Tiny Vipers
{{short description|American singer-songwriter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Tiny Vipers
| image =
| caption =
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Jessica Louise Fortino
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1983}}
| origin = Seattle, Washington, United States
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, keyboard
| genre =
| occupation = Singer-songwriter
| years_active = 2006–present
| label = Sub Pop Records, Luckyhorse Industries, LEITER, Kranky (Mirrorring), Box Bedroom Rebels
| associated_acts = Mirrorring
| website = [http://www.subpop.com/artists/tiny_vipers Tiny Vipers]
| current_members =
| past_members =
}}
Tiny Vipers (born 1983) is the musical project of Jessica Louise "Jesy" Fortino,{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/880860202 |title=CM |website=ASCAP |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=February 3, 2025}} a Seattle-based American musician known for her minimalist, atmospheric music. Her style, combining elements of folk, ambient, and experimental music, is characterized by sparse instrumentation, often using just an acoustic guitar and stark vocals.
{{cite news
| first = Ben
| last = Ratliff
| title = Evil Chords and Jazz Flourishes
| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/arts/music/21play.html
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20221117165201/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/arts/music/21play.html#selection-401.0-444.0
| archive-date = November 17, 2022
| work = The New York Times
| date = June 22, 2009
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
Fortino's work spans across several albums, EPs, and collaborative projects, earning her recognition within indie music. Her music has been praised for its emotional depth, trance-like qualities, and stark, minimalist approach.
{{cite news
| first = Jon
| last = Pareles
| title = Tiny Vipers: A Meditative Approach to Folk
| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/arts/music/15play.html
| work = The New York Times
| date = July 15, 2007
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130630013905/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/arts/music/15play.html?_r=0
| archive-date = June 30, 2013
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
Career
=Early work and Sub Pop=
Tiny Vipers signed with Sub Pop Records in the mid-2000s, releasing her debut album, Hands Across the Void, in 2007. The album was praised for its haunting simplicity and stark, melancholic atmosphere.
{{cite news
| first = Sebastian
| last = Jegorow
| title = Tiny Vipers
| url = http://www.sonic-reducer.de/2009-10/tiny-vipers-3
| work = Sonic Reducer
| date = October 8, 2009
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160201124800/http://www.sonic-reducer.de/2009-10/tiny-vipers-3
| archive-date = February 1, 2016
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
The New York Times highlighted the record’s meditative quality, comparing Fortino’s sparse arrangements to those of artists like Vashti Bunyan and early Cat Power.
Her follow-up album, Life on Earth was released on July 7, 2009, further solidified her reputation as a singular voice in contemporary folk.
{{cite news
| url = https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13178-life-on-earth/
| first = Matthew
| last = Solarski
| title = Tiny Vipers - Life on Earth
| work=Pitchfork
| date = June 17, 2009
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715031809/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13178-life-on-earth/
| archive-date = July 15, 2012
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
Luckyhorse Industries released a limited edition 180 gram double vinyl on November 16, 2009, which included a bonus track "Audrey's Well". The record explored themes of mortality and isolation, with Pitchfork describing it as a “bleak but beautiful” work. Tracks like “Dreamer” showcased her ability to craft songs that felt both intimate and vast, drawing comparisons to Nico and Leonard Cohen.
{{cite news
| first = Sean
| last = Redmond
| url = https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11314-dreamer/
| title = Tiny Vipers - "Dreamer"
| work=Pitchfork
| date = May 28, 2009
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714070752/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11314-dreamer/
| archive-date = July 14, 2012
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
=Collaborations and Mirrorring=
On January 20, 2012, it was announced that Fortino would be releasing a collaborative album with Liz Harris of Grouper, under the name Mirrorring.
{{cite news
| first = Jenn
| last = Pelly
| title = Grouper and Tiny Vipers Announce Collaborative Album as Mirrorring
| url = https://pitchfork.com/news/45177-grouper-and-tiny-vipers-announce-collaborative-album-as-mirrorring/
| work=Pitchfork
| date = February 3, 2012
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120712122251/http://pitchfork.com/news/45177-grouper-and-tiny-vipers-announce-collaborative-album-as-mirrorring/
| archive-date = July 12, 2012
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
Their album Foreign Body, released on March 19, 2012 by Kranky, blended ambient textures with acoustic instrumentation, earning critical praise for its ethereal, dreamlike quality.
{{cite news
| url = https://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/mirrorring-foreign-body
| first = Gabe
| last = Vodicka
| title = Mirrorring - Foreign Body
| work = Tiny Mix Tapes
| access-date = December 26, 2024
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227071733/https://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/mirrorring-foreign-body
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
{{cite news
| url = https://www.treblezine.com/mirrorring-foreign-body-review/
| title = Mirrorring - Foreign Body
| website = Treble
| first = Jeff
| last = Terich
| date = March 20, 2012
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227073108/https://www.treblezine.com/mirrorring-foreign-body-review/
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
{{cite web
| url = https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16420-foreign-body/
| first = Jenn
| last = Pelly
| title = Mirrorring - Foreign Body
| work = Pitchfork
| date = March 16, 2012
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227073502/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16420-foreign-body/
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
=Return and recent work=
After an extended hiatus from recording, Tiny Vipers returned in 2017 with the album Laughter on Ba Da Bing Records. Released on May 5, 2017 while Fortino was simultaneously studying to become an engineer, the record marked a departure from her earlier acoustic work, incorporating electronic elements and synthetic textures.
{{cite news
| url = https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/23169-tiny-vipers-laughter/
| title = Tiny Vipers - Laughter
| work = Pitchfork
| first = Sam
| last = Sodomsky
| date = March 28, 2017
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227074828/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/23169-tiny-vipers-laughter/
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
NPR described the album as a “synthetic hymnal,” noting its experimental approach and Fortino’s continued exploration of existential themes.
{{cite news
| title = Tiny Vipers Returns With First Album in 8 Years, Shares Synthetic Hymnal 'K.I.S.S.'
| first = Lars
| last = Gotrich
| work = NPR
| date = March 24, 2017
| url = https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2017/03/24/521133338/tiny-vipers-returns-with-first-album-in-8-years-shares-synthetic-hymnal-k-i-s-s
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227065554/https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2017/03/24/521133338/tiny-vipers-returns-with-first-album-in-8-years-shares-synthetic-hymnal-k-i-s-s
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
After a second recording hiatus, Tiny Vipers returned in 2024 with a new EP titled American Prayer released by LEITER. The release highlights her evolving sound while staying true to the haunting, minimalistic style that has defined her work. The EP has been praised for its introspective lyrics and atmospheric production, offering listeners a glimpse into the more personal side of Fortino's creative journey.
{{cite news
| first = Jeremy J.
| last = Fisette
| title = Album Review: Tiny Vipers – *American Prayer* EP
| url = https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-tiny-vipers-american-prayer-ep/
| work = Beats Per Minute
| date = December 9, 2022
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227081237/https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-tiny-vipers-american-prayer-ep/
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
| access-date = December 27, 2024
}}
Fortino has also directed music videos, including one in 2023 for a single by Profit Prison titled "Sophia".
Musical style
Tiny Vipers' music is characterized by its minimalist approach, with Fortino often performing solo with just a guitar and her voice.
{{cite news
| url = https://www.stereogum.com/6137/quit_your_day_job_tiny_vipers/interviews/quit-your-day-job/
| first = Brandon
| last = Stosuy
| title = Quit Your Day Job: Tiny Vipers
| work = Stereogum
| date = August 15, 2007
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227071234/https://www.stereogum.com/6137/quit_your_day_job_tiny_vipers/interviews/quit-your-day-job/
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
| access-date = December 27, 2024
}}
Her songs are deeply introspective, weaving narratives that explore themes of loneliness, loss, and the passage of time. Over the years, she has expanded her sound to include ambient and electronic influences, pushing the boundaries of traditional folk music.
{{cite web
| url = https://echoesanddust.com/2023/10/the-keening-s-e-r-p-e-n-t-e-n-t-tiny-vipers-clockout-lounge-seattle/
| first = John Donovan
| last = Malley
| title = The Keening, S.E.R.P.E.N.T.E.N.T., Tiny Vipers @ Clock-Out Lounge, Seattle
| website = Echoes and Dust
| date = October 8, 2023
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227073528/https://echoesanddust.com/2023/10/the-keening-s-e-r-p-e-n-t-e-n-t-tiny-vipers-clockout-lounge-seattle/
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
Discography
= Solo discography =
- Tiny Vipers (EP, 2004. reissued October 2007 on Luckyhorse Industries)
- Hands Across the Void (LP, July 2007 on Sub Pop)
- Empire Prism (EP, 2007. Reissued July 2008 on Luckyhorse Industries)
- Life on Earth (LP, July 2009 on Sub Pop)
- Weak Moments of the Shadows (EP, 2009)
- Ambience3 (instrumental, ambient music - released in June 2015 on Box Bedroom Rebels)
{{cite news
| author = Staff Writer
| title = Dag Rosenqvist; Tiny Vipers; Artificial Memory Trace; Ken Camden
| work = Ambient Blog
| date = July 12, 2015
| url = https://www.ambientblog.net/blog/2015-07/shortlist-2015-15/
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227092333/https://vaguely-offensive.com/listenings/music/tiny-vipers-ambience-3-7-cd/
| title = Tiny Vipers – AMBIENCE 3 (7″ + CD)
| publisher = Vaguely Offensive
| first = David
| last = Altman
| date = 2012
| url = https://vaguely-offensive.com/listenings/music/tiny-vipers-ambience-3-7-cd/
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
- Laughter (EP, 2017)
- American Prayer (EP, 2022)
- Illusionz Vol. 1 (1997 - 2004) (LP, compilation of previously unreleased demo recordings, 2025)
=''Mirrorring'' discography=
- Foreign Body (with Grouper) (LP, March 2012 on Kranky)
=Compilations=
- Burn To Shine (DVD, November 2007)
- Contributed song "Another's Day Son" with Colin Roper for the compilation 2021: An Aviation Records Compilation (LP, 2007)
=Guest appearances=
- Vocal samples and guitar on Orcas' self-titled'' album (LP, 2012)
- Vocals on "New Dawn Fades" by The Sight Below (Single, 2010)
{{cite news
| url = https://pitchfork.com/news/12225-new-dawn-fades-joy-division-cover-ft-tiny-vipers/
| title = 'New Dawn Fades' [Joy Division cover; ft. Tiny Vipers]
| work = Pitchfork
| date = March 2, 2010
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125181757/https://pitchfork.com/news/12225-new-dawn-fades-joy-division-cover-ft-tiny-vipers/
| archive-date = January 25, 2023
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
{{cite news
| url = http://www.prefixmag.com/media/the-sight-below/new-dawn-fades-joy-division-cover/38186/
| title = The Sight Below: 'New Dawn Fades' (Joy Division Cover)
| work = Prefix
| date = March 3, 2010
| first = Manan
| last = Desai
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160125155329/http://www.prefixmag.com/media/the-sight-below/new-dawn-fades-joy-division-cover/38186/
| archive-date = January 25, 2016
}}
{{cite news
| url = http://surfingonsteam.blogspot.com/2010/03/sight-below-new-dawn-fades-joy-division.html
| first = Scott
| last = McDonald
| date = March 3, 2010
| title = The Sight Below: New Dawn Fades (Joy Division Cover)
| work = Surfing on Steam
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100306063832/http://surfingonsteam.blogspot.com/2010/03/sight-below-new-dawn-fades-joy-division.html
| archive-date = March 6, 2010
| access-date = December 26, 2024
}}
- Backing vocals on All is Wild, All is Silent, Balmorhea (LP, 2009)
Critical reception
Tiny Vipers has received widespread acclaim for her ability to create emotionally resonant and sonically innovative music.
{{cite news
| first = Josiah
| last = Hughes
| url = https://exclaim.ca/music/article/tiny_vipers-life_on_earth
| title = Tiny Vipers - Life on Earth
| work = Exclaim!
| date = June 9, 2009
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227074107/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/tiny_vipers-life_on_earth#selection-293.0-293.13
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
Her work has been featured in outlets like Pitchfork, Exclaim!, and Seattle Weekly.
{{cite news
| title = Tiny Vipers
| first = Laura
| last = Cassidy
| date = October 9, 2006
| url = https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/tiny-vipers-2/
| work = Seattle Weekly
| access-date = December 27, 2024
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241227074102/https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/tiny-vipers-2/#selection-891.3-891.18
| archive-date = December 27, 2024
}}
Critics frequently note her evocative storytelling and the immersive quality of her recordings. The New York Times stated Tiny Vipers "[is] not telling stories; she’s after incantation and trance,” described her music as “achingly beautiful, an exercise in minimalism that still conveys profound emotional depth.”
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.subpop.com/artists/tiny_vipers Tiny Vipers] at Sub Pop Records
- [https://myspace.com/tinyvipersss Tiny Vipers] on Myspace
- [http://www.luckyhorseindustries.com/shop/bands.php?bandname=Tiny+Vipers Tiny Vipers] at Luckyhorse Industries
- [http://tinyvipers.bandcamp.com/ Tiny Vipers] at Bandcamp
- [http://theyshootmusic.at/posts/Tiny_Vipers Acoustic Session] for 'They Shoot Music – Don't They', March 2010
- [http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xch4f9_event-29-tiny-vipers-rouen_music Live à Rouen] for Europe and co, Rouen (France) March, 5th 2010
- [http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xch2ux_acoustic-session-12-tiny-vipers_music Acoustic Session] for Europe and co, March 2010
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tiny Vipers}}
Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters
Category:Singer-songwriters from Washington (state)
Category:American women singers
Category:American indie folk musicians