Jessicka

Jessicka
Jessicka 2004, Los Angeles, California
Background information
Birth name	Jessica Fodera
Also known as	Jessicka Addams
Born	October 23, 1976 (1976-10-23) (age 35) Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Origin	Miami, Florida
Genres	Alternative rock, goth rock, noise pop, alternative metal
Occupations	Artist, musician, songwriter, and singer
Years active	1992–present
Associated acts	Jack Off Jill Mrs. Scabtree Honey to Ash Messy Scarling. The Ingenues
Website	www.Jessicka.com

Jessicka Addams (born Jessica Fodera on October 23, 1976) is an American singer and artist. Best known by her stage name Jessicka, she was the front woman of Florida based band Jack Off Jill and current front for the Los Angeles based band Scarling.

Early life

Jessicka grew up in the town of Sunrise, Florida. She was raised as an only child by her mother Nancy after her mother divorced her husband, Joseph. While attending elementary school Jessicka was placed in the school's gifted program, where she excelled in theatre, art, and creative writing.^[1] After high school Jessicka had immersed herself in music, Goth-culture,^[2] gay iconography, all things John Waters and feminist literature. At seventeen she decided that she wanted to start her own band.^[3]

Music career

Jack Off Jill (1992–2000)

Main article: Jack Off Jill

Jessicka met Tenni Arslanyan while attending high school in Sunrise, Florida. They had begun writing songs, but had not yet formed a complete band when Robin Moulder and Michelle Oliver joined them to create the band Jack In Jill. In 1992, Jack In Jill got their start when they were asked to open for fellow Floridian and friend Marilyn Manson and his band, Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids at a Davie, Florida nightclub called The Plus 5 Lounge. Manson suggested a name change to Jack Off Jill (JoJ).^[4][5] In 1993, JOJ released their first recording titled, "Children 5 And Up", produced by Marilyn Manson.^[6] In early 1993, Jessicka performed with Manson's ephemeral side project, Mrs. Scabtree and shared vocal duties with then boyfriend Jeordie White.^[7] White was given the Manson band member name Twiggy Ramirez, much of Twiggy's early look from the multi colored dreadlocks down to the dress style was taken directly from Gidget Gein and Jessicka.^[1] In December 1993 while on tour, Jessicka spent a night in jail when she and Manson were arrested after a concert in Jacksonville, Florida, for breaking the town's adult entertainment codes.^[8]

Before her 25th birthday, Jessicka's record label, Rectum Records, had released several independent JOJ records and several 7" singles.^[9] Jack Off Jill signed with Los Angeles based Risk Records in January 1997. The band released their first full-length album, Sexless Demons And Scars, in September 1997 then toured in the U.S. and Canada. In July 2000 JOJ released their second full-length CD, Clear Hearts Grey Flowers, just as their label was preparing to close down.^[10] JOJ played its last show at Los Angeles' The Troubadour in April 2000. They were joined onstage by guitarist Helen Storer of the UK band Fluffy and producer Chris Vrenna on drums.^[11] JOJ officially disbanded in late 2000.^[12]

Scarling. (2002–present)

Main article: Scarling.

After taking a break from the music industry and making Los Angeles her permanent residence, Jessicka was invited in 2001 by guitarist Christian Hejnal to be a guest vocalist on his solo album. The pair had only met a few months earlier through a mutual friend, Lisa Leveridge. They began recording and rehearsing together and eventually recruited the musicians who would form the first and very short-lived lineup of Scarling. in 2002.^[2] In early 2002 Jessicka was introduced to Long Gone John, owner of Sympathy for the Record Industry, by mutual friend Mark Ryden. In March 2003 Scarling.'s debut single, "Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole", was released on John's label. The cover featured an illustration entitled "Wound 39" by artist Mark Ryden. In April 2004 Scarling. released their first album, Sweet Heart Dealer, which again utilized the team of Ryden and Vrenna.^[13]

In the autumn of 2004, Jessicka was featured on the cover of ROCKRGRL's vocalist issue.^[14] Scarling. was invited to join the lineup of the Robert Smith-curated Curiosa Festival, performing on select West Coast dates alongside Jessicka's long-time favorite band The Cure.^[15][16][17] Three weeks before joining the tour, drummer Samantha Maloney filled in and was soon replaced by Beth Gordon.^[18]

Smith described the band's music as "dark, desperate, chaotic, gorgeous pop music, the sound of the end of the world",^[19] and Scarling.'s Sweet Heart Dealer was nominated for the 2004 Shortlist Music Prize.^[20][21][22]

After a series of 7" singles on Sympathy, Scarling. announced in early 2005 that their second album, So Long, Scarecrow, would appear later that year; it was preceded by the single "We are the Music Makers" and was released in August 2005. So Long, Scarecrow was co-produced by Rob Campanella and received several favorable reviews.^[23][24][25]Alternative Press Jason Pettigrew gave the album a 5 out of 5 rating^[26] Simon Price from The Independent said, "Fodera has always had a knack for acronyms and catchphrases,'Manorexic' is one which will be lapped up by the goth kids, but her intriguing lyrics, sung in a voice pitched midway between Kate Bush sweetness and Siouxsie Sioux stridency, cut deeper than mere punning.^[27] The song Bummer a track from SLS was featured on Showtime's The L Word season 3 episode "Latecomer."^[28] In December 2005, Scarling. embarked on its first UK tour. In 2006 Jessicka continued to tour in the US and Europe with Scarling., touring with such bands as UK shoegaze band Amusement Parks on Fire and opening for The Wedding Present and Depeche Mode.^[29] In 2006, Scarling. released their fourth single Staring to the Sun. The album cover featured a portrait of Jessicka done by Los Angeles photographer Piper Ferguson.^[30]

Between bands

Jessicka with Clint Catalyst & Jared Gold backstage at Germany's Next Top Model 2009

After JOJ Jessicka worked with Kevin Haskins, producer Chris Vrenna on American McGee's Alice soundtrack,^[31] and drummer Samantha Maloney.^[32][33] Fodera also made a cameo appearance in Ellie Parker.^[34]

In March, 2009, Jessicka appeared as a special guest in an episode of the reality television series Germany's Next Topmodel, hosted by Heidi Klum.^[35] In April 2009, Jessicka modeled for photographer Austin Young for the Bettie Page "Heaven Bound" art show.^[36]

Jessicka contributed quotes to Girls Against Girls by author Bonnie Burton.^[37], I Love Geeks by author Carrie Tucker^[38][39] and Cherry Bomb by author Carrie Borzillo.^[40]

Jessicka and her husband Christian performed with their band Scarling. at the wedding of Bravo's Shear Genius finalist Janine Jarman and Matthew Wolcott at the Houdini Mansion in Hollywood on June 26, 2010.^[41]

Art

On April 25, 2008 at the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery in Los Angeles, California, Jessicka was in her first group artshow curated by actor Daniel Franzese called depARTed.^[42][43]

On November 13, 2010, she presented her artwork collectively entitled 'Smile Even if it Hurts' at the Dark Dark Science Gallery (Atwater Village, California) in a joint exhibit with friend and fellow artist Lindsey Way. Jessicka's show was titled "What's Behind The Bunny" and featured collaborations with artists Mark Ryden, Elizabeth McGrath, Marion Peck, Morgan Slade, Louis-Marie de Castelbajac, Joshua Petker, Tarina Tarantino, Jared Gold, Austin Young, and Janine Jarman.^[44] On April 1, 2011, her website JessickaAddams.com launched featuring a gallery of her artwork.^[45]

On April 9, 2011 Jessicka participated in Tara McPherson's "Tiny Trifecta" in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York^[46] and LeBasse Projects inaugural exhibition "Momentum" in Chinatown, Los Angeles, California.^[47]

On August 5, 2011 Jessicka's show "Little Grey Secrets" opened at La Luz de Jesus gallery in Los Angeles.^[48][49][50]

Personal life

Jessicka identifies herself as bisexual.^[1] On February 14, 2006, (Valentine's Day) while on a break from touring, she and Scarling colleague Christian Hejnal were engaged. Their wedding took place on October 13, 2007 at the Oviatt Penthouse in Los Angeles. The couple changed their surname to Addams.^[51]

Exhibitions

Solo shows:^[52]
2011 " Little Grey Secrets" La Luz de Jesus Los Angeles, CA -
2010 "Smile Even If It Hurts" at Dark Dark Science Gallery, Los Angeles, CA -

Selected group shows:
2011 "Plus 1" Sloan Fine Arts, New York, NY

-
2011 "Momentum" at LeBasse Projects Chinatown Inaugural Exhibition, Los Angeles, CA

-
2011 "Tiny Trifecta" at Cotton Candy Machine, Brooklyn, NY

-
2011 "Everything But The Kitschen Sync 14" at La Luz de Jesus, Los Angeles, CA

-
2009 "Crusaders and Haters" RoyalT, Culver City, California

-
2008 "2008 "DepARTed" World of Wonder Storefront Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

Discography

With Jack Off Jill:

• Children 5 And Up (1993)
• Boy Grinder Session (1994)
• Cannibal Song Book (1995)
• Cockroach Waltz (1996)
• Sexless Demons And Scars (1997), Risk Records
• Covetous Creature EP (1998), Risk Records
• Clear Hearts Grey Flowers (2000), Risk Records/404 Music Group
• Humid Teenage Mediocrity (2003), Sympathy for the Record Industry – U.S., Livewire/Cargo Records– Europe

With Scarling.:

• Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole EP (2003), Sympathy for the Record Industry
• Sweet Heart Dealer (2004), Sympathy for the Record Industry
• "Crispin Glover" (2004), Sympathy for the Record Industry
• So Long, Scarecrow (2005), Sympathy for the Record Industry
• "Scarling. / The Willowz", (2005), Sympathy for the Record Industry
• "Staring to the Sun" (2006), Sympathy for the Record Industry

Guest contributions:

• "Last Day In June" (1999), for the band Honey To Ash.^[12]
• "Miss Ann Thrope" (2000), track seven on My Ruin studio album, A Prayer Under Pressure of Violent Anguish, Snapper/Spitfire.
• "Make You Believe" (2000), for the band Messy.^[12]
• "Iieee" (2001), cover duet with Meegs Rascón, guitarist of Coal Chamber, for Songs Of A Goddess – A Tori Amos Tribute.
• "Happy For You" (2008), for The Ingenues.

Soundtracks:

• Wicked "When I Am Queen" & "Rabbiteen" (1998)
• Soundtrack, American McGee's Alice (2001)

Filmography

• Ellie Parker (2005)

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Jessicka's Official site, FAQ
2. ^ ^{a b} Chicago Music Guide Scarling. Interview -Noreen Sobczyk
3. ^ Pelletier, George."Paying The Rant" Miami New Times feature, November 27, 1997.
4. ^ Kissel, Ted. [1] Manson: The Early YearsMiami New Times, January 21, 1999.
5. ^ MTV.com1:MTV news March 22, 1999". URL accessed June 18, 2007.
6. ^ Anthony, Todd. [2] Miami New Times, July 07, 1993.
7. ^ Baker, Greg. Program Notes 48 Miami New Times March 16, 1993
8. ^ Baker, Greg. [3] Miami New Times, January 5, 1995.
9. ^ [4] l Jack Off Jill discography
10. ^ MTV news June 8, 1999
11. ^ MTV news March 04, 2000
12. ^ ^{a b c} The OFFICIAL Jack Off Jill – Website :: Archive :: Store
13. ^ Morrissey, Callye.[5] Venus Magazine Issue# 26, December 1, 2005
14. ^ ROCKRGRL magazine Vocalist issue featuring Jessicka
15. ^ Curiosa Festival 2004 JULY 9, 2004
16. ^ Hochman, Steve. Los Angeles Times -August 30, 2004
17. ^ MTV news July 7, 2004
18. ^ Vernon, Rebecca. Slug Magazine, February 2, 2005
19. ^ BBC Norfolk review Amusement Parks On Fire/Scarling.December 5, 2006
20. ^ MTV news August 28, 2004
21. ^ Finalists For The Shortlist Music Prize 08.24.2004
22. ^ Shortlist Listmakers Longlists Listed August 5, 2004
23. ^ Seaver, Morley. Scarling – So Long Scarecrow Review
24. ^ Tucker, Carrie. Filter Magazine So Long, Scarecrow review
25. ^ Scene Point Blank Review
26. ^ Pettigrew, Jason."Less screamy, more dreamy."
27. ^ Price, Simon (September 4, 2005). "Scarling. So Long, Scarecrow". The Independent (London, UK) The Independent: p. 16. 
28. ^ The L Word Episode Guide . Season 3, Episode 8 TV.com
29. ^ BBC.co.UK Gig List
30. ^ b Scarling. Staring to the Sun artistdirect.com
31. ^ [6] Chris Vrenna - American McGee's Alice (Original Music Score) My Discogs/ Fall 2000
32. ^ MessyMusic.com July 25, 2000
33. ^ The Ingenues
34. ^ Ellie Parker cast & crew
35. ^ Germany's Next Topmodel, Season 4. Presenters: Heidi Klum, Kristian Schuller, Qualid "Q" Ladraa. 2010-03-05. 2:34 minutes in.
36. ^ Wolfson, Julie. LAist.com "Lenora Claire on her 'Bettie Page: Heaven Bound' Art Show" April 30, 2009
37. ^ Burton, Bonnie. Girls Against Girls: Why We Are Mean to Each Other and How We Can Change. ISBN 097901736X. 
38. ^ Letizia, Anthony. [7] The Big Bang Theory: Leonard, Penny and Geek Love. November 17, 2010
39. ^ Tucker, Carrie. I Love Geeks. ISBN 1605500232. 
40. ^ Borzillo, Carrie. Cherry Bomb. ISBN 141696116X. 
41. ^ Wihlborg, Ulrica. [8] People.com "A Shear Genius Wedding!" Sunday June 27, 2010
42. ^ [9] The Working Actor Sits Down With: Daniel Franzese
43. ^ Photos from The DepARTed exhibition
44. ^ Pettigrew, Jason. [10]Alternative Press Q&A: Mindless Self Indulgence’s Lindsey Way and Scarling’s Jessicka Addams plan art exhibit November 10, 2010
45. ^ [11] April 1, 2011
46. ^ [12] "Tiny Trifecta" at Tara McPherson's Cotton Candy Machine Tuesday April 05, 2011 Juxtapoz.com
47. ^ Duran, Amy. [13] IN LA: LaBasse Projects Chinatown Private Opening, Juxtapoz, 03.29.11
48. ^ [14] Jessicka Addams, Little Grey Secrets August 5-28 2011
49. ^ Menard, Chantal [15] FAD WEBSITE Interview:Revealing Jessicka Addams and her “Little Grey Secrets.” August 7, 2001
50. ^ [16] LA Weekly events
51. ^ "This bride definitely wears black" Los Angeles Times October 28, 2007
52. ^ "Gallery Resume" Jessicka Addams Gallery Resume

External links

• Jessicka (Official Website)
• Jessicka Addams ( Jessicka Addams art site)
• Jessicka @ Allmusic.com
• Jessicka at the Internet Movie Database
• Jessicka on Twitter