The Musical Trajectory of Jess Novak
Jess Novak is easily one of the area’s busiest musicians. She works. What she does musically works. Her determination and attitude works and keeps her working. The multi-instrumentalist, vocalist is also a busy writer having released numerous albums of which have received a very positive response.
To the discipline of all this, add that she organizes empowering events – and in recent years has taken on motherhood. And she makes juggling all of that look like it ain’t but a thing.
I caught up with my old friend recently to catch up, and to catch up on where her music path has led her.
Chuck Schiele: When I first met you, you were near the beginning of developing your career. By now, you’re a successful, celebrated and very busy musician. Tell us about your ride, so far.
Jess Novak: It was unexpected. I always dreamed of being a musician and many of my relatives were, but I didn’t think it could happen. The ride has been wild and amazing.
CS: To what factors would you attribute your success?
JN: My ridiculous tenacity. I accepted a long time ago that I’m not the most talented at anything, but I work really hard. My favorite quote is from Babe Ruth and I live by it: “You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.”
CS: Love that. I’ve always had that same perspective about what I’m doing. What have been some of the highlights along the way that shine the most for you?
JN: There have been so many incredible shows, but I think the highlights boil down to two things: the places I’ve been lucky enough to see because of music and the people I’ve been lucky enough to meet. The friendships – and marriage – are because of music. And when you travel as a musician, you don’t just sight-see and leave. You play a venue. You meet the people. You connect with the community in a completely different way. And a few of my tours I even did with my parents. That is something I can’t even describe. I’m fortunate.
CS: Please tell us about the groups and configurations you play in.
JN: I play solo where I loop guitar, play electric five-string violin, piano, percussion and sing. I have a duo with my husband, Ben Wayne, another duo with Ashley Cox and my band with Anthony Saturno, Gavin George, Jay Fabbri and Marcus Oliver: The Jess Novak Band. All are very different, but I think the constant between each is the energy. Every formation brings a special and contagious feeling to the stage. I love when people come up to me at the end of a show and say I never stopped smiling. I think that allows the audience to do the same and I think that’s the best thing I can do for people – provide some happiness.
CS: Tell us about the music festival you organize.
JN: The F.I.R.E. (females inspire, rock, empower) Festival was originally planned for March 2020, but didn’t take place until October 2022, when I was nine-months pregnant. On Sunday, March 9, we’ll have our fourth annual festival at ONCO Fermentations in Tully and it’s really proving that the mission works. The goal of the festival is to spotlight women in music, art, business and dance by filling rooms around New York with these incredible female creators. The response has been tremendous. The idea came to me when I was a music journalist and every festival I went to was men top-to-bottom: organizers, musicians, vendors, etc. I believe that equality happens when we provide an alternative that demonstrates something can work. When people walk into a room full of female creators, it is a different feeling. At the last festival, a woman danced who was 6 months pregnant while female voices filled the room. You cannot duplicate that in an all-male festival. Magic happens when you create a space for something new.
CS: How has the onset of motherhood and family life augmented your music life?
JN: This is everything! Music is about sharing yourself, so I am happy to. It is interesting to me that the biggest shift motherhood created for me was in priorities. It’s a very internal and personal thing, but it affects everything else. All the things I thought mattered, really didn’t anymore. The second I became a mom, I realized the only thing that mattered to me was being a good one, so if what I’m doing in my career is helping that, great. And if not, it can go. It makes you approach every single thing in your life differently and in a very liberated way. I think the biggest difference between a young artist and an older one is the amount of (excuse me) f***s you give. You put your energy towards only the things that matter most and that’s a gift. Our time here is short. We need to make the most of it.
CS: As a multi-instrumentalist, do you find yourself prone to any instrument over the others?
JN: When I was a kid, my mom, who is named Melodie, asked what instrument I wanted to play. I said, “piano!” without hesitation. She said she didn’t know a piano teacher, so I’d learn violin. It’s interesting to me now that piano is still my favorite instrument to hear and play, but I have an extremely physical connection to violin since I’ve played it since I was seven years old. I close my eyes and let go on violin which I love. Yet, I find my most interesting songs (musically) are born on piano. I like telling that story because sometimes we doubt children, but they really know what they want in an extremely intense internal way.
CS: You are ambitious with a plan. What’s coming this year?
JN: I came into 2025 with very specific goals. After having a baby in November 2022, it took until now for me to be completely back on my feet, so it feels good to feel ready. I’m working on my 14th album, which brings me back to my acoustic roots and will feature a few of my favorite musicians. The band is also feeling better than ever and tackling much more intricate material, so our live shows are taking on a whole new life. We’ll be doing more traveling this year with shows in Rochester and Pennsylvania and a big show at Kallet Theater in April. I’m also working to collaborate with other artists, especially Ashley Cox (who I have a monthly series with at Moondogs in Auburn), sharing bills and songs. I think it’s difficult to grow when you work in a bubble, so I’m trying to break out of it.
CS: As a person who’s propelling through the music life and the way the business is constantly changing, what is your strategy to stay relevant and working?
JN: Gwen Stefani is my favorite person in music because she is so unafraid to keep changing, growing and experimenting. Her bravery, honesty and ability to put on the shows she does is something I aspire to. I also love that people hate her for it. To me, that’s a great sign of success. If you’re bothering people, you’re hitting a nerve. And if you’re happy and being true to yourself, that’s the best response. I find it’s a fun balance, like her, to stay honest to who you are in the moment, while allowing yourself the grace to try something new. I’m also a firm believer that if you’re not messing up, you’re not taking enough chances. I like falling down because I learn something every time I get back up. I think the key is to not be afraid of change. If you stay stuck in old ways, you won’t survive.
CS: What is your best advice for those starting out on their musical journey?
JN: Don’t stop no matter what anyone says and never stop taking lessons. You can always improve and you can always learn. Arrogance, ego and doubt are the greatest killers of talent. Stay humble, but proud and do what makes you feel good. And then it’s about tenacity, which is critical. Never expect anything. Work for it and earn it. Keep going, keep getting better, keep growing and keep having fun. When you stop enjoying it, it’s time to go.
CS: What else is in your near future, musically?
JN: I’m really working on a better balance between music and family. I find myself longing to be more present at home since I’m always promoting, teaching lessons, doing shows, rehearsing, etc. My goal is to find a way to be even more of a mom, which I think will mean fewer shows, but better, more deliberate ones. I want to make everything I do an experience. I’m also hoping to publish more books. I miss writing!
CS: What is the best way to stay apprised of your music endeavors?
JN: Follow me on everything and sign up for the monthly newsletter on the website: www.jessrocknovak.com ! Facebook (Jess Novak Music and Jess Novak Band), Instagram (jessrock87 and jessnovakband), TikTok (JessNovakMusic), X (jessrock87)
CS: Thank you, Jess for talking with us here at Sounds of Syracuse.
JN: These questions were great. Thanks for having me!
