In
a world, full of one too many unknowns -- given today’s political climate,
Detroit pop/psychedelic rock/punk cabaret outfit Jessica Hernandez and the
Deltas are out to spread the love and positivity. And they’re having plenty of
fun along the way.
Founded in the gritty Motor City in 2009, the group consists of Jessica
Hernandez (vocals, guitar, keys, percussion), Michael Krygier (guitar, vocals),
Steve Lehane (bass, vocals), Taylor Pierson (keys, accordion, vocals), John
Raleeh (trombone, guitar, percussion, vocals), and Stephen Stetson (drums).
The group’s debut EP “Demons,” and debut full-length “Secret Evil” in 2014
quickly saw attention from Rolling Stone, Nylon, New York Times, MTV and NPR,
labeling Hernandez’s chops as “a powerful, undeniable voice.” Her voice has been
compared to Amy Winehouse, with the same unique blend of soul, pop and
mesmerizing vocals.
Having toured the country and overseas in Europe with acts including Gogol
Bordello and Social Distortion, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas has taken the
stage at Lollapalooza, ACL Music Festival, Bonnaroo, Bottlerock and Riot Fest in
Chicago. The Michigan-made band even got on the tube with a performance in 2014
on the David Letterman Show, performing their hit song “Sorry I Stole Your Man”
on television.
The group’s sophomore full-length album, “will be released on June 23 via Dead
Owl Music/Instant Records. Combining Hernandez’s Spanish roots with Motown’s
known soul, “Telephone/Telefono” only
proves
the band’s versatility even further. It’s a bilingual double-LP with Spanish and
English language versions. Half of the record was recorded in Michigan and half
in Mexico City. Hernandez spoke about the important decision to return to her
roots. This required studying and singing in Spanish for hours a day. Hernandez
spoke about writing both versions of the album.
“I thought it was important to figure out how to articulate the same way I would
in English,” she said. “We sat down and talked about, ‘okay, what am I trying to
get across in this song, what am I trying to make someone feel or understand,’
and then basically re-writing. A couple translated better than others, a couple
were almost totally rewritten. Their message is the same, but expressed in a
totally different way.”
Hernandez admits it’s a difficult task going back and forth in two languages.
“The languages are so different,” she said. “Saying one thing in English might
sound completely ridiculous in Spanish. It’s a lot harder to be sensitive and
romantic in Spanish without being kind of cheesy. There’s this fine line you
have to walk in the Spanish language, where in English there’s no problem
singing a punk song about a girl that broke your heart.”
As a result, the record shows both fiery passion and vulnerabilities from the
group, as both a
proclamation
for empowerment and creativity. The often-theatrical band is fronted by Jessica,
and she proves she can be funky in fashion, but isn’t some dumb blonde who is
more worried about her outfit than her personality. Rather, music and fashion
can go hand-in-hand as an expression of creativity and quirky positive
personalities. Expect plenty of rompers, zip up jumpsuits, and colorful
accessories at any Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas live shows. Also, expect for
horn solos and epic tambourine solos to knock those colorful socks off.
“I believe you make a statement by being positive,” Hernandez said. “How can I
make that statement and speak for other Latin young women without just making a
fist? The best way to get through to someone with opposing views or a negative
perspective is for me to just shine as a human being and an artist. Hopefully
that’s enough for us to make a positive impact.”