JESS MCAVOY

JESS MCAVOY
Currently based in Toronto, Canada, Jess McAvoy has spent the better part of the last 15 years as a
professional singer/songwriter and performer. The self managed entertainer has built her brand
from the ground up, and co-ordinated most of her multi faceted career on her own. She is also an
established visual artist, a journalist, and as of recent times, an actor. She is currently working on
material for her new musical project, and deciding what to do with many others.
Here follows the biography of Jess McAvoy, the musician.
“Let me make it easier for you; forget the rest, Jess McAvoy is one of the best.”
Clem Bastow, The Age, Melbourne
Born in Perth, Western Australia, the most isolated city in the world, Jess McAvoy is the
quintessential Aussie Battler. She’s played at Weddings, Pubs, Theatres, Clubs, Festivals, In Church
halls and meeting rooms, on a train, and even in a maximum-security prison.
McAvoy, a beautiful, self-deprecating and unfairly talented performer has been attracting rave
reviews for the 15+ years that she has been firmly embedded in the Australian music industry.
A live performer since 16, McAvoy has wowed and won over audiences in Australia and abroad
with her sophisticated, hook – laden urban folk genius and her raw, passionate and powerful
performances.
“… a ballsy frontwoman…one of Melbourne’s most beloved and consistent performers.”
- Inpress Magazine
A self- managed artist who produces her own albums, released on her own label, ‘Henduwin’,
McAvoy’s commitment to the independent ethos and involvement in the local music community
has been a touchstone for many new artists.
Her impressive list of both international and high profile Australian supports (too many to
mention) and festival appearances (Woodford Folk Festival, The Falls Festival, Pyramid Rock, Chill
Island, Wave Rock, Make Poverty History and more) are proof that you can make it on merit
without the power of a major label behind you.

Jess’ international adventures already include performances in New York at the famed Knitting
Factory, the Rockwood Music Hall and CBGBs with repeat performances at the Bitter End. In 2008
Jess released her third full length studio album As the Sun Falls toted her finest work to date,
which received rave reviews across Australia and continues to spread across the world.
“An album to treasure.”
Nick Snelling, Beat Magazine
“…her best album to date…. Thumbs up to a very cool album filled with plenty of verve.”
Kaz Mitchell, Inpress Melbourne, Drum Media Sydney
“…there’s a real sense of sophistication in the songwriting… the sort Delta and Missy still
strive for but miss as they lack McAvoy’s soul.”
Bernard Zuel, The Sydney Morning Herald
July 2011 saw Jess McAvoy short- listed for the APRA Professional Development Awards ahead of
her farewell of the Australian music scene with a phenomenal sell out send off at the Corner Hotel
in Melbourne with guest performances by Melbourne’s A list of performers including her dear
friend Wally DeBacker a.k.a Gotye.
”Jess McAvoy is the real deal”
Renee Montgomery