Datura, AKA Jessica Pyrdsa, was immersed in the arts from a young age. Born and raised on the East Coast, her mother, a piano teacher and church singer, and her father, a fine art painter, filled her childhood with music, art, and creativity. The sounds of Chopin and Bach and the smells of oil paint and incense were constant companions as she began exploring the piano before she could walk.

Pyrdsa studied classical piano under her mother and went on to earn a degree in Music Business with a minor in Classical Piano at Monmouth University. During this time, she discovered a deep passion for jazz, falling in love with iconic voices like Nina Simone, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt. In the grand halls of her university, she began crafting her first songs. This creative spark led her to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010, where she dove into the vibrant jazz and blues scenes, finding her voice in the clubs and bars of the South.

In 2012, Pyrdsa moved to Austin, Texas, with a goal: to make her mark on the city’s renowned live music scene. She created a list of venues she dreamed of playing and, over time, checked off each one, earning her place among Austin’s celebrated performers. Alongside her steady gigs, she launched a monthly residency at the Historic Scoot Inn with her Piano Lounge series and organized the annual Austin Tribute to Tom Waits, showcasing her admiration for the legendary artist. She also co-founded Jazz Kween, an all-inclusive music and comedy performance series. Pyrdsa’s artistry extended beyond Austin, taking her to major festivals like Electric Forest and Lightning in a Bottle.

Her self-titled debut album, released in 2016, was produced by Americana and honky-tonk piano mentor Charlie Pierce and Justin Douglas of King Electric Recording. She followed up in 2020 with two singles: “Hotel Lobby” (accompanied by a music video) and a soulful cover of Tom Waits' “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis.” These releases further cemented her reputation as a poignant and versatile artist.

Critics and fans alike have praised Pyrdsa’s ability to weave emotion into every note. American Songwriter described her voice as “a velvety texture between the vintage poise of Nina Simone and the modern wink of Amy Winehouse,” while her piano work recalls “Regina Spektor’s inventiveness and Rufus Wainwright’s flair.”

In February 2023, she released “Kind of Love,” a single featuring vulnerable lyrics set against a dreamy blend of keys, bass, and saxophone. Her artistry has since evolved even further, culminating in her highly anticipated sophomore album, "Saint Cecilia," releasing in September of 2025. The album explores themes of devotion, transformation, and resilience, drawing inspiration from saints and martyrs while showcasing her distinct ability to merge soulful jazz with poetic storytelling.

With "Saint Cecilia," Datura draws inspiration from the unseen, the spiritual, the mystical, and the intangible forces that shape love, heartbreak, and resilience. The album blends her signature jazz and blues sound with raw emotion, creating a deeply personal reflection on the transformative power of what lies beyond the surface.