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'''Jessicka''' (born '''Jessica Fodera''' on [[1975]] [[October 23]]) is an [[United States of America|American]] singer who is best known for her bands [[Jack Off Jill]] and [[Scarling.]]

==Early life==
Jessicka grew up in the small town of [[Sunrise, Florida]]. Jessicka was raised as an only child by her mother Nancy after she had divorced her husband, Joseph. Nancy enrolled her daughter in a local [[Montessori method|Montessori]] school, where she excelled in [[art]] and music. Nancy quickly enrolled Jessicka in Horizon Elementary School's gifted program where she excelled in theatre, art, and creative writing. In middle school Jessicka joined her school's chorus group and found that she had natural singing ability, but was soon bored singing standards and [[Christmas carol]]s. By the time she entered high school Jessicka had immersed herself in music, [[Goth subculture|Goth]]-culture, [[gay]] iconography, and [[feminist]] literature. She often wrote the word "[[cunt]]" on her knuckles, and began to drift from the norm; at seventeen she decided that she wanted to start her own band.

==Music career==
===Jack Off Jill===
{{main|Jack Off Jill}}
After a few failed attempts at starting a band, Jessicka met Tenni Arslynian while attending Piper High School in Sunrise, Florida. They had begun writing songs, but had not yet formed a complete band when [[Robin Moulder]] and Michelle Oliver joined them to create the band Jack In Jill. In 1992, Jack In Jill got their start when they were asked to open for fellow Floridian and long time friend [[Marilyn Manson (person)|Marilyn Manson]] and his band, [[Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids]] at a [[Davie, Florida]] nightclub called The Plus 5 Lounge. Before advertisements for the show were printed, Manson suggested a name change to ''Jack Off Jill'', which the foursome accepted.

[[Dreadlock]]-clad Jessicka was the center of all the hype and attention that JOJ received. She delivered her vocals in an angelic to banshee-like voice and performed on-stage antics dressed in [[Goth subculture|Goth]] or [[kinderwhore]] attire, that included stripping young men on stage while the band and crowd taunted the exposed fans, as well as slicing her arms on-stage with a razor and covering the audience with multi colored spit, candy, and her own blood. <ref>
Pelletier, George.[http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/frontrow/2818/rant.html "Paying The Rant"] [[Miami New Times]] feature, November 27 1997. </ref>

In early 1993, Jessicka and Manson formed [[Mrs. Scabtree]]. Scabtree was a [[side project]] where Manson played drums, while Jessicka shared vocal duties with then boyfriend, [[Jeordie White]], known later as Twiggy Ramirez.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/19991109061236/www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Studio/7912/jessika.html] Jessicka Phone Interview November 24,1997</ref> In late December 1994, Jessicka spent a night in jail when she and Manson were arrested after a concert in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], after being accused by the town's [[Christian Coalition of America|Christian Coalition]] for breaking the town's adult entertainment codes. Both singers were charged with misdemeanors.<ref> Baker, Greg. [http://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/1995-01-05/columns2_2.html "Program Notes 38"] Miami New Times, January 05, 1995.</ref>
Though Jessicka's onstage behavior was often labeled as shocking, she never claimed to be a shock rocker. In fact, Jack Off Jill had more in common musically with [[riot grrl]] acts such as [[Babes in Toyland (band)|Babes in Toyland]] and [[Bikini Kill]] than they did with [[Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids]], with whom Jack Off Jill would later be constantly compared. <ref> Gargano, Paul. [http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/frontrow/2818/metaledge.html Metal Edge Magazine 1997.]</ref> It did not help that after a four year relationship, then boyfriend [[Jeordie White|Twiggy Ramirez]], began to mimic Jessicka's dress and appearance, making critics' comparisons draw even closer. At this time Jessicka increasingly cut herself on and off stage, which earned her the title of [[Patron saint]] of [[self injury]], a line that would later resurface in the lyrics to Jack Off Jill's song, ''"When I Am Queen"''. <ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430391/19991213/story.jhtml MTV news December 13, 1999]</ref>

Jack Off Jill released several independent records and several [[Single (music)|7" singles]] on Jessicka's own label Rectum Records, all before her 21st birthday. It was not until she played a benefit show on April 8, 1994 with legendary [[Minneapolis]] based [[grrl]] band [[Babes in Toyland (band)|Babes in Toyland]] and [[7 Year Bitch]], that Jack Off Jill caught the eye of record labels. Jack Off Jill then caught the eyes and ears of Los Angeles based Risk Records, who signed them in January 1997. The band released their first full-length ''Sexless Demons And Scars'', on September 9, 1997. The new manifestation of Jack Off Jill hit the road on several national tours throughout the [[United States]] and [[Canada]].

Once back in Los Angeles, Jessicka began to question her commitment to Jack Off Jill. At this time not only were she and band mate Robin Moulder not agreeing on the band's direction but she and mentor [[Brian Warner]] were no longer on speaking terms. The initial strain in their relationship was due to the involvement of Manson's ex-guitarist [[Scott Putesky]] in JOJ, and Jessicka's ongoing feud with [[ex boyfriend]], Twiggy Ramirez. In early 1998 after reading Manson's semi-autobiographical book [[The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell]], and finding her role in the story had been reduced to a mere mention as a groupie, she decided to contact Manson and clear the air. She found out that Manson believed that she had employed Putesky in retaliation to how she was negatively depicted in the book. Their renewed friendship is speculated to be the reason why by early 1999, Putesky was no longer a member of Jack Off Jill and the band were asked to take the opening slot on the Marilyn Manson / [[Monster Magnet]] / [[Hole (band)|Hole]] tour after Hole departed. By most accounts, the split was amicable. <ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430393/19990219/story.jhtml MTV news February 19, 1999]</ref>

On July 17, 2000, JOJ released their second full-length CD, ''Clear Hearts Grey Flowers'', just as their label was preparing to close its doors.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430392/19990618/story.jhtml MTV news June 8, 1999]</ref>
Due to pressure, poor publicity for C.H.G.F, several line up changes, tension between founding members Jessicka and Robin, and management problems, Jack Off Jill played its last show at [[The Troubadour]] in Los Angeles in April of 2000. They were joined onstage by guitarist [[Helen Storer]] of the UK band [[Fluffy (band)|Fluffy]] and producer Chris Vrenna on drums. <ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430390/04072000/jack_off_jill.jhtml MTV news March 04, 2000]</ref> JOJ officially called it quits in late 2000.

===Between Bands===
Post-Jack Off Jill Jessicka worked with [[Kevin Haskins]] (a founding member of [[Bauhaus (band)|Bauhaus]], [[Tones on Tail]], and [[Love and Rockets (band)|Love & Rockets]]), producer [[Chris Vrenna]] on [[American McGee's Alice]] soundtrack, drummer [[Samantha Maloney]], and [[horror comic]] genius and master magician [[Roman Dirge]]. Fodera also appeared in a cameo appearance in the film [[Ellie Parker]]. It is speculated that she appeared in the film due to the involvement of her best friend, actress [[Jennifer Syme]], whom died on April 2, 2001, in a tragic automobile accident.

Jessicka also teamed up with [[Meegs Rascon]] for a song on the [[Tori Amos]] tribute album ''Songs of a Goddess'', an industral-styled version of "iieee".

===Scarling.===
{{main|Scarling.}}
After taking a break and making [[Los Angeles]] her permanent residence, Jessicka was invited in 2001 by [[guitarist]] [[Christian Hejnal]] to perform guest vocals on his [[solo album]]. The pair had only met a few months earlier through their mutual friend [[Lisa Leveridge]] at a Los Angeles night club. They began recording and rehearsing together and eventually recruited the musicians who would form the first and very short-lived lineup of Scarling. in 2002.

In early 2002 Jessicka was introduced to [[Long Gone John]], owner of [[Sympathy for the Record Industry]], by mutual friend Mark Ryden. On March 19 2003 Scarling.'s debut single, "Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole", was released on John's label. Its cover featured an illustration entitled "Wound 39" by artist [[Mark Ryden]]. In April 2004, Scarling released their first album, the seven-song, thirty-three-minute ''[[Sweet Heart Dealer]]'', which again utilized the team of Ryden and Vrenna.

In the autumn of 2004, Scarling. was invited to join the lineup of the [[Robert Smith (musician)|Robert Smith]]-curated [[Curiosa]] Festival, performing on select West Coast dates alongside Jessicka's long-time favorite, The Cure. <ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489262/07072004/3_doors_down.jhtml MTV news July 7, 2004]</ref> Three weeks before joining the Curiosa tour, drummer [[Samantha Maloney]] filled in and was soon replaced by current drummer Beth Gordon. Smith described the band's music as "dark, desperate, chaotic, gorgeous pop music, the sound of the end of the world" and nominated ''"[[Sweet Heart Dealer]]"'' for the 2004 [[Shortlist Music Prize]]. <ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1490520/20040824/story.jhtml MTV news August 28, 2004]</ref>

After a series of 7" singles on Sympathy, Scarling. announced in early 2005 that their second album, ''[[So Long, Scarecrow]]'', would appear later that year; it was preceded by the single "We Are The Music Makers" and was released on August 23 2005. ''So Long, Scarecrow'' was co-produced by [[Rob Campanella]] and received much critical praise. ''[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' gave the album a 5 out of 5 rating <ref>Pettigrew, Jason.[http://www.altpress.com/reviews/125.htm "Less screamy, more dreamy."] [[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] Magazine Jan. 31, 2006</ref> and described Jessicka as "the cuddliest sociopath ever to hold a microphone", <ref>Pettigrew, Jason.[http://www.scarling.com/press/][[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] Magazine, Sept. 2005 </ref> while ''[[The Independent]]'' described Jessicka's vocal style as being "between [[Kate Bush]] sweetness and [[Siouxsie Sioux]] stridency". <ref>Price, Simon.[http://www.scarling.com/press/] [[The Independent]] Sept. 4th 2005</ref>

In December 2005, Scarling. embarked on its first UK tour, creating a buzz for themselves and selling out most venues.<ref>[http://www.artrocker.com/reviews/gigs/gigs221.shtml Artrocker "Caught Live"] December 8, 2005</ref> While in Europe, Jessicka attended long-time friend Manson's wedding to burlesque performer [[Dita Von Teese]] on December 3, 2005, in a secular ceremony in [[County Tipperary, Ireland]]. In 2006 Jessicka continued to tour in the US and Europe with Scarling, touring with such bands as UK shoegaze outfit [[Amusement Parks on Fire]] and opening for [[The Wedding Present]] and [[Depeche Mode]]. On February 14, 2006, while on a break from touring, she and guitarist Christian Hejnal were engaged. Scarling. are expected to begin working on their third full length album in 2007.

==Personal life==
Jessicka is [[bisexuality|bisexual]]. <ref>Rice, Boyd. [http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/frontrow/2818/seconds.html "Seconds Magazine Interview with Jessicka"] 1998</ref>

Jessicka has been romantically linked to several men in music such as [[Jeordie White]], guitarist [[Clint Walsh]] ([[Tweaker (Chris Vrenna)|Tweaker]], [[Gnarls Barkley]]), [[Carlos Dengler]] from [[Interpol (band)|Interpol]] and [[Scarling.]] guitarist [[Christian Hejnal]].

==Discography==
===Albums/CDs===
*Jack Off Jill, ''Children 5 and Up'', (1993)— writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, ''The Boygrinder Sessions'', (1994)— writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, ''Cannibal Song Book'', (1995)— writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, ''Cockroach Waltz'', (1996)— writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, ''[[Sexless Demons And Scars]]'' (1997) — writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, ''[[Clear Hearts Grey Flowers]]'' (2000)— writer, vocals
*Soundtrack, ''[[American McGee's Alice]]'' (2001) — vocals
*Scarling., ''[[Sweet Heart Dealer]]'', album (2004) — writer, vocals
*Scarling., ''[[So Long, Scarecrow]]'', album (2005) — writer, vocals

===Singles and EPs===

*Jack Off Jill, " My Cat/Swollen" ( 7" Rectum Records first pressing black and white 1993) — writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, " My Cat/Swollen" ( 7" Rectum Records second pressing color 1994) — writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, "Girlscout/ American Made" ( 7" Risk Records 1996) — writer, vocals
*Jack Off Jill, ''[[Covetous Creature]]'' (1998) — writer, vocals
*Honey To Ash, " Last Day In June" (Unquiet Grave Vol. 4 - [[Cleopatra Records]] 2000) — writer, vocals
*Messy, "Make You Believe" (Messy Music 2001) — writer, vocals
*Scarling., ''[[Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole]]'' (7", Sympathy for the Record Industry 2003) — writer, vocals
*Scarling., ''Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole'' (CD, Sympathy for the Record Industry, 2003) — writer, vocals
*Scarling., ''[[Crispin Glover (single)|Crispin Glover]]'' (7", Sympathy for the Record Industry, 2004) — writer, vocals
*Scarling., ''Crispin Glover'' (7", Sympathy for the Record Industry, 2004) — writer, vocals
*''Scarling. / The Willowz'' (split 7", Sympathy for the Record Industry, 2005) — writer, vocals
*Scarling., "[[Staring To The Sun]]" (CD, Sympathy for the Record Industry, 2006)— writer, vocals

== Filmography ==
* ''[[Ellie Parker]]'' (2005)

==See also==
* [[Jack Off Jill]], band
* [[Scarling.]], band

==Sources==
*[http://www.jessicka.com/&faq2.html Jessicka FAQ 2003]
*[http://www.chicagomusicguide.com/interview_scarling.htm Chicago Music Guide Scarling. Interview 2005]
*[http://www.jackoffjill.com JACK OFF JILL.com]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.scarling.com Scarling. official site]
*[http://www.myspace.com/scarling Scarling.'s MySpace]
*[http://www.jackoffjill.com Jack Off Jill]
*[http://www.jessicka.com Jessicka]

{{lgbt|Jessicka}}

[[Category:American female singers]]
[[Category:American atheists]]
[[Category:American rock singers]]
[[Category:Bisexual musicians]]
[[Category:Feminist artists]]
[[Category:Florida musicians]]
[[Category:People known by pseudonyms]]
[[Category:Third-wave Feminism]]
[[Category:Transgressive artists]]
[[Category:Indie rock musicians]]
[[Category:Italian-American musicians]]
[[Category:Sicilian-Americans]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:LGBT musicians from the United States]]

Jessicka - Revision history

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