Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Perry
Hi Tess, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, but my love for performing really took off when I was ten and played Annie in Annie. That experience made me realize how much I loved storytelling through music. From there, I started studying jazz and classical voice at 14, eventually training at the Eastman School of Music while in university.
Over time, I found myself drawn to a darker, more atmospheric sound. Now, I create music that blends 80s-inspired synths, jazz-influenced vocals, and introspective storytelling. I take inspiration from artists like Depeche Mode, Kate Bush, and Nina Simone, fusing elements of darkwave and dreampop to create something that feels nostalgic yet futuristic.
I grew up in Rochester, NY, at a time when the world was shifting in ways that felt unsettling—economic recessions, the rise of social media, and the slow disappearance of stability people once took for granted. That sense of longing for something just out of reach naturally made its way into my music.
Now, based in Los Angeles, I’m focused on writing and releasing music that captures those emotions. For me, songwriting is a way of processing the world, creating something beautiful out of uncertainty, and connecting with others who feel the same.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I don’t think any creative path ever is. One of the biggest challenges has been finding my sound—figuring out how to merge all my influences in a way that feels authentic. I studied jazz and classical voice, but I’ve always been drawn to the eerie, nostalgic feel of 80s synth music, so it took time to blend those elements into something that felt like me.
Another challenge has been navigating the industry itself. There’s a lot of noise out there, and breaking through as an independent artist means wearing a lot of hats—songwriting, marketing, branding, and everything in between. It’s a lot to juggle, but I’ve learned to embrace the process and trust that the right people will connect with my music.
And, of course, there’s the personal side of things. Like anyone, I’ve had moments of doubt, feeling like I’m not moving fast enough or wondering if I’m on the right path. But at the end of the day, I make music because I love it, and that’s what keeps me going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer-songwriter creating dark, atmospheric synthwave with jazz-influenced vocals. I’m still a new artist, but I’ve spent a year developing my sound—blending 80s-inspired synths, haunting melodies, and introspective storytelling into something that hopefully feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Right now, I’m focused on writing and releasing my music, carving out my own space in a genre that mixes darkwave, dreampop, and synth-heavy influences. What sets me apart is my vocal style—coming from a jazz and classical background, I bring a different kind of warmth and expressiveness to electronic music. Lyrically, I tend to explore themes of longing, late-stage capitalism, and feeling nostalgic for a past I never lived.
Since I’m just starting out, what I’m most proud of is simply putting my music out there and pushing past the perfectionism that can hold artists back. Every step forward—writing, recording, putting my work into the world—feels like a win, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Since I’m just starting out myself, I don’t have all the answers, but one piece of advice that really stuck with me came from my producer, Izzy Perri: don’t be too hard on yourself or get hung up on perfectionism. It’s easy to overthink every detail and feel like nothing is ready yet, but at some point, you just have to put your work out there. I’m still learning to trust that process—allowing my music to exist as it is instead of chasing some impossible version of perfect. So if you’re starting out, my best advice is to keep creating, keep experimenting, and don’t let self-doubt stop you from sharing your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tessperrymusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessperrymusic/
Image Credits
Paige Margulies
