Philadelphia Venues and Worldwide Artists Connect

Email Interview with Jennings

I'm Justin Harlan aka thepaintedman, I run a website (that's covered you on a few occasions) and also do interviews for phillyvenues.org. The latter is today's capacity... so let's start at the beginning, a very good place to start:

PV - who is Jennings?

Jennings - Well, I am Jennings. :)

PV - From NYC, I believe you said... so you get to Philly quite a bit? Where are your favorite Philly venues to play at?

Jennings - I actually from Nashville, TN but I live in NYC now. I love Philly and I just started playing a lot there within the past year. I especially love Hard Rock Cafe and Grape Room. They are both such wonderful venues with amazing people!

PV - How about Philly acts, any great artists down here you've been privileged to shared a bill with?
Jennings - Every act that I have played with I have loved but I have a few that I have played a few times that have become good friends. I toured with Avi Wisnia not too long ago which is great and I also adore Lovebettie. I recently opened for Jeffrey Gaines as well which was just a real treat!

PV - Thanks, so... tell us a bit about your music. Who are you influences? Who do people compare your style and sound?

Jennings - When people ask me what/who I sound like, it is genreally something like "Sarah McLachlan with more edge, Tori Amos with less anxt and Imogen Heap with fewer tricks." I am influenced by a lot though. Aside from the previously mentioned, I grew up with Madonna, Michael Jackson, Celtic Music, Bluegrass, Kate Bush, Paula Cole, etc. For the most part, everything that appeals to me musically becomes an influence.

PV - Great. So, on 2 of the releases I've been privileged to check out you cover some great popular radio tunes, notably Rihanna's "Umbrella" and the Foo Fighter's "Everlong"... what other songs have you covered and what made you choose these songs?

Jennings - When playing live I have covered quite a few. I always try to do songs that are very different from my genre or sound so that there is no room for comparison. The fun of covering a song is putting my own spin on it. I have covered "Youth of the Nation" by P.O.D., "E.T." by Katy Perry, "What is Love" by Haddaway. It is really whatever strikes me at the time. I got a lot of positive response from "Everlong" and "Umbrella" which made me want to record them.

PV - My personal favorite cover songs of all-time are probably Stretch Armstrong's cover of "Melt with You" and Reel Big Fish's cover of "Take on Me", though I always enjoy a good cover. What do you think makes a cover song a good cover song?

Jennings - Well, like I said before, the fun of a cover for me is doing it in my style and my own way. You need to stay true to the song to some degree because you are attracted to it for a reason, but half the fun is a new interpretation.

PV - So, before we wrap up I wanted to ask you a personal question. On my website, thepaintedman.com, I often discuss faith and spirituality. It's a vital part of how I live my life and I think it's integral in most people's lives in some way or another. What's your take on God and how do these types of personal beliefs impact the art you make?

Jennings - Wow...that is a heavy question. I will answer with this. Spirituality is a huge part of my life and my music. In large part the combination of faith and music is what helped me survive my mother's death. For me, my faith keeps me going and makes me feel that I have a purpose. I believe that I am destined to do music in some way for the rest of my life, so that is exactly what I am doing.

PV - Thanks so much for indulging me on that question, I appreciate it. Before I head back to my final couple of questions about you and your music, can I ask what movie you've seen this Summer or are planning to see this Summer has you most interested and excited? For example, as we chat I am am dying to get out and see Deathly Hallows Part 2, but I have no sitter for the kids.

Jennings - I DEFINITELY want to see Deathly Hallows! Harry Potter has been a favorite of mine for a while. I feel sure I will cry since it's the last one! I am also kinda excited to see the remake of Fright Night. I know it will probably be terrible but I am a horror movie junkie and I remember the original so I think it will be a fun one.

PV - Well, I guess we should end on a musical note. What's in store for Jennings for the rest of 2011 and coming up in 2012 (besides the end of the world)?

Jennings - I plan to keep touring a ton (lots in Philly), keep writing and see what happens. I just came out with a new album in April called Collapse, Collide so I will be spending a lot of time promoting that. But yeah, I will just keep on plugging away spreading my music like wildfire. :)

PV - Thanks so much for the interview, I appreciate it. Any final thoughts for the readers of phillyvenues.org?

Jennings - Thanks so much for having me. It means the world to me to have your support. I guess my only final thing is that if people want music, info, or to connect with me, you can do so on my website.www.jennings-music.com. Thanks again. And hope to see you in Philly soon!!

<p></p>