KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESS HOLLAND
13
LAST WORDS
Nathan Taylor gets to know rising country star, Jess Holland…
K
eep your eyes on country starlet Jess Holland because she’s set to be one of the musicians to watch out for in 2012. Stepping out of the shadows of her band to record her debut solo release, ‘Introducing Jess Holland’, this 2011 Voice of Urban Country winner and Top 20 finalist in the 2011 Toyota Star Maker Competition has already been making waves on the hot and happening country music scene. Her wealth of experience in the industry and incredible voice will no doubt earn her loyal fans far and wide. Jess’ debut album ‘Introducing Jess Holland’ is out now. This debut album of yours is fantastic, how would you sum up the album? It’s a little jigsaw puzzle about Jess Holland. It’s a great insight into my personality, who I am and my experiences. I consider it to be a strong album with quite a ‘ballsy’ kind of lyric, which sums me up quite well.
How have people responded to the album? I’ve received great feedback, which I’m very excited about. I’m establishing quite a good fan base, which is very exciting. From a young girl you were learning the crafts of country music, was there any question that you were going to head in that direction? I don’t know whether it was always on the cards to be a country artist. I’ve always loved country music and performing, it’s in my blood and in my genes. I guess it was a natural progression for me but it was never a definite thing, I just knew I really enjoyed it. You were part of this successful band called McGee for many years, why did you decide to leave that and go solo? McGee was a flat out rock band, I did enjoy it but I really always enjoyed country music and I wanted to get myself out there
as a solo artist. For me that was the next step for people to get to know who I am and enjoy my music and it really was a great way for me to come out of my skin and step out of the shadows of McGee. Everyone knew me as the frontwoman of McGee but didn’t know Jess Holland as a person. 2011 was a huge year for you as a solo artist with plenty of touring and plenty of awards won, can you believe all this success has happened so fast? I’ve been extremely lucky and a lot of it has been purely the right place at the right time. I’ve really enjoyed every part of it and it’s such a great experience. What do you have on the horizon for 2012? I’ll be doing a lot of touring and promotion for my new album. I’ve got a film clip coming out this month on the Country Music Channel, which I’m really excited about.
More Than Just a Gym
Your our one-stop Centre for fun, fitness & health SMALL GROUP FITNESS TRAINING OFFER!* Purchase 4 small group fitness training sessions* and receive a
GYM MEMBERSHIP OFFER!* Purchase a 6 month UPFRONT gym membership* and receive
1 ADDITIONAL MONTH FREE*
OR purchase a 12 month UPFRONT gym membership* and receive
2 ADDITIONAL MONTHS FREE!* Unlimited use of gym, pool, spa, sauna, creche, group fitness classes, Aqua classes, fitness test and program included. *Conditions apply, Offer ends Sunday 12th February 2012
SMALL GROUP FITNESS TRAINING • Work out in a team environment • Sessions are 1 hour • Women’s only group available • Designed for various fitness levels • Private fitness studio • Members $40, Non members $60
ONE MONTH GYM MEMBERSHIP FREE!* Valued at $132*
*conditions apply, no refunds on missed sessions, book and pay for the whole 4 sessions. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer valid till 4th March 2012. One month free gym membership only valid during block of small group training, membership cannot be taken earlier.
CHARLES HACKETT DRIVE, ST MARYS Visit www.ripplesnsw.com.au or call 9833 3000 for more information CHA 1035WWD2087