Behind the Music: Jess & the Echoes' roots

Jess & the Echoes perform at Lucky Lounge in Austin, TX (credit to Tyler Brenner)

There were presents stacked four-feet high in the front of the room. A birthday cake topped with a popular action figure at the main table. Family members standing shoulder to shoulder just making sure the children do not spoil the birthday boy’s special day.

Beyond all of that on the main stage was your more expected clutter for a music show: a guitar, drum set, a keyboard and a microphone. Much more natural for a rock show then a dozen of children running around with cake on their face, a balloon in one hand and their Capri Sun in the other.

Every band has a start, an initial calling. They all start their journey with the same goals, aspirations and expectations as the next band. What differentiates a band is their sound. What distinguishes a band is their charisma and their chemistry.

This particular journey started when lead singer Jessica Kellner moved from her Fort Worth suburban home to the Hollywood of the south and the busy city known for its live music: Austin. Kellner would travel down to San Marcos to visit a friend and possibly play some music.

“One of those nights (Kellner) showed me she was learning to play guitar and she asked me for pointers,” lead guitarist and long-time friend Casey Savage said. “She also showed me she was working on some new songs. I remember jamming with her and listening to her songs and just being floored.”

“She has that kind of voice that just gives you chills when you hear her sing.”

Besides “jamming” with Savage and another future band member Cole Gramling, who plays keyboards, Kellner was “busking,” or singing on the streets. She wouldn’t do it necessarily for money but in hopes that it landed her a gig or some band mates plus she was able to do what she loved more than anything. For money, Kellner was a hair stylist in downtown Austin.

“For me there was never that thought in my mind that I should pursue something else,” Kellner said. “I knew I needed to hold down a job so I could continue doing music but it’s always been my number one passion. Nothing can compare to it.”

Kellner finally landed a spot singing solo when Austin Music Hall of Famer Donnell Robinson noticed her raspy yet angelic voice and wanted to manage her. Fortunately for Kellner, she didn’t have to look too far for band mates because of her and Savage’s friendship. She was also in tuned with a playing partner during her days singing at a youth group at church in Gramling.

“We didn’t go to the same school but she started coming to that church and singing in the youth choir,” Gramling said. “We always did cool funky gospel tunes, she sang a couple solos and I thought she was amazing.”

Bands are created and then brought down almost quicker than it took to start because of their chemistry or lack thereof. The Jess &the Echoes believe they don’t have to worry about that. In fact, they believe they only make each other better, whether it’s in rehearsals or on stage at a show.

“We have always fed off of each other,” Savage said. “When I look over and see them smiling, laughing and having a good time playing it really puts me in the same spot. There are (times) in our songs when we get to stand out and when (they) come up we always look at each other like ‘here we go.’”

Although Kellner is the lead singer and the most popular member of the group that does not mean she expects royal treatment. Kellner, Savage and Gramling along with their drummer Ryan Parker all get equal say and opportunity.

“We have really never budded heads, not yet at least,” Kellner said jokingly. “I think we do a good job hearing everybody’s opinions first and are fair to each individual. Everybody has a say, everybody has the same amount of importantace in the band.”

The group enjoys a possible good luck charm near their recording studio. (credit to Jess & the Echoes Facebook page)

The Jess & the Echoes have played in special events at nice hotels, they have played at the typical sixth street bars of Austin and they have even played at children’s birthday parties like their first show as a full band. With all of that considered, they still want more.

“It’s the best feeling to see how far we’ve come in so little of time,” Kellner said, on her band’s existence of less than a year. “Not to say we worked our butts off for it but it all pays off! That first show though was still a blast.

Savage said he would love to play at bigger venues with more lights, production and better overall quality of the show. That all could come into fruition now that Kellner advanced far in NBC’s reality television show “The Voice.” Now that Kellner has returned from The Voice , the Jess & the Echoes are expected to drop their debut album.

“The album is super close,” Kellner said. “But there are a few details we need to hash out. (We want people to know) we are a band that plays with our hearts left out on the stage and we make people feel good by doing so.”

According to Gramling, Jess & the Echoes have a unique sound that could be the ultimate attraction for current fans and potential fans. He thinks the fact that their music is relatable and easy on the ear, it will go a long ways in grabbing more attention from prospective followers.

“I tell people we got a little pop going on, we’re easy to listen to,” Gramling said. “But Jess’s voice can be really soulful, emotional and deep, and we go there sometimes too. “Soul pop” is what I think we’ve been (calling it).”