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Montaigne

The voice of a new generation in Australia, at only 24, Sydney-based artist and activist Montaigne (born Jess Cerro) has become an important name in the indie music scene. The past few years have seen them recognized for their work: their original songs voted on to Triple J Radio's Hottest 100, an ARIA award for Best Breakthrough Artist and a nomination for Best Female Artist in 2016.

Montaigne's debut album, Glorious Heights, produced by Tony Buchen, hit the charts at #4 and their second album COMPLEX was released in 2019 to rave reviews. Singles such as Ready gained extensive commercial radio play and propelled them even further as a household name. As Craig Mathieson of the Sydney Morning Herald put it, "Montaigne creates music that has a thrilling waywardness, baroque pomp and storm-the-stage energy".

Montaigne has just completed their third national tour, where they played some of Australia's biggest summer festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Lost Paradise, Woodford Folk Festival, Groovin the Moo, Party in the Paddock, Field Day and WOMADelaide. Having opened for international acts like Cindy Lauper and Blondie, the young performer continues to garner praise for their stunning live presence. "Their performance will go down as one of the best concerts of the year, without a doubt," wrote The Music of her most recent Sydney show.

The challenging and inspiring lyrics of Don't Break Me are reminiscent of the philosopher who inspired her moniker. With melodies to get lost in and the most energetic of live performances, Montaigne represents the next generation of artists who march to the beat of their own drum.

Music video

Lyrics of Don't Break Me

I don't feel the same buzz
When your name comes up on my phone
Anymore
Feels like I don't feel you
I fear you
And it makes me cry on my floor

It feels like you're taking me for granted
I've given you everything I have, yeah
And I can barely bring to mind
The reason why I've stretched myself so far for
You

But oh ho ho, I can't take it anymore

Don't break me
Don't break me down, down, down, down
Don't break me
Are you hearing me now, now, now, now?
You thought I was elastic
But maybe I'm just made of glass
Don't break me
Don't break me down

Isn't love a compromise
Two people trying to keep the fire burning?
You've been busy playing round and starting fights
While I've been busy earning
Every time that I try to explain it
You think that your pain is more important
And the hardest thing is that I don't wanna give you up
I love you, I love you, I love you

But oh, ho, ho, I can't take it anymore

Don't break me
Don't break me down, down, down, down
Don't break me
Are you hearing me now, now, now, now?
You thought I was elastic
But maybe I'm just made of glass
Don't break me
Don't break me down

I lie awake while you're asleep
I listen to the sound
Of all the words I couldn't say 'til now

Don't break me
Don't break me down, down, down, down
Don't break me
Are you hearing me now, now, now?
You thought I was elastic
But maybe I'm just made of glass
Don't break me
Don't break me down
Don't break me