By Tracy Dietlin
Jesika von Rabbit, sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Hi-Desert’ or as I often say ‘Madonna of the Hi-Desert’, is one of the most unique performers you will ever see.
Von Rabbit took some time to chat with us both in this interview as well as our first episode of our CV Weekly podcast, which also airs Thursday, June 12 on our CV Weekly You Tube channel.
CV Weekly: You have a new album coming out Friday, June 13. Please tell us about it, how many songs, how long did it take, and where can people get it?
Jesika: “The new album is titled Bunnywood Babylon; it’s been a few years in the making. The album is my own brand of Electrona Americana. It’s an introspective journal entry about self-deprecation, love, loss, finger-pointing, and wordplay fed through a funnel of Americana, psychedelia, and atmospheric electronic futuristic pop rock ‘n’ roll.”
To quote writer Roy Jurgens, “Her brand of Electrona Americana is indeed a head-spinning mezcal cocktail of the high-lonesome sound meets Hollywood razzle dazzle. Like a steampunk spaceship, Jesika von Rabbit’s latest release, Bunnywood Babylon, transcends musical space and time. Her ability to create deja entendu brings with it an uncanny resonance, an instant familiarity where one swears they’ve heard her retrofuturistic music in a past life.”
“There are 11 songs on the album, the digital version will be available on all musical streaming platforms, and the vinyl will be available in select record stores, at our shows, and through Dionysus Records mail order, www.dionysusrecords.com/shop”
CVW: You recently released the single “Wacko.” Tell us what it’s about and your inspiration?
Jesika: “Musically, it’s an electro new wave ear-worm with fuzz guitar that you can bop your head to! The lyrics were inspired by a friend turned stalker, and the video was shot in the Palm Springs area off the I10 and Highway 111, with a disturbing dinner party scene shot in Joshua Tree. You can check out the video on my YouTube channel!”
CVW: Your release party is also Friday the 13th at Pappy and Harriet’s. Why did you choose that location, and what does Pappy’s mean to you?
Jesika: “I have a long history performing at Pappy and Harriet’s with my band Gram Rabbit, and as a solo artist. It’s recently under new management, and the community is thrilled that the venue is respecting the locals again as part of its fabric. And, my Nachos von Rabbit are back on the menu!”
CVW: You’re also doing other release parties in San Diego and Los Angeles. Tell us about that.
Jesika: “Looking forward to our return to the legendary Casbah rock club in San Diego, and of course, The Redwood in historic and haunted downtown Los Angeles. We recently played in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and my bass player Lee’s hometown of Tucson, AZ. The shows were off the hook! Come out and catch the madness at one of our upcoming shows!”
CVW: What has been the biggest highlight of your career?
Jesika: “I don’t consider anything to be a highlight; it is a continuous journey and adventure, and I look forward to what’s coming next.”
CVW: What is the craziest experience you’ve had on the road.
Jesika: “Returning home one evening from San Francisco, on the road with my old band Gram Rabbit, we were heading south on the 395. Our guitar player was driving, I was in the passenger seat. It was dark out, but the moon lit the skies. Suddenly, Eric and I saw a gigantic spaceship to the east, hovering over the top of the mountains. We could not believe our eyes, it was like nothing we’d ever seen before. It appeared to be the size of a football field, angular in shape, with no lights. I made an official report to the National UFO Hotline the next morning. I still think of it often with wonderment.”
CVW: What inspired you to write “Go Back to L.A.”?
Jesika: “It was written in jest as a response to a local Joshua Tree group’s mounting frustration with the influx of neo-L.A. hipsters infiltrating the community out here. Having lived here for over 20 years, I can understand their resistance, but to quote the great Bob Dylan, “the times they are a-changin,” and that’s not always a bad thing either.”
CVW: Who are your influences?
Jesika: “Jesus, The Devil, The Desert, My Mom, Willy Wonka, Cats, Cowboys, Aliens, Witchcraft, The Paranormal, Beethoven, The Beatles, Nancy Sinatra, Lee Hazelwood, Jefferson Airplane, Nina Hagen, Bad Brains, early Metallica, Madonna, REM, Rosemary’s Baby, Golden Age Movie Stars, 70s sit-coms, early MTV, The Merry Pranksters, Electric Kool Aid Acid Test, 1960s Sunset Strip, The Source, Hollywood Babylon, Woodstock, and The Cecil Hotel
CVW: Where can we find your music, schedule etc.?
www.jesikavonrabbit.com Visit me online!
Website: https://www.jesikavonrabbit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesikavonrabbitmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesikavonrabbit/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jesikavonrabbit
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jesikavonrabbit6178
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/228m37gn65MbaI86rMIEfM
