1883 speaks with Malaysian born, Australia based artist JessC on blending medicine and music, navigating contemporary sounds across cultures, and shaping a creative identity that bridges East and West.
From Malaysia to the global stage, the multi-hyphenate artist reflects on music, medicine, and meaning.
There’s a sense of intention that runs through everything JessC creates. Whether she’s writing across languages, stepping onto international stages, or navigating multiple creative identities, her work is guided by something deeper than momentum — a commitment to connection.
Born and raised in Malaysia and now based in Australia, JessC’s journey is anything but linear. Within a single year, she released three albums in three different languages, expanding her reach while refining a voice that feels both personal and borderless. Her music moves between cultures, but its core remains constant: emotion, honesty, and healing.
A doctor, a singer, a writer, and a performer, JessC occupies a space where disciplines intersect. It’s this intersection that has shaped her artistic direction — one that sees music not just as expression, but as a form of care.
“Music isn’t just entertainment,” she says. “It can reach something much deeper.”
In conversation with 1883, JessC reflects on her recent international awards, the message behind her latest single One Chance, and how her dual path in medicine and music has led her to embrace the role of a “healing artist.”
First of all, congratulations on winning seven awards across the InterContinental Music Awards, LIT Music Awards, and World Songwriting Awards this year. What does this recognition mean to you — does it feel like a conclusion or a new beginning?
It still feels a little unreal. For me, it’s definitely not an ending — it feels more like a starting point.
Each of these awards has such a strong panel and high standards, so I never expected to be selected. I just felt incredibly grateful and moved.
Along the way, my focus has always been simple: to do justice to each song, and to express emotions honestly , sometimes in different languages. Music has this ability to go beyond words and connect people.
So for me, it’s not just about the outcome. It’s a reminder that music itself carries a kind of quiet power.
Your latest single 〈One Chance 〉carries a strong emotional message. What was the core belief you wanted to communicate through this track?
〈One Chance 〉is something I wrote for myself, but also for anyone who has ever felt lost.At its core, it’s about being willing to face yourself honestly , and to accept every part of who you are.
We all have moments of vulnerability, of feeling like we’re not enough. But those are also the things that make us unique.
I hope the song reminds people that they don’t have to become someone else’s version of perfect. You’re already enough as you are ,and you always have the chance to become your own hero.
Your work often reflects originality, artistic expression, and a sense of cross-cultural influence. How do you view originality in today’s music landscape?
There are so many melodies in the world, but your story is something only you can tell.
For me, originality isn’t about trying to be different , it’s about being honest. If what you’re creating comes from a real place, it naturally carries something unique.
When there’s sincerity in the music, people can feel it.
Growing up in Malaysia, surrounded by multiple cultures and languages, how has that shaped your sound and the way you express yourself?
I feel very lucky to have grown up in such a diverse environment.
At home, I was exposed to so many different kinds of music , Malay songs, Mandarin pop, English classics, Cantonese tracks. It almost felt like having a mini international concert every day.
Later on, studying and living in different countries added even more layers to that experience. All of these influences have shaped how I write and how I tell stories through music.
Before releasing my English albums, I had already released 14 albums in Asia, working with teams from different parts of the world. That cultural exchange has given me a lot of creative inspiration.
You released three albums in Mandarin, Malay, and English within a single year. What did you hope to express through this multilingual approach?
Each album represents a different part of my journey.
My Mandarin album 〈My Style 〉is about emotional release and self-expression. The English album 〈Six Feet Deep 〉explores letting go of past pain and starting again. And my Malay album 〈Dekati 〉is a tribute to my roots , reconnecting with courage and passion.
Even though they’re in different languages, the core message is the same: to share love, to create connection, and to bring a sense of healing.
Are there any songs that are directly inspired by your personal experiences? Could you share one story behind your music?
As an artist, you inevitably face criticism , sometimes even negativity online.
At first, those voices affected me. But over time, I started to understand that people who hurt others are often dealing with something themselves.
That perspective changed how I approached my work. It’s also part of why I began to see myself as a “healing artist” , someone who wants to use music to support emotional well-being.
You describe yourself as a “healing artist.” What led you to make healing a central part of your creative direction?
In addition to music, I’m also a doctor.
I’ve always believed in the importance of emotional and mental well-being, and I’ve seen how deeply music can affect the nervous system.
Over the years, I’ve used music therapy approaches with patients and witnessed meaningful results. That experience made me realise that music could serve a larger purpose.
So integrating healing into my music felt like a natural path , it gives what I create a deeper meaning.
When did you first realise that music could have a direct impact on emotional health?
During performances, I would sometimes see people in the audience crying.
Afterwards, they would tell me things like, “I don’t know why, but your music made me feel something I couldn’t explain.”
That’s when I started to understand that music goes beyond entertainment , it can reach people on a very deep level.
From a scientific perspective, music therapy is also well-supported. Melody, rhythm, harmony, and lyrics can stimulate different areas of the brain, helping with emotional release and restoring balance.
When I create healing music, I think carefully about these elements , the frequencies, the structure, the intention behind each part.
How do you hope listeners from different cultures and backgrounds respond to your music?
No matter where someone is in their life ,whether they’re feeling joy, loneliness, or uncertainty — I hope they can hear a song and feel understood.
If my music can comfort someone in a difficult moment, or add warmth to a happy one, then it’s already done what it’s meant to do.
More than anything, I hope it brings a sense of healing.
I like to think of my songs as a quiet companion , something that stays with you, wherever you are, and helps you reconnect with yourself.
Beyond music, you’re also a writer and performer. What’s next for you?
2026 is shaping up to be a very full year.
Alongside an upcoming global tour and theatre projects, I have new releases in multiple languages in the works , including English, Malay, Mandarin, and even a television soundtrack. I’m also preparing for a Japanese single.
It’s going to be a busy year, but I’m excited to keep exploring new creative directions.
I’ll also continue expanding internationally , my goal is to connect with audiences across at least 50 countries and 100 cities.
No matter the medium, I want to keep sharing my voice in ways that feel meaningful.
Official Links:
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/jessc.official.au
YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/@JessC.Official
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/jessc.official/
Spotify： https://open.spotify.com/search/jessc
Tik Tok： https://www.tiktok.com/@jessc.official
