An indie musician who has swapped her stethoscope for a microphone (she works as a frontline doctor in rural and remote Australia), Jade Empress has encapsulated the uncertainty she has felt (and many others) the past couple of years penning the epic-sounding 'Madness'.
A winner of multiple categories of Songsalive!'s Song Comp in 2017, a finalist in Australian Songwriters Association Songwriting Contest three consecutive years following, and a participant in Ben Folds’ 2021 songwriting intensive retreat, 'Madness' is Jade's sophomore single following earlier 2022 track 'Golden Hours'.Jade worked with ARIA Award-winning producer Kon Kersting (who's worked with The Jungle Giants, Tones & I, The Reubens and many more) to create 'Madness'.
"Routine has always been important for me," shares Jade. "I thought the pandemic was bad.
"Now, suddenly I'm finding myself working in the Pacific, as a doctor alongside the Australian Defence Force, and living day to day in an environment of civil and political unrest, I truly appreciate uncertainty and a certain kind of daily madness."
With two more singles already set for release later this year, we get to know Jade Empress better.
I sound like... Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, London Grammar.
My first gig was... The Sale Music Festival.
In the studio I usually... Spend a lot of time doing vocal warm-ups and box-breathing.
If I could tour with anyone... Keli Holiday.
Social media is... The biggest pain in the ass.
My favourite app at the moment is... ClickUp. Because it helps me be organised and not get lost in all my tasks.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I stood up after kneeling down to sing to someone at the front of the stage, and I caught the hem of my long skirt on my foot, and my skirt fell off.
Life on the road can be... Disorganised and disruptive to my routine.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Chia and oats, kiwi fruit, mood lighting.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... An online stalker saying he would turn up at shows.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Rebel Wilson because she is hilarious and real.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Kyoto, because it is really beautiful and feels like you're in a Miyazaki film.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... My brother and my two best friends; I haven't seen them much over the last couple of years and I miss them.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Vegetarian bolognese with lentil pasta.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... A few days ago.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Vacuuming.
Do you have any phobias... Swimming in the ocean with seaweed. It is terrifying when it touches your legs.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Maybe, a survival one.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? My friend, Brendan. I'm trying to teach his baby daughter to say his name before she says 'Dad'.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? It's been a while since I've lived anywhere that had anything still open at midnight. I can make pretty good nutella pancakes at midnight though.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Maria Von Trapp from 'The Sound Of Music' – day-dreamer with sometimes uncontrollable exuberance, and constantly running late.
