Hi, I’m Jess Kav. I’m a Songwriter, Actor, writer, poet and Vocalist

Background

Jess Kav is an alternative soul artist and multidisciplinary performer from Dublin, whose work explores the intersections of music, social activism, and personal transformation. After studying at London’s Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance and Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Jess has focused on songwriting, touring, recording, writing and social change.

Experience

Known for her ability to merge powerful vocals with introspective storytelling, Jess’s artistry has roots in Ireland’s diverse creative scene, while her reach is increasingly international. Her sold-out one-woman show, "Fermented Dreams" (September 2024), showcased her ability to intertwine humor, vulnerability, and profound self-reflection in a narrative about a 40-year-old musician confronting creative burnout and self-doubt. The show captivated audiences with its exploration of the tensions between art, identity, and the pressures of modern life.

Having collaborated with Hozier, The Waterboys, and Villagers, Jess is no stranger to large-scale stages, yet her work retains a deeply personal and intimate quality. A strong advocate for social change, Jess has been involved in award-winning productions like Hot Brown Honey’s "Hive City Legacy", and is a founding member of the Dirty Laundry Collective, an interdisciplinary group focused on pushing artistic boundaries and engaging with societal issues.

Her upcoming releases—"Genesis" (October 2024), "Diary Song" (November 2024), and "January Lullaby" (January 2025)—uses her original compositions to tell stories of resilience, vulnerability, and transformation. These tracks will come to life in her live performances with a full band, where her raw emotional depth and energetic presence stand out. Jess's work speaks directly to the creative heart of the modern artist, where art, music, and activism converge, making her a voice that resonates across borders.

Jess has toured worldwide as a backing vocalist with The Waterboys, while also writing and releasing music with original band BARQ until 2020. Over lockdown, Jess worked with The Irish Times Magazine as a feature writer, and as a contributor to RTE's Arena . She recently spoke on Panti Bliss’ award winning podcast Pantisocracy and spoke with adoption rights activist Noelle Browne for The London Irish Centre’s ‘Imbolc’ event. In Jan 2021, Jess was a guest on acclaimed series ‘The Tommy Tiernan Show’, talking candidly about sex positivity and polyamory. In the same month Jess’ was profiled in The New York Times, discussing her creativity and the importance of racial activism in Ireland.

Social Change

BARQ’s lyrical content and narratives, focusing on self- development, identity and social commentary has given Jess the platform to contribute to discussions facilitating social change. Recently, her story has been exhibited in Ballymun Axis with Mixed Race Ireland’s “I am Irish” exhibition, focusing on people of colour with Irish Identity.

Her front cover of Hot Press’ Repeal The Eighth issue was also on display in The National Photographic archives as a part of Hot Press’ cover exhibition. In 2019 Jess’ story was included in Caelainn Hogan’s seminal book “Republic Of Shame”, an anthology of experiences from the survivors of the Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes and industrial schools. Working with Caelainn inspired her to write a poem highlighting the personal and communal experiences of intergenerational trauma, which she premiered online in March 2020 on Panti Bliss’ podcast ‘Pantisocracy’. Over lockdown, Jess has been working with mental health festival ‘First Fortnight’ as a creative contributor and curating a zine called ‘ReFlex’ a creative collaboration prioritising Black and POC expression.

Jess has also contributed regularly to Arena on RTE Radio 1 and has both contributed and chaired panels discussing independent music strategy, creativity, feminism, race and entrepreneurship. Her eclectic background and musical tastes have made Jess Kav one of the most versatile and talented creatives around.