Meet E^ST, The Artist Behind A Beautiful, Lonely Song Called “Blowjob”

Melisa Bester has soul. The artist better known as E^ST (pronounced "east") has been making waves Down Under with her tender vocals and no-fuss take on pop. "Life Goes On" set the bar high as her breakthrough single, and she's surpassed herself since then with an EP of unexpected remixes and this year's sexy, sad girl single, "Blowjob."

With three other EPs under her belt, E^ST is primed for a proper LP, but she's more interested in taking her time, song-by-song. She takes care of her time, crafting cheeky songs like "Blowjob" out of dark times. Of that particular song, E^ST says it's "about having unrealistic expectations and having reality shake you because of it. It's about going after what we want in all the wrong ways. It's about being lonely." 

Listen to the song and get to know E^ST in our interview, below.

What are you most proud of so far in terms of your career?

So many things! But I think mainly I'm proud of my growth and how much I've developed since starting this project.

What famous person dead or living do most wish you could have as a roommate?

I think Noel Fielding would be a pretty fun roommate.

What is your favorite driving music?

During the day, I love listening to more upbeat music, and at night, I love listening to dreamy music.

Whose career would you most like to emulate?

I recently saw Stevie Nicks live in concert and remember thinking to myself, Damn, I'd love to have a career as long-lasting and successful as hers.

What’s your favorite place to write music?

I don't really have one place. I love writing all around the world, in all sorts of different spaces.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Homeschooled, punk, wannabe

If you had to wear one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why?

Probably a pair of classic Chuck Taylors—they go with everything and can endure many things.

Do you have any pre-show superstitions?

Not really! My bandmates and I usually like to have a quiet moment with each other before going on stage.

If you had to live in a past time, what do you think would be the most fun era and why?

I think the '80s would've been super-fun! I just love everything about that decade.

What activities do most enjoy doing alone?

I love exploring nature alone.

When are you most relaxed?

When I'm near the ocean.

What was the last great thing you read?

I'm currently reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It's really beautiful.

What kind of person were you in high school?

I was definitely a drama club kid.

Can you tell me a quality about yourself that you are genuinely proud of?

My adaptability. I've found myself in so many different places and situations in my life, and, I think, I normally handle them pretty well.

Do you have any phobias?

Not really, but bats kind of freak me out.

What’s a side of you that people are unlikely to know about? Either in terms of interests, hobbies, or personality?

I guess I'm a little geekier than people might think. I love reading fantasy and watching anime and playing video games, that sort of thing.

What are some new hobbies you would like to take on?

I would love to learn how to surf, and I'm learning French at the moment.

What’s your next project?

I'm just taking it song-by-song for now and, hopefully, working my way toward an album.

Where do you hope to be professionally in five years?

Making music that excites me, and have other people be excited by it, too.

If there was one phrase that best sums up your approach to life, what might it be?

No expectations amount to no disappointments.