Jessie Monk is an artist devoted to making space for the old ways in the new world – through song, story and ritual. Drawing inspiration from the folk traditions of her gaelic-ancestry, Naarm-based artist is obsessed with old myths, poetry, stories and musical motifs from various traditions and lineages throughout the ages. Weaving them amongst new threads of jazz/experimental sounds that situate them at the forward facing thresh-hold of this time, her compositions and performances harken to both an ancient familiarity and the liminal, collective and uncertain experience of the present. Filled with deeply personal resonance, from very human experiences, her compositions and performances attempt to illuminate the thread that continues from our ancestors, through us.
Coming from a theatrical background, she learnt a lot from performing in the Australian Premier of David Bowie’s, Lazarus and the Australian tour of Anais Mitchell’s, Hadestown. In 2023, she released her debut album, Continually Becoming, regarded as ‘Boundless Folk’ by Rolling Stone Magazine – and is now touring her sophomore album – Mis O’ The Mountains – a concept album based on the myth of an ancient celtic goddess named Mis, which was nominated for AFMA’s Contemporary Folk Album of the Year, 2025. She has headlined many a Europe and UK tour and been lucky enough to support other wonderful artists like Rachel Sermanni, Ocie Elliot and Matthew and the Atlas.
Jessie has toured, played festivals and support slots for major artists at venues around Europe and Australia. Most notably these have included – Festivals: BeKind festival (Berlin), The Smallest Desk on Earth (Leipzig). Support slots: Rachel Sermanni (Europe Tour), The Ocelots (Australian Shows), Ocie Elliott (Regensburg), Matthew and the Atlas (Hamburg)
Folk venues: Levis Corner House (Ireland), Open Studios (Melbourne), Kin West Cork (Ireland). Jazz/Experimental venues: Donau 115 (Berlin), GalilaaKirche (Berlin) The Wesley Anne (Melbourne) Opera Houses/Theatres: Nikolaisaal (Potsdam), St John’s Theatre (Ireland).
“Stunning, with the power and prowess of Joni Mitchell”
-Nkechi Alene, Triple J
“Boundless and fearless folk, about and against the grain”
-RollingStone Magazine
“Heavens opened up and delivered a folk angel in Jessie Monk. A pure delight in every way.”
-Kath Devany, ABC Country
“Whoosh! This is gorgeous Jessie. You wear your influences on your sleeve, but boy howdy do you make it your own. Just beautiful”
– Zan Rowe, Double J
“Beguilingly beautiful from texture to tone. It’s like a portal to somewhere distant, earnest and ancient.”
-Jerry Ijale Agbinya, Triple J
“Jessie’s cut from the same worn vintage cloth as some classy songwriters of yore. Finely detailed, emotionally delivered.”
– Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J
“Jessie Monk gives us otherworldly sounds that take unexpected turns to keep you compelled. You have me intrigued and locked in !”
– Sarah Glaidous, Triple J
“Jessie performs and sings as people do who are born to be on stage and entertain audiences. With grace, ease and that ability to capture the attention of everyone in the room by creating an atmosphere that begs for you to do nothing but listen and soak in her creative spirit. Jessie is one of the best singer/songwriters I’ve ever been able to have at my venue.”
– David Stewart Ingleton, Kindl Stuben
