Lismore’s unique dramatic diva, Jex Lopez, is ready to spread her musical quirkiness on tour across Australia.

Jex recently won a $25,000 contemporary music touring grant from the Australia Council to take her new self titled album on a national tour.

It’s an adventure that will start in Lismore on September 10, when she officially launches the album at the Star Court Theatre.

The grant

Jex said getting the grant was a massive process, involving a lot of work putting together an application to get her show on the road.

“It’s a prestigious grant,” Jex said “When applying, you have to organise the tour as if you are actually going to do it – even though you may not get the money.

“I dreamed big and booked all the venues, believing I was going to get the grant. I got support letters from Mojo Juju and Kate Stroud.”

The tour

On tour with Jex (on piano and vocals) will be tour manager Gabby Le Brun, Bec Newman on guitar and harmonies, Melissa Hunt on double bass and clarinet and Jex’s partner Tia Mavanie on projections and visuals.

With two pianos in tow, the three and a half week long tour will travel by van from Brisbane down to Sydney - at 12 gigs at different locations.

Locations include Federal, Murwillumbah Brisbane, Tenterfield, Armidale, Sydney, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains.

“We will perform at fancy old theatres along the way, and will join up with Newcastle’s New Annual Festival at the Civic Playhouse,” Jex said.

Jex said having Elly on tour was important - as she could liaise with venues - and iron out the logistical details

“There are so many hidden things people don’t realise happen in touring – such as organising accommodation and being on the door at venues," she said.

“After 15 years of performing and doing most of it myself at gigs, it’s great to have the support.”

The album

Jex said she’s excited about the launch of her second album – which she self-funded to record.

“I launched an online fundraiser online to help pay for the album – and I’m putting on a dinner,” she said. “It costs about $10,000 all up to record it.”

Jex’s new album involved the musical talents of different local artists, including Tilly Jones, Mr Rhodes, Bec Newman, Melissa Hunt, Vonnstar, Helen Pollock and Matthew Lindon.

Her genre-defying album is a musical mix of latin, blues, dramatic singing and skillful piano and her vocals have been described as “haunting” with a touch of operatic blues and a dose of Latin Diva.”

Jex said her songs tell tales of truth on recovering from trauma, racism, hybrid identities, deaths in custody and self love.

“I like to create safe spaces to talk about marginalized issues and taboo topics,” she said.

“I’ve a long history of being involved with social justice issues over the years as a performer, activist, teacher and musician.

“My songs draw on my own life experiences and speak about recovering from sexual trauma, racism, self love, mental health and migration.

“I want to flip society on its head and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including sexuality, ethnicity and disability.

“I am about truth, justice, bravery and beauty in all its weird and diverse forms.”

The launch in Lismore

The album will be launched on September 10 at the Star Court Theatre, with local support act Mykaela Jay.

Jex said launching the album in Lismore was important to her, as a big part of her fan base was here.

“I have a lot of support from the queer and socially progressive activist communities in Lismore and Sydney,” Jex said.

The event will be opened by local Widjabal leader Cindy Roberts – who will perform a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.

Iranian spoken word artist Sahar will support Jex at the Regent in Murwillumbah.

To attend or find out more about the Lismore album launch on September 10, visit https://www.starcourttheatre.com.au/events/13731

You can also follow her music on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jexlopezmusic/