutted to be halted as so many were. She used the time to write her first EP. In early 2021 the band went into the studio and created ‘On My Own’. Jess says “Writing songs straight from the heart with a whole lot of soul is what I’m all about. It was one of the best experiences of my life recording my first EP that I feel truly represents me and I feel it’s just the start of my very exciting journey”.

Jess’s biggest influences include Stevie Nicks, Paul Rogers, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Queen, Tedeschi Trucks, Grace Potter, The Bros Landreth, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Chris Stapleton and Eva Cassidy.

Following on the release of her Debut EP Jess has played at some amazing events such as Isle of Wight Festival and Ealing Blues Festival, promoting the album and gaining amazing fans. A new live EP is in the works and is set to be released early summer 2023. Featuring Frankie Connolly, Richard Clarke, Jonny Brister and Beau Barnard. Covering a couple of Jess’s favourite artists and her own originals.

She is backed by killer guitar solos and a solid rhythm section. Not to be missed and definitely one to watch!