It’s almost showtime for Jess Cerro – better known under the mononym of Montaigne – who is hours away from a public performance when she takes our call. This, however, is not a singing engagement: Cerro is set to read a piece of comedy writing that she has concocted specifically for Nailed It!, a satirical night of essay readings that take place at Sydney’s Giant Dwarf that lampoon the op-ed “hot takes” that frequent both digital and print media.

While having an indie-pop singer in the realm of comedy and satire may seem an ill fit, Cerro clarifies that it’s another of her key passions outside of music. “I guess it might have been seen as an odd choice for anyone that doesn’t know me,” she admits. “Those that do, though, know that I’m in these sorts of circles a lot. A lot of my friends are comedians, I go to a lot of comedy shows and people are aware that…” At this point, Cerro playfully adapts a grandiose, theatrical voice to complete her sentence: “…I HAVE THINGS TO SAY!”

The crossover between music and comedy goes back a long way – even here in Australia, comics like Arj Barker and Aunty Donna have teamed up with DZ Deathrays and Horrorshow, respectively, to make memorable and funny music videos. As for who she’d wish to collaborate with, Cerro earmarks famed improviser and sketch comedian Steen Raskopoulous: “He just kills it. He sells out every single show he puts on – he’s like this local cult legend. I have an idea for a video that I feel he would do an amazing job – it’s kind of video game-related, a bit like Assassin’s Creed.”

Away from nailing it at Nailed It!, Cerro has been enjoying a successful touring run in support of her debut album, Glorious Heights, which came out in 2016’s second half. Most recently, Cerro was seen taking to stages both nationally and regionally as a part of the 2017 Groovin The Moo line-up. Paired up with unlikely stagemates like punk bands Against Me! and The Smith Street Band, Cerro felt incredibly welcomed and drawn to the camaraderie of the festival.

A lot of my friends are comedians, I go to a lot of comedy shows and people are aware that… I HAVE THINGS TO SAY!

“I made a lot of friends on that tour,” she says. “They were all just beautiful and brilliant. What you find out from playing these festivals is that you might all seemingly be different – creatively, personally – but you’re all there to perform and to put on a show. It’s no-one’s crowd exclusively – there’s always room to make new fans and win people over. All the bands watch each other, and it’s really touching to see.”

Cerro also mentions that it’s not the first time that she’s had a dalliance with folk who like their music a little harder than hers: “I played a show in Brisbane last year, and I was at the merch desk afterwards saying hi to everyone. These two dudes were there – covered in tattoos, messy hair, a big torn vest. They came up to me and told me they only cared about loud, heavy music and didn’t care about anything else… except my music! I don’t know what it is about my music. Maybe it’s relatable on a lyrical level? Or the persona that I put out there, being a little outlandish?” She laughs. “I honestly don’t know!”

Whatever it may be, the love and devotion that Montaigne fans have is undeniable – and, in some cases, permanent. Months ago, Cerro mentioned on her social media that a fan had given birth and named their child Montaigne – which is amazing unto itself, but becomes doubly so when Cerro mentions that it’s the second time this has happened. “I don’t even know if they realise it’s not my real name,” she says. “I prefer it, really – my name is Jess, and that’s fucking boring. The only thing I’m worried about is the expectations that are going to be on those babies – if you’re literally naming someone Montaigne, you’re really setting them up for greatness. Still, I guess Monty is a good nickname, isn’t it?”

These two dudes were there – covered in tattoos, messy hair, a big torn vest. They came up to me and told me they only cared about loud, heavy music and didn’t care about anything else… except my music!

From babies to ‘Because I Love You’, her key single from Glorious Heights that cracked the top quarter of the triple j Hottest 100 back in January, Cerro’s blaze of glory goes down with her upcoming August headlining tour. The final shows before the completion of the album cycle and the beginning of the next, Cerro looks ahead with a mix of uncertainty and optimism. “For me, it’s always about forward motion,” she says.

“I’m closing a chapter of my life, in a way. The thing is, before that chapter closes, another one is already beginning. I guess people on the outside looking in would see it as the closing of a certain period – they’ve lived with that album as a very definite thing. For me, though, it’s an album I moved on from a year ago, when I finished it. I just always knew there was more to come. Of course, I want to make this tour huge – if people want a grand finale, that’s what they’re going to get. At those shows, though, I’m going to play some new songs. They might not even make the next album – I just want to give some insight into where I’m at in my life right now.”

Montaigne is performing alongside the huge lineup at Yours & Owls Festival from September 30 – October 1, and headlining at the Metro Theatre on Saturday August 12.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine