Though only 19 and not even born at the onset of the Women-Who-Rock movement, Jessi Hamilton is sure to be a name that will soon be added to the list of important female singer / songwriters. Currently recording her debut album, Jessi Hamilton writes, sings and plays music that is both passionate and compelling. Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Jessi has spent years honing her craft, which is a radio friendly blend of piano-driven soulful rock'n'roll and ethereal, yet powerful ballads. Though she refuses to be trapped by having to always deliver one specific style of music, Hamilton is able to keep her recordings consistent by means of her exceptional voice.

Jessi has the unique ability to mold her voice around the needs of the music she is writing at the time. On her rock-oriented material she projects each lyric with intensity and conviction; and on her soft and introspective ballads, she sings in a high voice that is pure and sweet, and one that harkens back to the early acoustic music of Joni Mitchell. In addition to her ability to write and sing her songs, Hamilton is also an exceptional piano and keyboard player. Formally trained in piano since the age of four, she has extensive experience in playing rock, classical, Broadway and some jazz styles of piano. After hearing Jessi Hamilton's current recordings it all comes together: amazing musicianship; songs from the heart and a voice that is undeniable.

In 1998, Hamilton connected with Raleigh-area producer and recording engineer, Chris Stevens, who helped her make her first demos. 'The studio he worked at was referred to me by a guitar teacher I was taking lessons from,' says Hamilton. 'I was just 14 and I was just getting started. Chris heard something in my voice and in the basic songs I had come to the studio with, and eventually he went from being just an engineer to becoming a producer for me.' Hamilton and Stevens worked off and on for four years, until her current style (and some of these songs) had been developed and recorded. 'Chris has been an incredible inspiration to me,' says Hamilton. 'He is an awesome guitarist and he has co-written some of my material. He helped me to create songs that are multi-dimensional and go far beyond what I thought they could be.' The period in Hamilton's life from age 14 through her 18th birthday, was a hectic, yet productive one. In addition to being an honor student in school, she spent four years first attending modeling school and then, walking the runway at various competitions and events. Unwilling to lessen her commitment to her music, Hamilton finished her final year of high school being home schooled.

In 2002, she caught the attention of music journalist and artist manager Bruce Pilato who has worked with several platinum artists as diverse as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Foreigner, The Tubes and Asia. 'I found Bruce's website on the Internet and contacted him through email. Fortunately, he was willing to take the time to see what I was about.' In addition to signing with Pilato Entertainment, she also was able to retain the North Carolina law firm that represents platinum superstars Hootie & The Blowfish. Rather than follow the traditional method of using demos to get a record deal and having the label pay for (and own) her records, Hamilton's family was able to fund the remaining equipment necessary to allow her and Stevens to make a world-class album in his Raleigh-based studio. Bruce Pilato is also involved in the album's production.