ION INDIE MAGAZINE December 2014, Volume 7 | Page 79

audience can't hear what the song is REALLY supposed to sound like. For some songs in particular, those other
layers are an extremely important part of the song as a whole. With “WINDOW”, I can finally put it all together and
the listener can finally hear the full body of each song, and all of the emotion and flavor that goes with it. “Window”
is exactly what its name implies--a way to peer in. To see through the outer barrier into the complexity of human
emotion. I am a woman who feels...who feels deeply, and these songs are just a fraction of the resulting emotional
outcry of life, love, betrayal, abuse, loss, and inner strength. “WINDOW” is, without question, comprised of some of
the deepest, most personal music that has come out of me. These songs show me where I've been, what I've
survived, and who I've become. That's what it means to ME. What it means to YOU remains to be seen, and I can't
wait to hear what you think of it! From a professional standpoint, this album is my chance to move forward.
Regardless of what area of the music industry you're trying to break into, they always want to hear your music. Until
now, I've had nothing to give them except my YouTube address, which doesn't do justice to what I hear, what I've
written, and what I want to do. With “Window”, I can put an album in their hand, in their inbox, but most
importantly...in their ears, and give the industry professionals a better assessment of me as an artist. The writing of
this album has been ongoing for the past few years. Over the last year or so, I've been selecting and fine-tuning the
songs. I've made rough recordings of them and have been adding to them piece by piece. I've got a wonderful group
of musicians helping me on this, as I mentioned earlier, and we've worked together to make sure to really get the
sound that I'm looking for. I'm more proud of this album than anything I've done before, and I can't wait for everyone
to hear it!
CeeJ: Many artists have found ways to work with their fans to get their music to them. These funding campaigns seem
to not only help the artist with the funding, but the fans get a little something extra in knowing that it was because
of them the album was possible. Tell us a bit about your campaign.
Jenn: I am a huge fan of the crowdfunding platform. I think it's a fabulous way for artists and their fans to connect.
It's a great way for the artist to maintain their creativity and to honor their work rather than having it be dictated to
them by the "powers-that-be." It's also a wonderful opportunity for the fans to really show the artist their support,
and what their work really means to them. Plus, they can take pleasure in knowing that it all happened because of
them! Running a crowdfunding campaign definitely has its challenges, and it's a lot of work, but to me, it's worth it.
CeeJ: If you could pick just one song that would sum up your feelings about what music means to you, what song
would it be and why?
Jenn: I have thought long and hard about this question, and then suddenly it occurred to me that the answer was
right in front of my face...in my song that I was planning to, and in fact, have included with this interview: “PIANO”.
This is a copy of the roughly-recorded track from my pre-production and is a good example of the work I've done and
plan to take to the studio. Why is “PIANO” the song that best sums up how I feel about music? Honestly, sometimes
music is all I have. It's my anchor. My strength. The truest of friends on the days when it feels like the world has
abandoned me. It has literally saved my life on more than one occasion. Other times, I pour myself into a song, and
it doesn't end up turning into much. But that can be just as helpful. Sometimes music is clarity. It teaches me
something, or reveals something to me that I didn't know or expect. It helps me understand myself, and allows me
to transform the depth of events or emotions into something more tangible for me, or others, to comprehend. No
matter what though, it is always my vessel. It has carried me from where I was, to where I am, and to wherever I am
going. All of these things weave through each other in both the music, and the lyrics, of this song.
CeeJ: I know that you have played different types of venues and gigs. What has been your favorite to play and why?
Jenn: I don't know if I can pick just one favorite. Every venue has its strengths and its own qualities that I enjoy.
Playing at a local coffee shop lets people relax and have the opportunity to really listen to the music. They can get