Montaigne is the art-pop project of Australian singer-songwriter Jessica Cerro, a fearless and theatrical voice in contemporary music known for fusing emotional candor with bold sonic experimentation. Since emerging in the mid-2010s, Montaigne has carved out a distinct space in the pop landscape—one where vulnerability meets maximalism, and unfiltered self-expression reigns.

Born and raised in Sydney, Cerro adopted the moniker Montaigne as a teenager, inspired by the French Renaissance philosopher Michel de Montaigne and his spirit of introspection. That introspective quality quickly became a hallmark of their songwriting. Their debut album, Glorious Heights (2016), introduced audiences to their explosive vocals, literary lyricism, and genre-blurring production. The record earned widespread critical acclaim in Australia and won the ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist, signaling the arrival of a singular new talent.

Their follow-up album, Complex (2019), deepened their exploration of identity, mental health, and human contradiction. Blending shimmering pop hooks with darker, electronic textures, the album showcased their growth as both a songwriter and producer. Montaigne’s willingness to interrogate uncomfortable emotions—loneliness, self-doubt, longing—resonated strongly with a generation navigating similar complexities.

In 2020 and 2021, Montaigne represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest with the defiant and introspective anthem “Don’t Break Me” and later “Technicolour,” a high-octane celebration of resilience and self-acceptance. Though global circumstances reshaped the traditional Eurovision experience, their participation expanded their international audience and cemented their reputation as a dynamic performer capable of marrying theatricality with emotional authenticity.

Never one to remain static, Montaigne has continued to evolve their sound, incorporating hyperpop, indie electronic, and alternative influences into their work. Their third studio album, Making It! (2022), leaned further into experimentation, pairing playful, high-energy production with sharp, self-aware commentary on ambition, capitalism, and creative survival in the digital age.

With their latest album it’s hard to be a fish (2025), Montaigne pushed their artistry into even more fluid and fantastical territory. Their first self-produced work embraces transformation as both metaphor and method—diving into themes of vulnerability, adaptation, and survival with wit and emotional clarity. Expansive yet intimate, it further solidifies Montaigne’s commitment to fearless reinvention and genre-defying pop.

2026 marks the 10 year anniversary of their hit feature on ‘1955’ with the Hilltop Hoods and Tom Thum and Glorious Heights.

Beyond the studio, Montaigne is celebrated for their vivid visual aesthetic, candid online presence, and advocacy for mental health awareness and LGBTQIA+ communities. Openly queer and deeply engaged with their fanbase, they foster a space that champions individuality and emotional honesty.

At their core, Montaigne is an artist committed to transformation—musically, personally, and philosophically. With a voice that can soar, snarl, and shatter in equal measure, they continue to challenge the boundaries of pop music while inviting listeners to confront their own complexities along the way.

Grossomoddo @ ART'OTEL Amsterdam

Performers