Interview - Jess Ball: - "Listeners can expect a lot more music in 2026, and hopefully some live performances in Europe, since I’ll be making the move there in May"

Jess Ball - Photo by Charlie Barton

Melbourne’s Jess Ball first impacted as a go-to topliner for dance/electronica artists such as Dash Berlin, Radio 1’s Charlie Hedges and EDX before stepping into the alt-pop world as she launched her solo career in 2024. Influenced by Cigarettes After Sex, Olivia Dean and Massive Attack, releases such as last year’s debut EP ‘Where You Go’ and the recent Jelani Blackman collab ‘Lately’ have earned initial praise from the likes of Clash and Clout. Now Jess Ball looks set to amplify her international profile, starting with the new single ‘Roundabouts’.

LATCH Magazine caught up with Jess last week just before 'Roundabouts' was released.

Your new single ‘Roundabouts’ explores the cycle of a fading relationship—what was the emotional starting point for writing this song?

I wrote 'Roundabouts' in retrospect, so it came from a place of growth. I was able to look back on past mistakes and recognise the cycles I used to get stuck in, which became the emotional starting point for the song.

You’ve described the track as being about recognising toxic patterns and stepping away—was there a specific moment or realisation that inspired that theme?

It wasn’t one moment, but a gradual realisation — when patterns repeat, you learn to choose what’s truly good for you over what you think you want in the moment.

Sonically, ‘Roundabouts’ blends alt-pop, hip-hop beats and muted brass—how did you and your collaborators shape that sound in the studio?

We were inspired by Peebs the Prophet’s 'Take a Moment' and built from there — keeping the hip-hop influence but pushing it into a more atmospheric, alt-pop space.

You worked with Antoni Polimeni and Richy Sebastian on this track—what did they bring to the creative process that elevated the song?

I have complete trust in Tone and Richy to bring my songs to life. They always introduce ideas I wouldn’t have thought of, but that elevates the track so much. The brass in 'Roundabouts', for example, wasn’t something I initially imagined, but it adds a certain attitude that the song really needed.

You started your career as a topliner in the electronic music world—how has that experience influenced your approach to your solo alt-pop work?

Working as a topliner gave me the confidence to be adaptable, collaborate and try new things. When you’re creating with others, you naturally explore ideas you wouldn’t reach on your own, and that’s really shaped my solo work. It’s taught me that some of the best songs come from simply experimenting and staying open.

Your music often leans into raw and unfiltered emotions like regret and anger—why is it important for you to be that honest in your songwriting?

Initially, I wrote purely as an outlet — I’d only really turn to songwriting when I felt intense emotions I needed to vent. As I started taking music more seriously, that shifted. I realised how important it is to be open about what you’re feeling, because you never know who might need to hear they’re not alone. I used to get really overwhelmed by my emotions and thought something was wrong with me, but opening up helped me realise that wasn’t the case. It made everything feel a lot less heavy, and that’s what I hope my music can do for other people too.

Artists like Cigarettes After Sex, Olivia Dean and Massive Attack are listed as influences—how do they show up in your music today?

I’m really drawn to the atmospheric, moody feel of Cigarettes After Sex, and I try to bring that same emotional depth into my own music. Olivia Dean’s honesty and openness in her songwriting is something I really connect with, and aim to reflect in my work. And with Massive Attack, it’s their experimental approach — I love how they explore different sounds while still creating something so distinct.

You’ve already achieved over 100 million streams—how has your relationship with your audience evolved as your profile has grown?

As my sound has evolved, so has my audience. Moving from dance into more alt-pop has naturally shifted things — some listeners have dropped off, but it’s also brought in a whole new audience. I think it’s made the overall fanbase more diverse, which has been really exciting.

Looking back at your breakthrough with EDX’s ‘I Found You (Neptune)’, how did that moment shape your confidence as an artist?

It really boosted my confidence because I was getting feedback from other musicians who didn’t have a personal bias. Compliments from friends and family are great, but there’s always that little voice wondering if they really mean it — hearing it from peers made me realise my music was worth pursuing.

With ‘Roundabouts’ marking the start of a bigger international push, what can listeners expect next from you in 2026?

Listeners can expect a lot more music in 2026, and hopefully some live performances in Europe, since I’ll be making the move there in May.

Listen to Jess Ball on Spotify