Jess Kallen

Jess Kallen thrives in mischievous multitudes. Toggling between simmering folk grooves and seething guitar groans, their indie rock album Exotherm shines as a singularly weighty, tuneful debut. Recorded in 2021 alongside producer Wolfy (Rosie Tucker) at New Monkey in Los Angeles, the record showcases the full spectrum of Kallen’s vulnerability, from fragile to bombastic with potent imagery and poignant confessions. Brimming with witty and tender storytelling, their ruminative lyrics dive headlong into themes of identity, anger, grief, and love — all born from the isolation of the pandemic while navigating queer self-discovery.

If heartfelt lyricism is the heart of Exotherm, dynamic guitar work is the backbone. From intimate fingerpicking to growling solos and infectious riffs, the album reflects Kallen’s two musical identities. An accomplished sideperson as well as solo artist, they have played with Olivia Rodrigo, Alex Lahey, Rosie Tucker, Pearla, Temme Scott, Bella Porter, Jack Rabbit, and many more. Their consummate musicianship (alongside fellow music school grads and album collaborators, drummer Madi Vogt and bass/guitar player Jeff Frantom) makes their full-length debut all the more compelling.

As the instrumentalist steps center stage, the energetic arrangements and whip-smart wordsmithing of Exotherm stand out as wholly unique. Kallen—undoubtedly exothermic—exudes warmth and immediacy, as they tug listeners towards something a little less lonely.