Turns out that Sydney singer-songwriter Jessica Cerro, aka Montaigne, is at her most creative when she’s upset, and rather fancies capping off a gig with a good old glass of tap water. Take a little scroll to find out more about the talented lass, and have a squiz at her upcoming tour dates, too.

How did you end up on the path labelled ‘music’? I always loved music more than anything, and I got the opportunity to pursue it professionally because of triple j Unearthed High, which gave me a leg up when I was in Year 11. It was the impetus I needed to actually chip away at the block (with the help of my parents, of course).

What’s your secret songwriting recipe? Feeling strong, negative emotions, and then listening to densely worded music. Then saying and singing random things to myself until they coalesce. I find driving to be a good co-activity to do.

When are you at your most creative? When I’m upset.

What movie do you put on to give you the warm and fuzzies? Oh gosh, I don’t watch film regularly, so it’s hard to bring one to mind. I remember 50 First Dates being cute but also tear-worthy.

If we happened to catch you after a gig, what beverage should we offer to buy you? The cheapest beverage of all: tap water. And maybe sometimes a gin and tonic. But not often.

Where’s your favourite place to chill in Sydney? Newtown is best for food. But I also really like my neighbourhood, Surry Hills.

Are you hopeful about the future? On a personal level, yes, because my career is tracking well and I think I’ve got some solid songs on the way. For the world, no, because the people running it are encouraging virulent attitudes and behaviours. And then there’s also global warming, overpopulation, nuclear threat… The world’s in dire straits.

What’s your dream venue or festival to play at and why? I’d really like to play Airwaves in Iceland. I’ve always had this romantic vision of Iceland and a few of my all-time favourite artists are from there.

What’s your go-to food when you’re in a rush? Homemade baked beans, sourdough, avocado, hummus, vegan cheese, some lettuce greens, tomato, maybe some sautéed mushrooms if there’s time – love it.

TOUR DATES:

Saturday April 1st – A Day On The Green, Bimbadgen, Pokolbin, NSW
Sunday April 2nd – A Day On The Green, Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD
Saturday April 8th – A Day On The Green, Rochford Wines, Coldstream, VIC
Sunday April 9th – A Day On The Green, Leconfield & Richard Hamilton Wines, McLaren Vale, SA
Friday April 28th – Groovin The Moo, Adelaide Showground, Wayville, SA
Saturday April 29th – Groovin The Moo, Maitland Showground, Maitland, NSW
Sunday April 30th – Groovin The Moo, Murray Sports Complex, Townsville Cricket Grounds, Annandale, QLD
Saturday May 6th – Groovin The Moo, Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo, VIC
Sunday May 7th – Groovin The Moo, University of Canberra, Kirinari St, Bruce, ACT
Saturday May 13th – Groovin The Moo, Hay Park, Bunbury, WA

Sweet pic by Benjamin Riches.