If you’re like me, you have a healthy disregard for anyone labeled a “singer/songwriter”. It’s usually code for “boring dude with an acoustic guitar at open mic night”, but sometimes, just sometimes, we skip the wrong show and don’t realize it for ages. This is one of those times, because I’m listening to Jessica Lea Mayfield right now and kicking myself for missing those shows she played with fellow Kentonians* The Black Keys.

I just heard her for the first time, this weekend. It was a happy accident, which is a funny thing to say about someone who writes and sings such incredibly sad songs, and I do mean incredibly sad. It’s not just the lyrics. She sings with a conviction that could make “Happy Birthday” heart-breaking. If there’s ever a soundtrack to drinking alone, Jessica Lea Mayfield deserves a place on it.

Her music has been featured on KEXP (see video above), NPR, Gossip Girl, CSI:NY, and more blogs than I can count.

Her White Lies EP and With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt full-length are both available on eMusic, if you’re so inclined. Personally, I’m going to take a serious look at the vinyl LP.

Bonus Video “Nervous Lonely Night”:

*It is “Kentonians” isn’t it? “Kentites” and “Kenters” just don’t sound right.