Introspective Lyrics, Distinctive Sound
My name is Jessica Shipman, and I make music under the name The Shipman Sister. I am a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist creating songs that are raw, honest, and deeply human.
My sound is built on truth and real connection, peeling back the noise to speak directly to genuine emotion, lived experience, and the quiet moments we often keep to ourselves.
Growing up in rural Palmerston North, New Zealand, my creative path took a few turns before leading me to songwriting. I spent years working as a professional dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and collaborating with incredible artists like Douglas Wright and Michael Parmenter.
Later in life, as a mother and wife, music found me in a quiet chapter. When feelings ran deep and ordinary words felt like they were coming up short, I turned to the guitar and the blank page to untangle what was going on inside.
People often ask about the name. The Shipman Sister honors my family roots while marking my decision to carve out a space that is entirely my own. In a big family, it is easy to be thought of as a position in a sequence. For me, it is about being the first of one, living grounded in the middle of whatever chaos comes along, and making art without rigid boundaries.
About The Shipman Sister
“Not the fourth of six, but the first of one.”
Listeners are loving it.
"A stunning body of work from start to finish."
James R.
"I've had this on repeat all week. Every listen reveals something new."
Sophia M.
"One of the most cohesive albums I've heard in years. The production is beautiful, but it's the songwriting that really stays with you."
Daniel K.
"The emotion in these songs feels so genuine. It's rare to find an album that's both sonically ambitious and deeply personal."
Olivia T.
Tempered debut album is comprised of seven songs forged and fashioned by a keen observation and understanding of lived experience.
The Shipman Sister remains equanimous amid the chaos around her; she lives in the eye of the storm—not because the wind never touched her, but because it did.
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“Caravan Living” Living in your truth is a vessel for freedom. It is weathering when the world is constantly trying to shape you, “I’d rather be me than belong.”
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“The System” is a cutting rebuke of corporate workaholism.
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“I Eat Fire” To temper your emotion and using the heat to build resilience “as i become the power of the sun.”
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“Left” due to living apart depicts the disillusionment when a supposed sanctuary is seen for what it is. It is tolerating the pain of injustice, “I wish i had the strength to speak.”
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“Little Firefly” symbolizes a restless inner spark that cannot be controlled, “I don’t want to die here.” Always pushing us to keep moving toward something more.
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“Walk The Ride” is the trudge performing the role/duty as a mother. “I carry more than you can see.” being stable and finding joy with your children despite the endless loop of goodbyes.
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“Why?" Foundations crumble unsettling her stability, as she waits for her love to put a break in the cloud. “Can’t you see, I’m fading.”
FIND US
This is where you can find any additional information you might need!
Important links
http://youtube.com/@TheShipmanSister
https://theshipmansister.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/theshipmansister
theshipmansister@gmail.com