We recently connected with Jes Leneè McCombs and have shared our conversation below.

Jes Leneè , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

After a break up, my car dying, my bicycle stolen, being kicked out of my moldy rent house to be torn down, becoming ill, and loosing my job all in one summer, I decided at 23, I needed to leave… not just leave town, but the whole country to pursue my dream as a touring musician, yet there was a problem; I had just enough money for a one way ticket to Belgium. I impulsively bought it and arrived with my guitar and $150 to my name. Fortunately, I had booked a small music tour in the Netherlands to make a bit of money so I made my way to the land of tulips by way of a free train ticket provided by some random fellas I met in the airport.
Once I arrived in Amsterdam, I stayed in beautiful places- a lovely house boat, in a gypsy caravan, and various other homes of friends that I made while playing shows and selling albums.
I had the great honor of playing gigs at unique venues such as a greenhouse, museum, a squatters art house and on their national radio station until I journeyed to Paris to busk in front of Notre Dame and in Montmartre.
I went from feeling as though I failed as a musician to being treated like royalty and making enough money to continue traveling around Europe for months.
Most importantly, I was able to fulfill my dream of going on tour and exploring such inspiring cultures all with only a one way ticket and $150.

Jes Leneè , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Band- Autumn Shade consists of Jes Leneè on guitar piano accordion banjo and vocals, Sharla Ember on violin and harmony vocals, Nathan Wright on banjo, accordion, and harmony vocals, Jordan Hehl on upright bass and harmony vocals

Sound- Bohemian Fairy Folk, ethereal vocals, 4 part harmonies, dreamy strings, nature inspired lyrics, with a little splash of old European intertwined with Ozark bluegrass

Albums- Grandfather’s Attic, Ezra Moon, Lady of the Forest, Isabelle has Wings, More than Folk compilations-Paris, Bitterroot & Magpie, Keep your Eyes on the Prize compilation- Oklahoma, Frankincense + Myrrh

As a child I’d create songs on my toy piano until I graduated to a full size piano then as a teen I found a guitar tucked behind some clothes in a closet. I decided to try and learn how to play since I was deeply influenced by guitarist William Patrick Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins.
I practiced from sun up until the moon was bright and full. It was my life.
Always feeling a bit out of place, I’d find I could create the imaginative places I’d dream of by writing music especially out in nature among the trees and creeks of the Ozark foothills.
At 16, I began attending open mics at a bohemian coffeeshop in downtown Tulsa where I met eclectic poets and outcasts. They encouraged me to share my bohemian folky songs with them, yet I was incredibly shy so it took me months before I did. I played my song Black Rain and received a standing ovation. Perhaps they were just being supportive, yet it sparked my courage.
I started playing locally under the name Autumn Shade as my boyfriend at the time Derick Snow would do live paintings of moons and trees. We then recorded an ep Grandfathers Attic with my drummer friend Wesly Rowe.
Derick and I decided to take a Jack Kerouac inspired road trip around the states living in our tiny Toyota and stopping in LA to do some acting gigs and play a few shows.
As I was acting in a Sears commercial, I befriended a photographer who did a photo documentary of us living in a tent on the beach and I gave him my ep.
He loved it and gave it to his music manager friend who managed the top pop artist in Europe at the time and he offered to represent me.
I was a wild free spirited (perhaps a but foolish) 19 year old who wanted to continue traveling so I turned him down and simply wrote songs in the forests and remained a nomad.
We eventually added new members to the band Sharla Ember on violin and Nathan Wright on various instruments we recorded a full album Ezra Moon that was picked up by record label Strange Attractors Audio House in Portland, OR. We sold a good amount of albums in the Netherlands so I decided to do a tour there and were on their national radio VBRO.
After returning home, I started learning banjo and accordion and we recorded a few more albums and eps adding upright bassist Jordan Hehl to the band.
We played locally opening for Smogs Bill Callahan and festivals featuring prominent bands such as the Flaming Lips. I’d also play festivals in Paris every other year.
Five years ago one of my lifelong dreams came true. The most influential musical inspiration for me since I was 10 years old, William Patrick Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins came over to my little cottage where we had tea and played music together. It was a true highlight and profound blessing.
As of now we still play locally, we’re recently on an Okie folk compilation record, have an album in the works, and there is talk of a possible project with WP Corgan.

In addition to music, I gained certification in Iridology and apprenticed with a wise Native American Iridologist healer.
I also learned of herbal tincture medicine making and handcraft my own blends as Prairie Song Apothecary to sell at faires and festivals.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The two most rewarding aspects of being an artist would probably have to be the community and unique opportunities. I was quite lonely before I played music yet through music, I met amazing friends and had incredible serendipitous type of opportunities. Whenever I’d travel I always had a guitar on my back which made me seem more approachable. I’d have people on trains offer me food, places to stay, and friendship almost immediately just because I was a musician. It’s a beautiful benefit.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I never expected to engage in any vocation other than music since that was my passion, yet because of battling health issues for years, I was motivated to learn Iridology and herbal tincture making which opened up a whole other world to me. I felt I could integrate and nourish two sides of myself as well as facilitate healing to others. I had hoped to inspire folks on a soul level with music, yet now I could also attempt to help on a physical level bringing them to homeostasis.

Contact Info:

• Website: Autumn-Shade.com
• Instagram: @autumnshademusic

Image Credits
Ben Ihloff Virginie Lilith