Singer-Songerwriter
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KEEP SHELLY IN ATHENS
In October of 2016, I joined the chill-wave group, Keep Shelly in Athens. I really enjoyed my time with the band (2016-2021). I toured Europe, released one full-length album, 5 EPs, and nine singles, including the hugely successful cover of (Don't Fear) The Reaper, which appeared in Russell Crowe's movie Unhinged. Not many people know that I sung that track. Now you know!
Keep Shelly in Athens at Death Disco on March 30, 2018.
Photograph by Valentina Vagena.
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BRUNO
In 2017, after many years of composing and releasing music as a solo artist under my own name, I became sick of being Jessica Bell and created a crazier and ballsier alter-ego, BRUNO. I released a few electronic pop/rock singles, and a full-length album (I SAID NO) in 2017. The most listened song so far is, Breathe In. But my sound switches up quite a lot.
Image used for my first single, Kill All the Trolls. Photography and concept by Alexander Karmios.
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MONGOA
This is a brand new project (first single out 2021) in collaboration with the live guitarist for KSIA, Alex Zamparas. If Philip Glass and the members of Beach House had a side project, it would sound like Mongoa. Inspired by all that makes life nostalgically and beautifully dark, this trip hop/ambient duo will take your heart and set it sailing towards the edges of your consciousness.
For now, we are remaining as ghosts. Those may or may not be our hands. Photo by Anonymous.
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JESSICA BELL
Once upon a time I wrote music under my own name as a solo artist, and before that, I had a band in Australia called spAnk, which actually did really well (radio airplay, TV appearances, competition wins) until I moved to Greece. I may one day release something again under my real name (instead of BRUNO), if the music fits. The best place to check out my old stuff is on Bandcamp.
Image used for the cover of Melody Hill, the album I wrote to be the soundtrack to my debut novel, String Bridge. Photo by Erika Bach.
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Graphic Designer |
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I began my career as a graphic designer when I self-published my first book as an author, a poetry collection called Twisted Velvet Chains, back in 2011. Being the type of person that 100% believes in the phrase ‘if there is a will there is a way,’ I embarked on a self-taught design journey. 1) Because I was penniless, and 2) Because I’ve always loved a creative challenge.
Very soon after my design debut, I started designing book covers for author friends as favours. I didn’t charge back then, as it was just a fun way to make use of my creative energy. Until one of my friends told me I had talent, and that I should start a business. I took her advice, and since then I have designed hundreds of covers for indie, traditional, and hybrid authors, many of which have hit bestseller lists, and won awards. A few have even graced the shelves of WH Smiths at Heathrow airport. Being an author myself, I fully understand the need to be able to incorporate your vision into your book cover. I allow you to do this while simultaneously hitting the right target audience, nailing a professional design, and adding a bit of extra artistic flair.
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Photograph by Tasos Giannakakis.
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AuthorIn addition to having published a memoir, five novels, four poetry collections, and various bestselling writing and publishing guides, I have been featured in a variety of publications and ABC Radio National shows such as Writer's Digest, Publisher's Weekly, Mamam!a, Life Matters, and Poetica.
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Publisher |
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VINE LEAVES PRESS
I am the publisher of Vine Leaves Press, a small press with feet all over the globe. We publish approximately thrity books per year and are therefore very selective. The kinds of books we publish are: book-length vignette collections, writing reference books, short story collections, memoir/autobiography, and novels (all genres with a literary bent).
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INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING ASSISTANCE
Independent Publishing Assistance provides indie authors and small publishers with all their book production, writing, and coaching services in one place. By hiring a team of experienced and successful publishing professionals through Independent Publishing Assistance, your book is going to have the best chance of survival in today's saturated market.
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At Artracks Recording Studios in 2017. Photograph by Clyde Jabra.
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Voice-over ActorSince 2005 I've been the hired voice for many children's books, language learning tools, exam materials, toys/games, video adverts, radio spots, songs, and jingles. If you're interested in using my voice for your project, please click the button below to email me directly. If you're also in need of a sound engineer and recording studio, please contact George Priniotakis at Artracks Recording Studios to book us both in at the same time.
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