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ABOUT JEMMA

Jemma Willard is a singer-songwriter based in the UK. Her first album, Absence Of An Ending, produced by Ian Mathias-Baker was released on Satellite-9 Records in June 2008.

Jemma Willard is a singer/songwriter from Reading, Berkshire. Her earliest musical interest was musical theatre, and dreamed of playing the character of Eponine in Les Miserables - earning herself the nickname 'Jeponine'. However, while studying Musical Theatre at Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, she came to realise that it was the music, rather than dancing or acting that really interested her, and the music industry where her ambitions lay. Since then she has focused on writing and performing her own songs - though she hasn't completely lost her taste of the theatrical, as can be heard in some of her songs.

Like all creative artists, Jemma writes as an outlet for her emotions and vivid imagination. Often feeling something like a fish out of water, never quite belonging, she expresses these feelings of longing and ambition through metaphors. Since 2005 she has worked with songwriter-producer Ian Mathias-Baker to create songs that powerfully convey this sense of 'otherness'. She has the unique ability to contrast dark lyrics with upbeat melodies. Although her lyrics are heavily metaphorical she still manages to deliver universal message that people of all ages can identify with.

2008 saw the release of Jemma's debut album, 'Absence of an Ending'. The album succeeds in capturing her private angst in a series of songs that are by turn rousing guitar driven rock, folksy ballads, and high-production grooves. Whatever mood she's in, the results are all underpinned by an unerring musicality, and her uniquely striking turns of phrase.

Jemma is currently looking for full-time management and promotion to further develop her musical career.

LATEST NEWS

23 December 2009
If you are a songwriter and would like to collaborate with Jemma on new material please contact her via boulie@hotmail.co.uk

17 December 2009
Jemma was recently interviewed %26 featured on Reading Community Radio 87.9FM

4 November 2009
On the 29th September 2009 Jemma supoprted South Africa's biggest selling band "The Parlotones" at Plug n' Play in Reading.

3 September 2009
On the 17th September 2009 Jemma will be playing at The Face Bar in Reading as part of Live and Love Music's Industry Showcase. Since 2008, they have showcased several artists including signed acts such as Jamie Scott (Polydor), Zarif (RCA / Sony BMG), Ava Leigh (EMI) and Jessie J (Universal Records US). Their shows have also been attended by various people within the media, music and events industries, such as Virgin Records, Kiss Radio, The Daily Mail, Juice 107.2, The Argus, Absolute Magazine, Wave Magazine, Reading Evening Post and several producers, radio presenters and promoters.

1 September 2009
Introducing the band line up - joining Nick Bates on guitar Jemma is now supported by Jim Dytham (from the Blonde Vipers) on bass %26 Phil Whittaker on drums. Their next gig together is Tuesday 8th September 2009 at The Oakford in Reading.

20 July 2009
Jemma will be performing her first gig with her band at The Firestation Arts Centre in Windsor on Friday 7th August 2009.

21 April 2009
Wanted! If you would like to join Jemma's backing band please get in touch. Bass player, drummer %26 keyboard player needed.

10 March 2009
Jemma will be supporting "To Arms Etc" at The Firestation, Windsor Arts Centre on Friday 3rd April 2009. Tickets are 6.00. For more information visit www.firestationartscentre.com

15 January 2009
Jemma %26 guitarist/songwriter Nick Bates will be peforming two brand new songs they have written together this Saturday night at The Sonning Working Mens Club as well as songs from Jemma's album and their own versions of some well known cover songs

8 December 2008
Jemma %26 Nick Bates were back playing at the 3Bs in Reading on Saturday night. They were invited back again to play in the new year. They performed tracks from "Absence of an Ending" as well as four new tracks written by Jemma and Nick

13 October 2008
Jemma performed at the 3Bs in Reading on Saturday 11th October 2008, accompanied by Nick Bates. It was her first time playing at the 3Bs and was a great success. She has been invited back to play a longer set on Saturday 6th December 2008.

12 June 2008
Jemma will be appearing on Henry Kelly's radio show on BBC Radio Berkshire next Monday morning. The show goes out at 10:40am.

06 June 2008
Absence Of An Ending goes live on Napster.

03 June 2008
jemmawillard.com is created...

01 June 2008
Absence Of An Ending is released! It's available intially as a download only from iTunes (worldwide) and Amazon MP3 in the U.S.

LINKS

Jemma Willard on Facebook

Satellite-9 Records

Ian Mathias-Baker - Composer, Songwriter, Producer

Jemma Willard on YouTube performing "Underground"

http://www.myspace.com/jemmawillard

Find Jemma on Red Noodle - The place to be for live music