Falling Further In

From the opening chords of "Falling Further In" to the epic track "After the Rain," Jessica Weiser's new album AFTER SILENCE is a journey that demands attention. The album is the third release for Weiser, who originally hails from a small town outside of Indianapolis, IN. In addition to AFTER SILENCE, Weiser has released 2 independent EPs and her career sales now total over 3,500 albums sold independently.

AFTER SILENCE was recorded with producer Paul Smith (Badlees, Darcie Miner Band, Breaking Benjamin) at Saturation Acres Studio in Danville, PA. The album, which features members of Pennsylvania rock band The Badlees, contains 10 powerful and engaging tracks. The album's subject matter ranges from songs detailing pain and loneliness ("Loneliness," "Vine," "Indifference") to social and political apathy ("Shut Our Eyes"), and features a Neil Young cover ("Distant Camera"). Also included is the compelling track "After the Rain," which begins with a 15-second montage of NPR clips detailing the emotionally charged days after openly gay college student Matthew Shepard's murder in Laramie, WY. The epic song is both narrative and haunting, with a powerful statement about hate crimes.

The backbone of AFTER SILENCE is Weiser's soaring, sweet soprano voice, throught-provoking and introspective lyrics, and the song's arrangements. The album's sound is modern yet infused with classic rock-influenced electric guitar, lap steel, and Rhodes, acoustic drums, and full bass lines. The melodies are catchy enough to get caught in your head or sing along to, but deep enough to stir the soul. AFTER SILENCE has received critical acclaim, and prompted one reviewer to write: "After Silence is an album that will take your breath away and leave you wanting more."

An engaging live performer, Weiser has shared the stage with Nettwerk Recording artist Tara MacLean, Taylor Barton and GE Smith (former Saturday Night Live band leader), as well as many prominent independent artists. Weiser has been on bills that have sold-out clubs in New York City (The Living Room; Bitter End; The C-Note) and Toronto (C'est What; Freetimes Cafe).

In September, 2001 Weiser was one of 12 recipients (out of hundreds of entries) who received a B.E.A.M. Emerging Artist grant, and was selected by a panel of judges that included Pat DiNizio (Smithereens) and singer/songwriter Matthew Sweet. In 2002 Weiser's songs from AFTER SILENCE were picked up by XM Radio's Unsigned Channel, ABC affiliate WRTV 6's (Indianapolis) prime-time series Indie Scene, and her song "Vine" was featured on the popular Indianapolis radio stations Z99.5 and WTTS (92.3 FM). Additionally Weiser has also been featured on several compilation albums which were distributed nationally. Weiser kicked off 2003 with an invite from Tina Shafer to participate in the NY Songwriter's Circle, where Vanessa Carlton, Norah Jones, Lisa Loeb, and countless others have performed. The event was standing-room only at the Bitter End.

With a fiercely independent spirit and do-it-yourself motto, she follows in her hero Ani Difranco's footsteps--selling records without compromising her principles. She has funded all of her own albums (with help from the fans), currently handles all of her own booking, designs her website, albums, and promotional materials. Weiser spent early 2003 touring the Midwest and will begin recording her fourth independent album in 2005.