Jessie Monk is an avant-folk musician out of GunaiKurnai land, Australia, now based between Berlin and Naarm. She weaves new stories with old threads, inspired by the Celtic and Appalachian folk traditions and more experimental mediums such as neu-musik and Butoh.
Often accompanied by a renegade ensemble in Europe: Fabiana Striffler, Max Andrzejewski, Paul Santner and Conor Cunningham, and in Australia: Arlon Faria, NoLess (Aidan Ryan) and Claire Abolegis, Jessie Monk and Band create an atmosphere of tangible and, at the same time, experimental folklore and thoughtfulness, enchanting audiences with their mythical and fearless playing style.
Her sound is reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Sam Amidon or Anna Mieke while her lyrics are inspired by the likes of Rilke and Ovid. Also an actress and a dancer, Jessie has played in major musicals including the Australian Premier of David Bowie’s, Lazarus and recently performed in the Australian tour of Anais Mitchell’s, Hadestown, 2025.
In 2023, she released her debut LP, Continually Becoming, reviewed in Rolling Stone Magazine as ‘Boundless Folk, about and against the grain’. Her sophomore album – Mis O’ The Mountains – a concept album based on the myth of the ancient celtic goddess named Mis, was released May 14th, 2025.
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: Support for Ocie Elliott (Regensburg), Support for 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
