Jessica Speziale has been working hard to establish herself as a premier indie pop artist on the Toronto music scene. With a strong stage presence and ambitious performance schedule, her music combines a unique voice with musical discipline in a way that’s bringing her new fans with every show.



A talented musician, Jessica Speziale plays both guitar and saxophone and has performed with multiple bands and choirs. Her original music also shows off her skills in writing and composing well-balanced alternative rock and soul.

Jessica Speziale first took the Supernova stage for the Rogers Battle of the Bands and then Band on the Run, where she also grabbed 2nd place and won recording time. She has since been performing like there’s no tomorrow, and continues to gather a loyal following; they even voted her as the fan favourite Wildcard winner of our Road to ExFest.

Seeing as Jessica Speziale is an extremely busy and actively performing artist, we were lucky to pin down this indie act for an interview! Hot off her recently acclaimed gig at The Jam Spot, we are very pleased to introduce the girl behind the music: Jessica Speziale.

Thanks, Jessica! So can you introduce your "band"?

Well, the only constant band member is me! Haha.. I’m a solo artist at the moment and play with sort of a rotating group of absolutely killer musicians. Most of them are also songwriters and have solo projects going on, so sometimes scheduling is tight and it helps to have a bunch of musicians to sub in. Very cool - do they have any nicknames for you?

People call me Spez, Special, J-Dawg...

So what got you where you stand as a band today?

Right now, we’re just starting out! I’ve been playing around Ontario for just over a year as a solo acoustic act; last spring I started playing with an acoustic band (two acoustic guitars, djembe), and as of June, I’d played 3 full electric band shows! Last August we began to record a 6-song EP with the electric band.

You've been busy! So with all the musical experimentation, how would you describe your sound?

…this is actually my least-favourite question!! I dunno…maybe pop/rock infused with R&B/Soul? It sounds like this:



Is there anyone you’d consider a ‘mentor’?

I don’t know if I have anyone that fits the mentor role just yet. The closest is probably my Dad – he’s been in the industry for over 35 years and is a well of knowledge and experience! I have a lot of musicians I look up to and can share info with. A lot of my friends and family are musicians.

That's a great network! So far, what is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?

There are so many amazing things about being in a band. The most rewarding is probably looking out over the crowd and seeing people get into the music! The energy on stage between my band and I is one of my favourite feelings in the whole world.

Where do you prefer to play or practice?

I love playing outside in the summer! Otherwise, I do most of my writing and practicing perched on the end of my couch in the living room.

So as a new Artist, what is one of your biggest challenges?

There are a lot of them!! I would say one of the big ones is probably just figuring out what your steps are. The industry has changed so much that we don’t have a clear “go out and get a record deal!” direction anymore. As artists, we have to figure out what we want and how to achieve it in less conventional ways.

That is very true. How did you find Supernova.com?

I booked a show at an Arts festival last year, and the booking agent for the festival ended up working with Supernova. She let me know about the shows and suggested I get involved! I definitely have told other bands about Supernova; you guys have been great to me!



Hehe, we try. What is your most memorable moment as a musician, so far?

So far, it’s probably the first time I played a Supernova Battle of the Bands! It was my first show at El Mocambo and the crowd was huge. The stage lights, the energy, the wall of familiar faces dancing and clapping along in the front row – insane show!!

That is a great memory! As for other bands just starting out, what would be your ‘motto’ or ‘recipe’ for putting on a good show?

My motto has always been “Show the songs some love”. If I don’t love the tunes, love the stage – how will anyone else get into it?

My recipe for a good show is based on telling a good story, being flexible on stage, and getting the fans involved!

Sage advice. Do you believe there is such a thing as ‘bad’ music?

Haha! Yeah – something that sounds like wailing banshees! “Music” that’s out of tune is generally brutal.

Is there anything else that readers should know about you?

We have really awesome buttons - haha.

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You can next catch Jessica Speziale live this Thursday January 12th at Toronto’s Cloak and Dagger, or check her profile page for more concert announcements coming soon!

There’s also a ton of original music from Jessica Speziale up on her profile; take a listen and leave a comment - independent artists LOVE hearing from their listeners!