With her latest single 'Anhedonia' available to stream now, fast-rising singer-songwriter Jess Hunter talks us through her five favourite albums of all time.
1. Heaven Or Las Vegas – The Cocteau Twins
When I listen to their music, The Cocteau Twins transport me into this fantastical dream world of synth pop. I first listened to this album in 2021 and I will not forget the feeling of not wanting the final song to finish, laying on the bed in the spare room of my Nans house. A friend recommended the album to me and instantly I fell in love with Elisabeth Fraser's vocals and the band. Frou Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires must be my favourite on the album; its structure inspired my song Blank.
2. Igor – Tyler, The Creator
Igor shaped my lockdown in 2020. Wow, what a fever dream that was. I had listened to some of Tyler’s older tracks before, however only a few on Flower Boy. Listening to Igor, I was mesmerized from the start. I remember watching video essays unpacking the albums concept. The deep portrayal of his love affair made me feel I was living it. Igor takes me back to a time when I was discovering what music I wanted to hear, let alone be inspired by. It was a pivotal time in my life of changes and new beginnings. To me, it's an album with no skips. New Magic Wand? Banger. Are We Still Friends? Grab the tissues.
3. Songs – Adrianne Lenker
Words cannot tell you how obsessed I am with Adrianne Lenker at the moment. From her work with Big Thief to her individual projects, her songwriting is on a whole different level. Her music is what I am heavily influenced by right now, especially when it comes to writing new material. I first listened to “not a lot, just forever” when it played on shuffle. The gentle guitar reminded me of what my boyfriend at the time used to play. He then sent me a song from the album stating it reminded him of me and our relationship. I ventured into Songs, and I've not looked back. Although that relationship has now ended, I relate this project to the beautiful moments. Adrianne is one of my biggest inspirations and the way her music makes me feel is a connection like no other.
4. Stranger in the Alps – Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers is my favourite musician right now. Boygenius not far behind. If you see me with my headphones on, just know it's probably a Phoebe song blaring. Stranger in the Alps
reminds me of my three best friends. We became close in 2021 and they showed me her music. Ever since, we remain a very tight-knit bunch and know anything and everything there is to know about each other. I couldn't live without them. My favourite song on the album is hard to pinpoint but I’m going with Scott Street. The final minute of the song, the atmosphere that is created puts me with my friends, laughing, being open and being comfortable. Those three friends feel like home, Stranger in the Alps feels like home.
5. Sunny Side Up – Paolo Nutini
I grew up listening to Paolo Nutini. Sunny Side Up was always played, blasting in the car when I would fly to Ireland as a kid to see my grandparents and many family members. When I was younger, “Pencil Full of Lead” and “Funky Cigarette” were my go-to. Those two songs take me back to dancing with my mum or being taught how to jive in my Grandads kitchen in Northern Ireland. However, how times have changed as “Candy” and “Tricks of the Trade” are the ones I listen to most. Nutini is a great songwriter with a voice so distinctive and beautiful.
Listen to Jess Hunter's new single 'Anhedonia' below.