How does on become Miss Tess
Interview conducted on Feb. 22, 2020
by Dan Locke
Dan Locke: How is the moon an ashtray?
Miss Tess: If you think about it literally, especially the full moon, just kinda looks like one. It’s cratered and dusty. Figuratively it speaks to the notion of romanticism around an object such as the moon, suggesting things may not be as they seem upon closer observation.
What is your musical background?
I started taking piano lessons from age 4 until I was 13, mostly classical stuff. When I got ahold of the guitar I thought it was much more portable, and I liked the idea that you could play the music that wasn’t tied to being written down, and even just make stuff up. I started studying more seriously after college, learning jazz and old styles of blues and other roots music, writing songs. I also took sporadic voice lessons and put together my first band in Baltimore in 2003 or so. Eventually, I ended up in Boston, studying for a few semesters at Berklee, before I hit the road as a touring artist, then moving to NYC and now Nashville. I still make a living doing music full time.
How did you get your first guitar? And do you still have it?
My first guitar was an electric Ibanez Roadstar II series, painted with a flaming snake, that was gifted to me by my older sister. I’m actually not sure whatever happened to that guitar.
Why is your guitar of choice the Weymann archtop? If I am correct, it is a pre-war model? Do any guitars made today come close to the sound and feel you like in your guitar?
I like to think my guitar found me. It’s a late 1930’s Weymann archtop I had modified with a humbucker pickup to become electrified. It was love at first sight. The guy who sold me the guitar in Boston (via Craigslist) still wants it back. He’d probably be upset by the amount of dings and scratches I’ve put in it (lovingly, as a result of over 10 years on the road), but it’s been my main instrument for a long time and a crucial part of my sound. It’s got a thick V neck and a fairly wide fretboard. I can’t really imagine playing another guitar at this point, but sometimes I go on other dates. I’ve never seen another guitar like it – the only two other Weymanns I found were pretty different.
Tell me about your first band.
I started my first band in Baltimore in 2003 and called it “Sipping Sugar.” We played my original songs in mostly Baltimore dive bars no longer in existence, and house shows, and were truthfully not very good. That was before I got my Weymann. We had fun though, and I cherish those early memories of just getting started.
Why the name Miss Tess?
I had a good friend in college who always used to call me that. When I decided to be a performer I knew I needed a stage name, as my actual last name was frequently mispronounced and just doesn’t have a good flow to it. So I just went with Miss Tess, since it was already a nickname. And I like the “miss” part because it is a kind of respect. Also, there are a lot of southern influences in terms of blues, jazz, an early country in my sound, so it seemed to make sense.
Why did you do a Kickstarter project in 2016?
Because I needed money to release my record. I had done releases on a label (Signature Sounds) in 2012 and 2013 but decided to go on my own for 2016’s release. After all, was said and done recording and promoting the album I probably spent $30k. So the $15k I raised on Kickstarter helped put a big dent in that. I did it again for “The Moon is an Ashtray,” the album I’ve just released.
In reality, there are a lot of folks who cherish art and live music and want to help, which is lucky for folks like me who work really hard but don’t quite make enough money on the road to pay for things we need. To have a chance at building your career you need to hire good musicians, and good folks to promote your stuff, especially if you don’t have a label. Since there are so many declining revenue streams these days (namely, not being able to sell physical albums anymore), crowdfunding is one of the few ways musicians like me can stay afloat and keep doing their art.
Is Americana music here to stay?
It seems that way, although I think that term is stupid and doesn’t really mean anything, and is just a small piece of the pie of music in general. Think about all the electronic music out there, and hip hop, and black roots music, which somehow isn’t always included in the term. I’d like to think that people will keep digging roots music and take that influence into their own creative pursuits. Stuff comes and goes in waves though, so I wonder what the “next thing” will be, or the next way someone will figure out how to market roots music.
Why did you record on analog equipment?
Part of it was the preference of how our producer (Andrija Tokic) works in his studio. I like the sound of several albums he had recorded (The Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and The Deslondes in particular), and thought his aesthetic would be an interesting mix with my more traditional background. Also, I think vintage gear and tape just sounds good. Not like you can’t get close digitally, but I was interested to explore the old way of doing things. And Andrija is such a whiz with tape and all that gear he really made it pretty easy.
What type of audience are you looking for with your new album?
I’m just looking for anyone who will listen really, and am really thankful when people come out to live shows. I think as an artist it feels really good when your peers come out to see you, but who am I to try and dictate the folks who will connect with my music?
What video shows the real you?
All of them. Including the new music video for “The Moon is an Ashtray.” I put forth my actual self when I am performing.
Vinyl or digital?
Nothing can beat the feel of putting vinyl on the turntable. But I listen to both.
Did you know there is a Miss Tess restaurant in Dubai? (And yes they do have live music).
I do actually. They seem to be doing really well, as I get there google alerts ALL THE TIME and when you search #misstess – they definitely come up sometimes more than me! Maybe I can visit sometime. There is also a DJ in Australia named “Miss Tess X,” who I have actually connected with. There is also Miss Tess Tickle, a quite fabulous drag queen.
How did you become roommates with Rachael Price?
She responded to my Craigslist ad when I was moving to Boston and looking for somewhere to live.
Your new cd came out this month. Tell me something about it?
It’s called “The Moon is an Ashtray.”
I am surprised you have never performed at the Nelsonville Music Festival in Nelsonville, OH. It would be perfect for you with its train car stage and log cabin stages. And the kicker is it’s an old school room inside a log cabin which performers perform without electricity.
I would love to play that festival, you should tell them to book us.
You just played the NPR Mountain Stage. How was it? Have you played the Tiny Desk Concert?
I liked it a lot – very professional and fun staff and crew. Also, we got to share the bill with Tyler Childers, who sold the place out. so there was a great crowd. The show airs on March 6. I haven’t played Tiny Desk, but I hope to someday.
You’ve been touring for years. How do you stay healthy while touring?
I eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as I can, drink lots of water, and try to go for a run every other day, even in the wintertime. I drink less than I used to and make sure I can get at least 8 hours of sleep when I’m out there (which isn’t always possible but I try).
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I still see myself performing and traveling, but I hope to be able to get to a level where I can be a little more comfortable on the road and pay my musicians enough to keep being able to bring high-quality folks on the road. I want to travel abroad more and have more experience playing out of the country.
Anything in closing you like to say to your fans?
Check out the new album, and music video, and live tour schedule at misstessmusic.com/tour
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