Mothers Day - What did it mean to you this year? For Jess McAllister it was final preparation for her single launch. A single launched in Devon just up the road from her home, ‘I am a Woman’ a fact, a statement, and most importantly, HER song.

From the queue outside Exeter's Cavern to the buzz in the air, everyone who was stood patiently waiting in the rain knew it was going to be special. Jess and her band where hiding in the ‘cupboard' (aka the green room) at the Cavern. not getting to feel the excitement building outside.

For those who follow the independent music scene in Exeter, it was a great chance to see Jess who we haven’t seen play publicly for a while. The very cool and vibrant looking crowd were looking at the amazing merchandise stand which you could tell had more heart and locally made products than the sum total of the bar stock. On top of that it was clear to see a fabulous mix of Mothers including Jess’s very own.

The musical journey started, the band which consisted of super talented artists in their own right were tighter than tight, from the very first toe tap, my ears where locked in, it was different, it was fabulous!

As for the single, it’s the shortest feminist rant ever! Done so gracefully, and in such a captivating way, it just drew you in, wanting more. I’m not saying too much as I’m a photographer and the images are what I’m about but if you get the chance have a listen, please do check out her music video and see what fun she and her friends are having and are now kindly sharing with us.

‘I am alive, one day I’ll die’. Is the starting line, a fact not a single one of us can deny. A song of statements done in a way where the music and her voice takes you on a journey. In a live statement the whole image she has created for this one song is expressed with so much creativity it will engage every lover of the arts.

I honestly can’t wait for the next gig and as a sucker for a good cover, Jess's blew me away!

Words and Pictures by Kea Photography