|
The spotlight artist section is a place where we can get to know
a subscriber, battle of the bands winner (our national act that
happens to be in the vicinity of Dave). This issue we learn that
you don’t have to be “old” (in terms of touring)
to have some wise thoughts on putting on a show. When I interviewed
Jhene Erwin about a month ago, she had only gigging for 6 months.
However, you will see that she is using technology to create an
entertaining show.
Jhene Erwin Interview
Dave: How do you pronounce your name? Is it like Gene?
JHENE: It rhymes with Dana with a zh sound at the beginning.
As in fuSHion. My birth name, I promise. It comes from a Ray Bradbury
book. My parents made up the pronunciation.
Dave: When I listened to your song clips, I heard alot of
passion in your music
JHENE: Thanks. I'm glad that translates.
Dave: So what is the meaning of the title of your CD Dog
in the Manger?
JHENE: It can mean many things. It is an old saying meaning
a situation that is hindering progress. (That's a bit of a paraphrase.)
To me it means many things. It can mean hindering progress, as well
as finding something where it doesn't belong. This often adds a
sense of irony. Think of the three wise men finding a dog in the
manger. Frankincense and Mihr, not such good gifts. Also, because
many of the songs are about broken people trying to put their lives
in order it feels relevant in that sense as well
DAVE: According to your web site much of the CD was inspired
during a time when you lived in a "Red light" district
of Toronto? What was the worst thing you saw while living there?
JHENE: Seeing the prostitutes get out of the john's car was
always disconcerting. Knowing what just took place. One morning
I woke up to a blood trail out the front of my apartment. But moments
like hearing a conversation outside my window that went like this...
John "whore!!!"
Prostitute. "I'm not a whore I'm a prostitute. Your
mother's a whore."
...these moments stay with me the most. A woman being verbally
assaulted and trying to find her dignity in that moment.
DAVE: Wow. That’s hard to watch.
DAVE: How do you classify your music?
JHENE: I'm calling it "New Lounge." I tried summing
up my music in 20 words or less and I know I lost people after about
word number 3. Eyes would glaze over. It is a combination of Portishead,
Bjork and Leonard Cohen. Those seem to be the three most often mentioned
artists when people try to classify. Also, I am told, "David
Lynch would love this!!"
DAVE: That seems accurate.
DAVE: When you perform, is there anybody else in your band?
How do you pull this off live? I see you in front of a drum set
in some of the pictures on your web site, and congas in another?
JHENE: The live show varies. I was having a hard time getting
musicians to show up to rehearsals and gigs so I decided to compose
everything by myself. I taught myself protools. This way, If I do
have a bass player, I can just edit out the bass line for that gig.
Right now, for my next gig. I am using a percussionist. He is on
one side of the stage. On the other side is a digital projector.
I run the set off a dvd slide show that I shot and edited. I run
both sound and visuals out of my laptop.
DAVE: Look at you! You geek!;-)
DAVE: That sounds very innovative (By the way, I am on a
help desk support = GEEK)
JHENE: I know!! I'm so excited. I also built my own website.
I love knowing how to do all this stuff. Call me a geek. I'm proud
of it! Gosh darn it!! How's that for geeky?
DAVE: What did you use to edit the dvd? Software-wise..
JHENE: I used imovie on a mac. It was really simple.
DAVE: I just did my first DVD burning and it was a nightmare.
Ah ha that’s the key MAC = easy / PC = nightmare....
DAVE: What software are you using to create your site?
JHENE: I used adobe go live.
DAVE: Are you still acting?
JHENE: I'm not perusing it. Someday I may go back to it but
right now the music is taking all my time, and creative energy.
Happily so, I might add.
DAVE: Dona
Oxford (A previous interview) also said she preferred the music
world. The acting thing seemed to be a bit more vicious...
JHENE: I think it depends. I met some amazing people acting.
It can definitely be vicious but I just try to surround myself with
great people. That helps me weather all storms. The main thing with
the music is I'm getting to express exactly what I want to express.
That is the best feeling.
DAVE: Do you have any "motto" or slogans that
you tend to live by?
JHENE: Oh lord. This is when I'm meant to say something witty,
intelligent and lasting. Okay. Lets see. I'll be just a moment.
DAVE: or you could say - "Next question...." You
don't have to answer them all....
JHENE: If you don't have your own mic, bring your own sterilizing
swabs to gigs in case the microphone smells.
DAVE: AMEN!
DAVE: How long have you been performing/singing music?
JHENE: This is new to me. I finished writing "Dog in
the Manger," in December. I have been gigging for six months
now.
DAVE: Anything you wish someone would've told you, any surprises
(besides the smelly mic)...?
JHENE: Just because someone says something, doesn't mean
it's true.
DAVE: Yeah, I've got two rubber checks to prove that one
JHENE: Yikes.
DAVE: Who were your musical influences growing up?
JHENE: Velvet Underground. Leonard Cohen. The Who. Patty
Smyth, Queen, Bjork, John Lennon...
DAVE: What’s in your CD player now?
JHENE: Sade, Bruce McCulloch, Cold Play, Groove Armada and
Eminem
DAVE: Any marketing ideas that you are using to promote
your CD that seem to be working? How has working with CD
Baby been?
JHENE: CD Baby has been great. Promoting my CD... Yeah, shows
really seem to be the best way. Also, I do poetry readings. That
works well. I am still learning about promotion.
DAVE: Derek (from CD baby) has a great email list called
musicthoughts (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musicthoughts/)
JHENE: I get frequent e-mails from Derek and CD Baby. His
advice is solid. I'll have to check out musicthoughts see if there
is any new info.
DAVE: I am working on a story about "Spooky" fans.
Ever had any fans (for the record we love all our fans---nuff said)
that just "weirded" you out?
JHENE: Sometimes. Because my work is intense it can attract
some characters. But it is always interesting. I've never felt threatened.
I hope it stays that way.
DAVE: Do you have a favorite gig that stands out?
JHENE: Like a mother with her children each gig is special
in its own way....I'm joking and yet... I'm serious. I hope my humor
translates.
DAVE: I know what ya mean. Kind of hard to pick your favorite...
likewise hard to say there is a "Worst" cause even bad
pizza is edible. Hence a bad gig is a still a chance to perform...
JHENE: True. The worst gig was the one at which I arrived
to play and someone had messed up and I wasn't on the list. That's
frustrating. Heads will roll!!!!!!
DAVE: Ah the ever present "Double booking" ...
DAVE: I want to thank you for putting up with me tonight.
Anything you wish I had asked, but I didn't?
JHENE: No you've been great. Nice "chatting" with
you.
DAVE: Super. Thanks again..
For more information go to www.jheneerwin.net
.
|
