Jessica Lauren Sikon Songwriter, Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Jon Chips Bass Guitar, Vocals, Lead Guitar
Clyde Maruna Keyboard, Vocals
Matt Childers Drums

Years Active 5

Latest / Upcoming Release Latest Release: The Night Is Still Young (2020) / Upcoming Release: EP in July 2021, Full Length Fall/Winter 2021

Favorite Local Artists I’m not just biased, but my favorite local musicians are my brothers.  Ohio Civil Power’s last two albums are incredibly beautiful and brilliant.  I also have been loving Psycho Men.

Current Album on Repeat Honky Tonk Girl, The Loretta Lynn Collection

Currently Reading Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett and March, a graphic novel by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.

What do you think is the biggest lesson we can all take away from this past year?  

Through the overwhelming experience of 2020, with the lockdown and the last election, etc. I, personally, have come away with a refreshed perspective of what’s important to me in regard to how I spend my time and energy.  It became increasingly clear how little control we have over the circumstances outside of ourselves, so I want to make sure I’m using the power that I do have to feel safe and happy about my decisions. 

Tell us about how this project got started?  

The project started by me (Jess) wanting to hear my songs with a band.  I was getting bored with myself and hadn’t had experience playing with other people.  Matt Childers offered to play drums and from there, we’ve had a pretty solid group of people rotating in and out.  Just always having fun with it and trying to make ourselves sound good.

Are you working on anything new / specific at the moment? 

Jon Chips and I have been recording a small collection of songs that I’d like to release this summer, just a small EP, but it’s fun.  A lot less serious than some of my other songs. I also am in the process of organizing a new full length album. 

Experience working with a label?  

All of my releases have been self-released, and actually, the more I learn, the more energized I am by the process. 

How do you balance music with jobs, partners, children, etc.?  

I have always been very challenged by this, but I think the lockdown helped me prioritize how I like to spend my time.  I’ve started to make sure I have scheduled time for myself to work on music and writing.  I end up feeling busy all the time, which is something I’m still trying to sort out, but ultimately, I’m happier when I’m working on the things that I enjoy.  

What has your recording experience been like? 

My recording experience has been so much fun! The more I do it, the more I love it.  I just want to be in the studio as much as possible.  I have met many people that have become close friends through recording and I’ve been really lucky to work with only incredibly talented people.  I just feel very grateful.  

What’s the next move? 

Next move is a music festival in Rome, OH called Woodstick at the end of July.  Keep your eyes peeled for info on that! It’ll be a blast.