Jessica Gerhardt is a singer-songwriter and ukuleleist from Santa Monica who first began writing songs at the age of 8. After receiving a ukulele as a birthday gift, she began teaching herself to play when she was 14 and it became her primary songwriting tool. In 2016 she recorded a cover of Emmylou Harris’s “Little Bird” under the name Feronia which was highly acclaimed and featured on the “To Emmylou” tribute album with a number of prolific LA artists including Phoebe Bridgers. Gerhardt also contributed auxiliary vocals in the L.A. band Hotel For Strangers until late 2016.
Taking a break for a few years from actively playing out with her original music, Gerhardt returned under her own name, creating powerful music that explores depth, vulnerability, and intentionality in relationships with the release of her single “Be My Hands“, the title track off of her 5-song EP, produced by Patrick Doyle. Subsequent single releases include “Morning Moon” (Nov 2019), and “Keep It Simple” (March 2020, written in memory of her late grandmother), and “Gillian” was released in May 2020.Jessica has also been curating bills at local venues including her monthly Friday at The Fox Den house show series, Lady Lyricists at The Love Song Bar, and the Femme-Fronted Fest at The Hi Hat.
What is the song you’re listening to most these days?
“Everybody Is A Fool” by Arend Lee Jessurun
Why does this song speak to you? What feelings do you get from it?
It’s a song about how we’re all foolish in certain ways, no one knows everything. It’s a humble admission, and it’s about being gentle with yourself, not taking yourself too seriously. It makes me feel a sense of relief and peace and lightness of heart.
What about the artist interests you? What about the song’s production stands out to you/hooks you?
The way he weaves personal insights and wisdom, with spiritual themes, and self-awareness in a beautifully delicate way lyrically. The production is very minimal and acoustic, which comes across intimate, vulnerable, and authentic.
What are you working on that you’d like us to plug?
My latest single “Gillian” was just released! Also Patreon! (links below)
