Los Angeles singer-songwriter Jesse Jo Stark has plenty of rock and roll pedigree. She’s the daughter of Richard and Laurie Stark, the couple behind Chrome Hearts, the fashion, fragrance and jewellery label that is an L.A. institution and has dressed all manner of celebrities over the decades, from Jay-Z to Mick Jagger. If that wasn’t enough, her godmother is none other than Cher.

Stark has been involved with Chrome Hearts from a young age, having designed for the family business since she was a teenager. She’s also worked with the skate shoe company Vans, but a career in music always seemed likely, particularly with so many famous friends to call on. Her debut EP, 2014’s Down Your Drain, was produced by friend of the family Steve Jones, the guitarist for the Sex Pistols.

Her new single, Die Young, is a minimalist indie number with Stark’s immersive vocals paired with a simple bassline and drums. There’s an otherworldly element to the song; a David Bowie feel that’s hard to resist. Lyrically it’s a dark affair as Stark sings: “I’m so tired of saying I don’t want you anymore / But they’re my words and they’re all dressed in black / I’ve never been so sad”. The artwork for the single consists of a series of polaroid photographs taken by Yungblud that only add to the vibe.

On her official Facebook page, Stark wrote about the song: “I usually don’t like to explain my songs. but with the heaviness and discomfort in the world, I want to be clear. Die Young is about all of the personal deaths and rebirths I’ve been through in my life. Love and loss. Times when I’ve felt like an alien and had to fly away. Or accept that everyone feels like an alien sometimes. This song is me looking back and realizing that these times made me who I am. I am grateful for every moment I breathe in and I f**k with the future.”

Listen to Die Young here.

Find out more about Jesse Jo Stark on her official website.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.