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Graffito, which is the Italian word meaning "to scratch", is an ancient art form technique where designs are produced by scratching the surface of paint or clay to reveal an undercoat of contrasting and deeper color. This was the birth of graffiti, which most people only have the knowledge of it being considered vandalism. But before New York subways were being taken over by the spay-painting gangs of the 1980’s, inscriptions and graffito decorations were found on ancient ruins, monuments, and on building walls. From Egypt and Greece to The Middle Ages and the Renaissance, graffiti art has endured over centuries. Now it is also considered a serious profession. Artists and critics alike started to see graffiti as a direct and genuine expression of urban culture, free of the manipulation of the art market. It was their voice.

Jessica Dawn’s artistic expression is not only realized through singing, but in how she uses her voice to reveal much of her soul and experiences, hence, a songwriter that has more depth than just catchy hooks. Like graffito, if you scratch the surface, underneath those infectious melodies and grooves and sometimes sheer lyrical wit, lies a contrast of vulnerability. She has provocative insight into the colorful well of human emotions. “Emotions are the language of the heart and as a songwriter, I’m like the interpreter. I’m a messenger trying to articulate and communicate these human conditions and relatable experiences such as, love, loss, pain, and joy. I love how music can bring people together; its beauty is in its ability to spiritually and emotionally connect, resonate, and unify. On a more personal level, music is how I’ve always been able to process my thoughts and feelings, understand and express myself, and navigate through life. It is a necessity for me, much like oxygen and water.”

Jessica Dawn’s much anticipated “Graffito”, recently released in 2008, is her first fully-produced EP. Recorded at Olive Bar Studio in Nashville, TN, Jessica handed the reins over to local producer and engineer, Brett Hardin. “Brett understood from the beginning what kind of sound I was looking for. He was not only able to execute my vision but he took it to a whole new level which is a testament to his skill, ear, and talent as a producer.” The songs on “Graffito” are painted with bright and edgy walls of sound. Jessica’s music exhibits a funk-rock fusion while still adhering to a melodic sensibility. She conveys a unique creativity as a rock songwriter, which separates her from other female artists.

Jessica has been honing her craft as a performing songwriter and polishing her sound for many years. She wrote her first song when she was only eight years old. Jessica then realized her dream of being a singer/songwriter and continued to write on an old Casio keyboard and even recorded her early material on her Mom’s retro tape player. From piano lessons in her pre-teens to voice lessons and then teaching herself guitar at eighteen, Jessica continued to embrace her love for creating music. After high school, she started performing her original songs in Virginia Beach, VA, where she was born and raised. She consistently performed shows, both solo and with bands that she herself put together, for many years. Then with much hometown success and experience under her belt, Jessica packed everything she owned into her Chevy van and made her way to Nashville, the songwriting capital of the world. Since her move to Music City, Jessica has fearlessly held onto her dream with determination, even through such a fickle and tough industry, by constantly writing and performing and doing what she loves. After almost ten years of playing shows and releasing a few EP’s along the way, she continues to make a name for herself. Jessica not only keeps growing as an artist, but her loyal fan base continues to grow as well. Audiences are moved by her sound and compelling lyrics and captivated by her passionate performances.

Jessica has come a long way on her musical journey and now she is daring to make a bold statement with the new EP “Graffito”; that she has arrived. Her powerhouse vocals are arresting and her music will get your attention like how you can’t ignore graffiti on the Brooklyn Bridge. Jessica hopes to leave her mark on the consciousness of all who take the time to listen and who are willing to scratch the surface.

Its sassy lyrics are almost a distraction from the fact that this song is about a damaged heart after a break-up and wanting or wondering if someone new can “repair” that brokenness in order to have the ability to love again. I really did have a 1982 Chevy van and it was indeed tough until I started having problems with it, hence the birth of inspiration for the car analogies. I was also in a relationship during that time, which was in a difficult gray area since deep down I knew I wasn’t ready or strong enough to commit because I was still healing from the last relationship I was in. The intro music and lyrics for this song got cut for recording; it lends itself better for performing live:
“Baby my heart needs some repair
but if you’ve got the right tools you can love me
I know it’s not fair but I need good care
if you want me to drive you crazy.”



It’s an interesting and almost funny portrayal on the subject of being lonely and wanting a relationship, feeling that you’re finally ready to be with someone again. You realize sometimes that you sub-consciously want to be alone, that you're almost “hiding” in order to avoid the heartache a relationship can bring. But it’s about finally getting to a point where you’re ready to risk your heart and you stop running away because you’re not afraid of love anymore.



this is my social commentary song, that’s why it’s so long because I had a lot to say!! (It’s the longest song I’ve ever written!) the message is pretty simple, it’s a song about empathy, about showing compassion, about considering what it would be like to walk in someone else’s shoes before passing judgment. It’s about caring and helping people in need instead of just walking away and pretending we’re oblivious to the pain and suffering we see around us. It’s about making a difference and taking action with love and kindness as our tools.