‘An apology for the outbursts’: Jess Ball on her unapologetically truthful new single

Australian singer-songwriter Jess Ball’s recently released single ‘Please Don’t Hate Me For This’ is a beautiful union of emotional courage and ownership, something which is all too rare in lyricism nowadays. Ball claims that songwriting has always been a cathartic experience for her, using it as a vessel for emotional expression. Yet, this track “is more of an apology for the outbursts … rather than a venting session during the outburst.” ‘Please Don’t Hate Me For This’ is about attempting to escape a guilty conscience, desperately trying to grasp why we behave in a certain way, despite knowing the effect it will have on our loved ones.

Discussing the recording process for the single and its differences with that of previous singles, Ball reveals the track was recorded in Bangalore with producer Richy Sebastian from 1and2 Productions. “It seemed to take shape very quickly and easily – we hadn’t recorded for a little while, so the creative juices were well and truly flowing!” The natural essence of the track’s production can be heard in the song itself, with the jazz-like twang of the guitar and soft, pensive vocals giving it an organic feel that pleases all ears. As Ball herself states, this “go with the flow” approach allows for fluidity in her music, too much structure proving limiting and making it more difficult to harness creativity.

Compared to other tracks, the vulnerability of ‘Please Don’t Hate Me For This’ stands out, juxtaposed with Ball’s previous easy-going dance anthems

The music video for ‘Please Don’t Hate Me For This’ equally takes on this approach: the video depicts Ball’s live band performing outside of a recording studio in a car park. She states that “the industrial, edgy feel of the carpark represented the messiness of my mind. I think the rough aesthetic is a good way of portraying the chaos I create without meaning to.” The stripped back, simplistic style of the video demonstrates how Ball doesn’t need any frills or flounces to invite intrigue, rather, emulating the feeling of a gig is enough, allowing the audience to become fully engrossed in Ball’s lyricism.

Compared to other tracks, the vulnerability of ‘Please Don’t Hate Me For This’ stands out, juxtaposed with Ball’s previous easy-going dance anthems. She says that whilst it is very easy for her to be honest whilst songwriting, it does “get a bit tricky when it comes to releasing the songs, but by the time the song comes out I will have forgotten what it was even about so it feels less daunting.” By feeding off of the music her producer lays down, Ball is able to determine the tone of the song and thus the lyrics and mood she aspires to create.

Ball flatters talented producer Richy Sebastian, titling him as the person that brings all of her ideas to life. She therefore has the privilege of investing most of her passion and interest into singing and songwriting, describing it as “a very therapeutic process, so it happens very naturally.” The apparent innate and subconscious nature of Ball’s artistry bleeds through into seamless musical production, creating a harmonious partnership between herself and Sebastian.

This new chapter is really exciting for me as I get to explore avenues and genres that are more my style

Jess Ball

However, Ball’s sound has evolved over time, transitioning from the dance world into a more indie-pop field. She claims that “this change was a conscious choice, and though I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the dance world, working alongside some incredible DJs and artists, this new chapter is really exciting for me as I get to explore avenues and genres that are more my style.” It seems that Ball is unafraid to step outside of her comfort zone and abandon the safety net of EDM, also confiding an eagerness to experiment with punk or rock at some point in her career. She cites the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Rage Against the Machine as artists inciting within her an interest to explore this genre.

Yet, she still acknowledges the significant effect her time as a featured vocalist on EDM tracks has had on her career, setting her up for inevitable success as a solo artist. She states it has made her “more eager to explore genres outside of that world and get more experimental” with her music. As of now, she is ready to leave that part of her music career behind, but never say never!

So, where can we expect Jess Ball to go next? She giddily discloses that it has always been a dream of hers to play the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, having watched all of her favourite artists play the iconic venue. But in the meantime, she has a very exciting collaboration coming out in early December, as well as a new album in the works. The wheels are certainly in motion, hopefully paving the way for Ball’s success as a solo artist!