Tiny Vipers

American singer-songwriter

Tiny Vipers

Birth name| Jessica Louise Fortino
Born| 1983 (age 41-42)
Origin| Seattle, Washington, United States
Occupation| Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)| Vocals, guitar, keyboard
Years active| 2006–present
Labels| Sub Pop Records, Luckyhorse Industries, LEITER, Kranky (Mirrorring), Box Bedroom Rebels
Website| Tiny Vipers

Musical artist

Tiny Vipers (born 1983) is the musical project of Jessica Louise "Jesy" Fortino,[1] 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.[2] 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.[3]

## Career

[edit]

### Early work and Sub Pop

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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.[4] 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.[3]

Her follow-up album, Life on Earth was released on July 7, 2009, further solidified her reputation as a singular voice in contemporary folk.[5] 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.[5] Tracks like “Dreamer” showcased her ability to craft songs that felt both intimate and vast, drawing comparisons to Nico and Leonard Cohen.[6]

### Collaborations and Mirrorring

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On January 20, 2012, it was announced that Fortino would be releasing a collaborative album with Liz Harris of Grouper, under the name Mirrorring.[7] 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.[8][9][10]

### Return and recent work

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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.[11] NPR described the album as a “synthetic hymnal,” noting its experimental approach and Fortino’s continued exploration of existential themes.[12]

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.[13]

Fortino has also directed music videos, including one in 2023 for a single by Profit Prison titled "Sophia".

## Musical style

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Tiny Vipers' music is characterized by its minimalist approach, with Fortino often performing solo with just a guitar and her voice.[14] 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.[15]

## Discography

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### Solo discography

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* 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)[16][17]
* Laughter (EP, 2017)
* American Prayer (EP, 2022)
* Illusionz Vol. 1 (1997 - 2004) (LP, compilation of previously unreleased demo recordings, 2025)

### Mirrorring discography

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* Foreign Body (with Grouper) (LP, March 2012 on Kranky)

### Compilations

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* 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

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* Vocal samples and guitar on Orcas' self-titled album (LP, 2012)
* Vocals on "New Dawn Fades" by The Sight Below (Single, 2010)[18][19][20]
* Backing vocals on All is Wild, All is Silent, Balmorhea (LP, 2009)

## Critical reception

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Tiny Vipers has received widespread acclaim for her ability to create emotionally resonant and sonically innovative music.[21] Her work has been featured in outlets like Pitchfork, Exclaim!, and Seattle Weekly.[22] 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.”[3]

## References

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1. ^ "CM". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
2. ^ Ratliff, Ben (June 22, 2009). "Evil Chords and Jazz Flourishes". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
3. ^ a b c Pareles, Jon (July 15, 2007). "Tiny Vipers: A Meditative Approach to Folk". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
4. ^ Jegorow, Sebastian (October 8, 2009). "Tiny Vipers". Sonic Reducer. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
5. ^ a b Solarski, Matthew (June 17, 2009). "Tiny Vipers - Life on Earth". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
6. ^ Redmond, Sean (May 28, 2009). "Tiny Vipers - "Dreamer"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
7. ^ Pelly, Jenn (February 3, 2012). "Grouper and Tiny Vipers Announce Collaborative Album as Mirrorring". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
8. ^ Vodicka, Gabe. "Mirrorring - Foreign Body". Tiny Mix Tapes. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
9. ^ Terich, Jeff (March 20, 2012). "Mirrorring - Foreign Body". Treble. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
10. ^ Pelly, Jenn (March 16, 2012). "Mirrorring - Foreign Body". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
11. ^ Sodomsky, Sam (March 28, 2017). "Tiny Vipers - Laughter". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
12. ^ Gotrich, Lars (March 24, 2017). "Tiny Vipers Returns With First Album in 8 Years, Shares Synthetic Hymnal 'K.I.S.S.'". NPR. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
13. ^ Fisette, Jeremy J. (December 9, 2022). "Album Review: Tiny Vipers – *American Prayer* EP". Beats Per Minute. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
14. ^ Stosuy, Brandon (August 15, 2007). "Quit Your Day Job: Tiny Vipers". Stereogum. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
15. ^ Malley, John Donovan (October 8, 2023). "The Keening, S.E.R.P.E.N.T.E.N.T., Tiny Vipers @ Clock-Out Lounge, Seattle". Echoes and Dust. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
16. ^ Staff Writer (July 12, 2015). "Dag Rosenqvist; Tiny Vipers; Artificial Memory Trace; Ken Camden". Ambient Blog. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
17. ^ Altman, David (2012). "Tiny Vipers – AMBIENCE 3 (7″ + CD)". Vaguely Offensive. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
18. ^ "'New Dawn Fades' [Joy Division cover; ft. Tiny Vipers]". Pitchfork. March 2, 2010. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
19. ^ Desai, Manan (March 3, 2010). "The Sight Below: 'New Dawn Fades' (Joy Division Cover)". Prefix. Archived from the original on January 25, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
20. ^ McDonald, Scott (March 3, 2010). "The Sight Below: New Dawn Fades (Joy Division Cover)". Surfing on Steam. Archived from the original on March 6, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
21. ^ Hughes, Josiah (June 9, 2009). "Tiny Vipers - Life on Earth". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
22. ^ Cassidy, Laura (October 9, 2006). "Tiny Vipers". Seattle Weekly. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.

## External links

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* Tiny Vipers at Sub Pop Records
* Tiny Vipers on Myspace
* Tiny Vipers at Luckyhorse Industries
* Tiny Vipers at Bandcamp
* Acoustic Session for 'They Shoot Music – Don't They', March 2010
* Live à Rouen for Europe and co, Rouen (France) March, 5th 2010
* Acoustic Session for Europe and co, March 2010

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* United States
* Catalonia

Artists|

* MusicBrainz