Jessica Leigh hails from Nelson, but now resides in that San Francisco of the southern hemisphere, our beautiful capital city Wellington. Definitely one to watch as she releases powerful pop track after track, new single Girlfriends is the latest in her growing portfolio of synth-pop that delivers a surprisingly deep story behind a story.

From the EPK: Girlfriends ‘was recorded, mixed and mastered at Ignite Studios in Sydney, Australia with producer Liam Quinn (Peach PRC, Ruel, Ashy) and, as much as the track is about platonic friendship, Jessica says it’s also a queer celebration of loving all things Divine Feminine. “It’s my first release where I am openly embracing and championing my own queerness – which I’m super excited about.” ‘

My first, superficial hit from this track was “Welcome To New York” by TayTay. That’s the vibe, and the beat. For a pop tune this is engaging, and the similarities end there. It’s club-worthy, and absolutely screaming out for the dance floor. Despite my not being a fan of the genre, it would be churlish to not acknowledge that this song has hit the target it’s been aimed at. It’s got a great balance in the cans, and the mix and mastering is fresh and utterly August 2023. Music is subjective, and that is something I always factor into my reviews. I’m not the target market for this song but I recognise that the actual target audience is going to love it.

Empowerment and destiny for Womankind is a positive for society. Yes, this is a dance pop song, but the lyrics have a personal stepping out for Jessica which I thoroughly respect, having a close family member step out into the brave LGBTQ+ world only a few years ago. She’s declaring her presence and her Identity as she faces the world, and she celebrates in party style. Good on her! More of this!

Kwasnik Pictures delivers a cool, high energy video with the concept of Jessica and her two mates getting ready then hitting town. Three very attractive women, three very good dancers, and the entire visual vibe is commendably absent of any overt sexualization of the ladies. This is done well. As the famous five – Mel B, Mel C, Victoria, Gerri and Emma – always said: GIRL POWER. Push that stuff, because the world is better for it!

The vid is directed by Alex Hargreaves with Piotr Kwasnik. They get it right. Nothing distracting. Nothing weird. Great lighting and angles. Really capturing the energy and the feeling. Choreography is very cool and delivered in a smooth, slick fashion without saying anything other than “I am dancing because this music moves me.” About time video as a medium respected women thusly.

This has to be aired on all mainstream radio and TV channels. It’s commercially sound, a memorable melody, craftily placed auto-tune used sparingly as an instrument not an enhancer (she doesn’t need it), and a look that is very relevant. She’s sexy, but sexy for herself.

Follow her on all social media and on her site:

jessicaleighmusic.com