Live Act

Montaigne

The voice of the new generation, Sydney based artist Montaigne (born Jess Cerro) at only 24 has become a major name in Aussie indie music. The past few years have seen her recognised for her work with multiple spots on the triple j’s Hottest 100, an ARIA award for ‘Best Breakthrough Artist’ and a further nomination for ‘Best Female Artist’ in 2016, plus J-Award nominations. Her debut album ‘Glorious Heights’ (produced by Tony Buchen) hit the charts at #4 and her sophomore album ‘COMPLEX’ was released in 2019 to rave reviews. Singles such as ‘Ready’ gained extensive commercial radio play and propelled her even further into prominence. As Craig Mathieson of the Sydney Morning Herald put it, ‘Montaigne creates music that has a thrilling waywardness, baroque pomp and storm-the-stage energy.’

Just off her third national tour, Montaigne has played notable festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Lost Paradise, Woodford Folk Festival, Groovin the Moo, Party in the Paddock, Field Day and WOMADelaide. Having opened for international acts like Cindy Lauper and Blondie, this young performer continues to garner high praise for her stunning live presence. ‘Her performance will go down as one of the best concerts of the year, without a doubt,’ wrote The Music of her most recent Sydney show, ‘and we were lucky to bear witness to the chrysalis.’

Having just taken out the Eurovision: Australia Decides 2020 competition, Montaigne will be bringing her latest single ‘Don’t Break Me’ to represent Australia on the world stage at Rotterdam in May of next year. Her challenging and inspiring lyrics are reminiscent of the philosopher who inspired her moniker. With melodies to get lost in, and the most energetic of live performances – Montaigne represents the next generation of artists who march to the beat of their own drum.