Jennifer “JJ” Leigh

Jennifer Leigh
Performing with The Devotchkas Los Angeles 2023
Background information
Also known as	JJ/JJ Devotchka, Jane Scarlett.
Born	(1979-12-10) December 10, 1979
Origin	New York, New York, U.S.
Genres	punk street punk hardcore
Occupation(s)	vocalist, musician, songwriter, actress, screenwriter, producer, activist
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active	1996–present
Labels	Punkcore Records Dig My Grave records Something Wicked productions
Website	thedevotchkas.com

Jennifer “JJ” Leigh (born December 10, 1979) is an American artist, activist, and musician known most notably for lead vocals in all-female punk band The Devotchkas.

Early years

The Auxiliary (1997–1999)

Leigh started her 1st band - The Auxiliary - in high school with fellow classmates. After being kicked out of their local high school’s battle of the bands, they went on to play a few small local shows before the lineup changed, eventually coming together with friends Mande (The Devotchkas) playing bass, Ricky on guitar and Renee on drums. This lineup recorded “Bottles and Bruises” - the only recorded song to date by the band - and the only song at the time which Leigh wrote both the music and lyrics to in 1997. The song would hold popularity under the radar, and eventually go on to be recorded with The NY Rel-x (then using the name The Relix at the time before a cease and desist was issued to the band), as Leigh was the original singer during the band’s formative years.

The Relix/NY Rel-X (1999–2001)

After hearing Leigh sing a short set with The Auxiliary at Coney Island High, bassist Adi recruited Leigh as vocalist for a new band she and then-boyfriend Johnny of The Krays were starting. This band, starting out as The Relix, released an eight-song demo “Some Have to Dance, Some Have to Kill”, as well as a rare split with The Krays which included a cover of The Violators Summer of ‘81, and did a few short East Coast stints with Leigh on vocals before the lineup changed and the band was re-named The NY Rel-X.

The Devotchkas (2001–present)

Shortly after her departure from the NY Rel-X, Leigh - who was initially set to record backing vocals - was asked by longtime friends/founders of the band The Devotchkas to take over on lead vocal duties during recording of Live Fast, Die Young and to step in as the band’s permanent vocalist thereafter.

Acting and film work

During hiatus from The Devotchkas, Leigh began acting in low-budget horror films under the pseudonym Jane Scarlett, and landed the lead role of Erin Cooper in Media Blasters 1st in-house horror production of Flesh for the Beast.

Leigh most recently appeared as Eyez in Thrust!, a “post apocalyptic girl gang thriller” featuring Linnea Quigley.

In late 2023, Leigh announced her involvement in upcoming horror film Wolves- a female revenge horror thriller.

Activism and Women as Wolves Project

In April of 2023, Leigh founded a nonprofit entitled the Women as Wolves project. A survivor of domestic abuse, Leigh spearheaded the project, with a focus in particular on narcissistic and emotional abuse, and helping survivors work through their trauma via artistic means in the form of painting, writing and music workshops in collaboration with multiple partners in the greater Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area.

References

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