Honesty Box

Tess Dunn’s voice has been described as passionate, real and gorgeously raspy. Dubbed in the media as “the young and the fearless,” this seventeen-year-old singer-songwriter from Santa Cruz writes songs that “…delve into deeper and darker spaces than the pop stars of her time.” Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), diabetes and epilepsy, Tess faces issues of mortality that infuse her music and lyrics with haunting depth. Honesty Box, Tess' most recent release, is a six-song EP that treats the listener to the full range of her songwriting and vocal skills. Want to dance? Listen to Fire, Shame to See, The Year of Discovery and Dormitory. Want to be moved to your core? Listen to Let It Go and Before You Go. As written by Jenna Brogan of the Santa Cruz Good Times, “At 17, Tess Dunn has knocked more off of her bucket list than most people will in their lifetime. A three-year veteran of the Vans Warped Tour with two EPs under her belt, the Santa Cruz singer/songwriter is the definition of a rising star in the local music scene. Named one of the Top 11 S.F. Bay Area artists of 2011, it’s easy to forget that she’s still in high school. Honesty Box was recorded with Ari Shine and Noah Shain at White Buffalo Studios in Los Angeles. The result of her hard work is a sophomore alt-pop/rock album, called Honesty Box, on which Dunn showcases a matured sound and mindset. While 2009’s Darling Just Walk — recorded with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation — was an opportunity for Dunn to show off her songwriting skills, her uniquely raspy voice and vocal range on several ballads about heartbreak and boys who lie, Honesty Box kicks up the tempo, production value, and girl power. This time around, a newfound confidence — especially prevalent on feisty album opener “Shame to See” — sets the tone for the EP, which is brimming with dance-ready anthems a la rock outfit Paramore.” For the full article by Jenna Brogan, go to: http://goodtimessantacruz.com/index.php/good-times-cover-stories/3507-singer-songwriter-tess-dunn-indie-rock.html