Jessica Origliasso

Jessica Origliasso
Origliasso in 2012
Born
Jessica Louise Origliasso[1]

(1984-12-25) 25 December 1984 (age 39)[1]
Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Years active2004–present
RelativesLisa Origliasso (sister)
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • synthesizer
Labels
Member ofThe Veronicas

Jessica Louise Origliasso (born 25 December 1984) is an Australian singer-songwriter and producer. She and her twin sister Lisa formed the pop band The Veronicas.[2]

Biography

1984–2003: Early life and career beginnings

Jessica Louise Origliasso was born in Queensland, Australia, the daughter of Italian-Australians, Joseph and Colleen Origliasso.[3][4] She is older than her twin sister, Lisa, by one minute.[5]

2004–09: The Veronicas

Lisa and Jessica impressed music executive Hayden Bell with their demo tracks, and were signed to Excalibur Productions Australia as songwriters in 2004. After being signed to Sydney based independent record label Engine Room Recordings, they received funding to travel the world to write and record demos with other songwriters.[6] During this trip, they co-wrote songs that would be released by other artists, including: "What's Going On?" by Casey Donovan,[7] "All About Us" by t.A.T.u.[8] and "Faded" by Kate DeAraugo (also covered by Cascada).[9] By the end of 2004 they travelled to America and signed with Sire Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music for a deal worth $2 million.[10][6] Taking their name from a line in the film Heathers (1988), they called themselves The Veronicas.[11] However the name was also connected to the Archie Comics character Veronica Lodge, leading to the owners suing them for trademark infringement,[12] but resulted in a settlement which included the sisters appearing in the comics.[13]

The following year, they released their debut album The Secret Life of... (2005), which spawned their first major hit "4ever" peaking at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and certified platinum, denoting 70,000 copies shipped in Australia.[14][15] The album sold almost half a million copies worldwide[16][17] and earned them an ARIA Award for Best Pop Release.[18] In 2007 they released their second album Hook Me Up and its eponymous single scored them their first number one hit on the ARIA Charts and was certified platinum.[19][20] The following single, "Untouched" became their global breakthrough song, reaching the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the top twenty in seven other countries, including number one in Ireland.[21] It went on to be certified platinum in the United States, with over one million digital downloads.[22] They embarked on the Revenge Is Sweeter tour, their first to go global, which began in February 2009 and ended December. After concluding the tour, Lisa and Jessica decided to take time off from the group.[23] Having promoted their second album since 2007, they were "ready to move on" wanting to "discover whether they could create separately as well as individually."[24]

2010–present: Album delays, The Veronicas, Godzilla and Human

Jessica reunited with Lisa after their break in 2010 to begin working on The Veronicas third studio album.[25] Their record label, Warner Music, went through major restructuring during this time which caused delays in releasing new music.[26] Wanting to keep fans updated with the progress of their new work, they performed a set at The Viper Room in 2011.[27] Months after this performance, in 2012, The Veronicas finally revealed that they would release a new song called "Lolita" for their new album, which was known as Life on Mars at the time.[28] The single reached number twenty three on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold.[29][30] Life on Mars was to be released by the end of 2012, however, Warner Music pushed the date back to early 2013, and eventually the record was shelved altogether.[31][32] Because of this, Lisa and Jessica hired a lawyer in a bid to get out of their contractual obligations with the label and were successful, so by 2013 The Veronicas became an independent act.[33]

In April 2014, the Veronicas were signed to Sony Music Australia and began putting the finishing touches on their third album, which was renamed The Veronicas.[34][35] The first single from the album, "You Ruin Me", debuted atop the ARIA Singles Chart, becoming their first number-one hit in the country since "Hook Me Up" in 2007.[36] It stayed at the apex of the chart for three consecutive weeks and was certified double platinum.[37][38] The Veronicas released various singles through 2016 to 2020, "In My Blood",[39] "On Your Side",[40] "The Only High",[41] "Think of Me",[42][43] and "Biting My Tongue".[44] In 2021 they have released two back to back albums; Godzilla and Human.[45] Jessica released her half of The Solo Project in September 2022 called "Seeing Stars".[46] The Veronicas eventually signed with Big Noise in 2022.[47]

They also did a reality show for MTV in 2019, called: The Veronicas: Blood Is for Life[48]

Personal life

Origliasso was in a relationship with Ruby Rose in 2008.[49] She was in a relationship with Smashing Pumpkins singer and songwriter Billy Corgan from 2010 to 2012; the two remained friends afterward.[50][51] She dated Badflower singer Josh Katz from 2014 to 2016, and started dating Rose again in November 2016,[49] which later ended in 2018.[52] Jessica got engaged to girlfriend Alex Smith in 2022.[53][54] Katz and Corgan contributed to The Veronicas (2014) [55]

Origliasso identifies as queer and sexually fluid.[56] News reports have said she was outed in the 2000's. Origliasso says she never hid her sexuality or public life and often expressed her sexuality in her songwriting and music.[57]

Philanthropy

In 2006, Origliasso and her sister, Lisa, joined Steve Irwin's Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, as ambassadors for charity that promotes the protection of animals and their natural environments.[58]

In January 2009, Origliasso was asked to pose nude for PETA; this came after she was seen on the New York City Subway wearing a faux fur jacket with an anti-fur message on the back. She opted out of the nude shoot, but instead starred in an anti-fur campaign with Veronicas band mate Lisa.[59][60]

The twins also joined a "Wear it with Pride" campaign to reform same-sex marriage laws in Australia for the 85 legislative changes made in 2010 to overturn discrimination against same-sex couples and their families. The campaign involved them wearing numbered T-shirts representing each legislative change.[61]

In 2010, the twins were honoured as Wildlife Warriors of the year, by Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, for their efforts in publicising wildlife and nature conservation on a worldwide scale.[62][63]

Origliasso has been an active voice at same-sex marriage rallies around Australia, for legislative change, as well as speaking out in support of transgender awareness and legislative equality.[64][65][66]

Origliasso has raised extensive awareness for Sea Shepherd internationally, visiting their ships and performing at their funding events.[67]

References

  1. ^ a b "Biography: The Veronicas". Archived from the original on 12 February 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2007.
  2. ^ David Jeffries. "The Veronicas biography at AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  3. ^ Savage, Mark (27 May 2009). "The Veronicas: Pop bites back". BBC News. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  4. ^ Tan, Monica (2 February 2015). "The Veronicas: we don't equate success with how popular we are". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  5. ^ "The Veronicas Exposed (The Secret Life of...)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  6. ^ a b Staff (16 July 2005). "Twins peak in double quick time". The Sun-Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  7. ^ ""What's Going On?" at APRA search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  8. ^ "'All About Us' at APRA search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  9. ^ ""Faded" at APRA search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  10. ^ Lamb, Bill. "The Veronicas Profile at About.com". About.com. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  11. ^ Paco, Matt (9 March 2006). "News – You Hear It First". MTV. Archived from the original on 24 February 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  12. ^ Drever, Andrew (26 August 2005). "Overarching action". The Age. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  13. ^ Donovan, Patrick (9 December 2005). "Smart, savvy, very classy". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  14. ^ Medien, Steffen. "The Veronicas - '4ever' (song)". Australian Charts Portal. (Hung Medien). Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  15. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2005 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  16. ^ "The New Global Hot Spots". Billboard. Vol. 119. 2006. p. 35. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  17. ^ Brandle, Lars (2009). "Twin Peaks". Billboard. Vol. 121. Prometheus Global Media. p. 36. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  18. ^ "ARIA Awards 2010 : History: Winners by Year: 2006: 20th Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  19. ^ Medien, Steffen. "The Veronicas - 'Hook Me Up' (song)". Australian Charts Portal. (Hung Medien). Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  20. ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2008 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 29 August 2010. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  21. ^ "The Veronicas - Untouched - Music Charts". αCharts.us. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  22. ^ Cashmere, Paul (26 February 2009). "The Veronicas, One Million Americans Touched By Untouched". Undercover.com.au. Archived from the original on 19 October 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  23. ^ Bub, Adam (26 July 2012). "Double trouble: The Veronicas want to pash One Direction's Harry Styles because he 'likes older women'". MusicFix. ninemsn. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  24. ^ Wigney, James (26 July 2012). "Lolitas, pumpkins and Veronicas". Herald Sun. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  25. ^ Wigney, James (26 July 2012). "Lolitas, pumpkins and Veronicas". Herald Sun. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  26. ^ Moran, Jonathon (7 November 2013). "The Veronicas go solo after war with US label". The Daily Telegraph. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  27. ^ Tucker-Evans, Anooska (5 June 2011). "Wedding bells may ring in Summer Bay". The Courier-Mail. News Corp Australia. Archived from the original on 14 June 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  28. ^ Daniels, Colin (5 July 2012). "The Veronicas announce new single, album". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK (National Magazine Company Ltd.). Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  29. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 17 August 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  30. ^ Medien, Steffen. "The Veronicas - 'Lolita' (song)". Australian Charts Portal. (Hung Medien). Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  31. ^ Moran, Jonathon (2 September 2012). "Veronicas Lisa and Jess rocket to new heights". Herald Sun. The Herald and Weekly Times (News Corp Australia). Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  32. ^ Adams, Cameron (8 October 2013). "The Veronicas slam record company on Facebook". News.com.au (News Corp Australia). Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
  33. ^ Savage, Mark (17 November 2014). "The Veronicas' triumphant return from pop purgatory". BBC News (British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)). Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  34. ^ Brandle, Lars (28 April 2014). "The Veronicas Sign Global Deal With Sony Music, New Album Coming". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  35. ^ Brandle, Lars (5 September 2014). "The Veronicas Tease New Song 'You Ruin Me': Watch". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  36. ^ Ryan, Gavin (27 September 2014). "The Veronicas Become Second Brisbane Act of '14 Top ARIA Singles". Noise11. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  37. ^ Ryan, Gavin (25 October 2014). "Ed Sheeran beats X-Factor winner Marlisa to claim No. 1 two weeks in a row!". ARIA Charts. Authentic Entertainment. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  38. ^ "It's three weeks in a row for The Veronicas!". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 11 October 2014. Archived from the original on 14 October 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  39. ^ McCabe, Kathy (10 June 2016). "The Veronicas celebrate their curves and love of aliens and Kylie for retro pop song In My Blood". news.com.au (News Corp Australia). Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  40. ^ McCabe, Kathy (13 October 2016). "The Veronicas release new single On Your Side about romance break ups". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  41. ^ Moran, Jonathon (10 June 2017). "The Veronicas Lisa and Jess Origliasso say love is The Only High". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  42. ^ Stubblebine, Allison. "The Veronicas Want To Know If You Miss "The Way I Give You Head" On New Single". Nylon. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  43. ^ Wass, Mike (29 March 2019). "The Veronicas Return With Raw Breakup Anthem, 'Think Of Me'". Idolator. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  44. ^ "The Veronicas Share New Single 'Biting My Tongue' from Upcoming Album". Rolling Stone. 3 July 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  45. ^ "The Veronicas Announce Two New Albums, 'GODZILLA' and 'HUMAN'". 25 March 2021.
  46. ^ "We finally know the truth about the Veronicas' solo careers". 7 September 2022.
  47. ^ "The Veronicas Ready to Make a Big Noise with New Label Deal". Billboard.
  48. ^ https://www.who.com.au/the-veronicas-blood-is-for-love-tv-show
  49. ^ a b Cameron Adams (26 November 2016). "Why Jessica Origliasso wants people to be more open minded about being 'sexually fluid'". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  50. ^ Rebecca Davies (16 September 2010). "Corgan: 'Jess Origliasso is beautiful.' Billy Corgan says that his girlfriend Jess Origliasso is "so talented"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  51. ^ "THE Veronicas' Jess Origliasso says that boyfriend Billy Corgan of band Smashing Pumpkins is now just a friend". The Daily Telegraph. 20 June 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  52. ^ Croffey, Amy (2 April 2018). "No, it wasn't an April Fools joke, Ruby Rose and Veronicas' Jess split". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  53. ^ "Veronicas singer Jess Origliasso reveals surprise engagement to partner Alex Smith: "I've waited my whole life for you"".
  54. ^ "Veronicas singer Jess Origliasso is engaged!".
  55. ^ "The Veronicas - the Veronicas". Discogs.
  56. ^ Gutowitz, Jill. "The Veronicas Talk Queerness In Pop Music". Nylon. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  57. ^ "The Veronicas' Jessica Origliasso on being "outed by tabloids" in early music career". NME. 20 February 2023.
  58. ^ Wildlife Warriors – The Veronicas are saving the animals, with a little help from Steve Irwin Archived 15 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  59. ^ "Veronicas twin Jess Origliasso to bare all for PETA shoot". Archived from the original on 31 January 2009.
  60. ^ "The Veronicas Show Off 'The Rest of Your Fur Coat'". PETA. 23 August 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  61. ^ Jonathon Moran. NatBass sings for gay marriage, Daily Telegraph. Accessed 2 February 2010.
  62. ^ Furler, Mark (1 April 2010). "Australia Zoo celebrates its 40th". Sunshine Coast Daily. APN News & Media. Retrieved 3 June 2010 – via The Courier-Mail.
  63. ^ "the veronicas steve irwin - Bing video". www.bing.com. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  64. ^ Jessica Origliasso's speech at Sydney's marriage equality rally, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 27 July 2021
  65. ^ "The Veronicas warn Tony Abbott he is in danger on being on the wrong side of history over gay marriage". NewsComAu. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  66. ^ "the veronicas transgender 60 mins - Yahoo Search Results Video Search Results". au.video.search.yahoo.com. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  67. ^ "Sea Shepherd". THE VERONICAS. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2021.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Veronicas.