Jennifer Rose, solo American rock singer. Interview October 30, 2012.
Jennifer Rose Interview
Could you tell me what you’ve been up to in the world of music?
I have been writing lyrics and melodies for a new collection of songs. I just finished writing a new song called “In it to Win it” with Warren Huart who is in L.A. and is a multi-talented musician, arranger, engineer, song writer. He just recently finished working with one of my all-time favorite bands, Aerosmith, on their new album, so I feel pretty lucky to work with him on my new songs.
What’s your take on the sex appeal in the music business and its importance?
Well, I think sex appeal in the world of Pop music is different than it is in the Rock n’ Roll world. I think in Pop it’s almost all about looks and packaging. Rock n’ Rollers are sexy because of the attitude that goes with being a Rocker. It’s an attitude of living your life on your terms, being strong and proud of who you are without giving in to what society deems to be valuable and beautiful, living life to the fullest and telling anyone who tries to tell you otherwise to kiss off! My favorite singers and musicians are sexy because of the music they create and the way they make me feel. I love costumes, hair and make-up and all that goes with Glam Rock, but if the music sucks I don’t care how attractive the band members are, I will not buy into it. I’m not into Disney boys and girls just because they are cute. Their music is so contrived and I detest that whole machine. Rock and Rock is the polar opposite of all of that. Rock and Roll is Real and THAT is sexy!
What does the band think of Social Media Online?
You have to have it, that’s not even an option. I know when I hear of something that interests me, the next chance I get I’ll search for it online. If nothing comes up or the site doesn’t seem professional, I don’t give it another thought. For musicians it’s hugely important. You can get the word out locally through word of mouth and with your gigs but if you want to build beyond the local coffee shop you have to have something online. You’re own web site is great, but if no one knows about you it’s unlikely very many people will stumble across you by accident. There must be hundreds of sites for discovering new music, so which ones do you sign up for? Try to sign up everywhere and you’ll spend most of your days trying to keep the sites up to date with no time for music. The key is to know who your audience is and then try to find the music sites and social networks that attract that crowd.
It makes it tougher without it. The music is what the artist in you craves to express, but if you are going to survive you have to wear the business hat sometimes. Merchandise is not just another revenue stream, it’s also an indicator. If you are making music that really touches and excites people, they will be willing to buy merch to remind them of the experience you gave them, to declare their loyalty to you, and to spread the word. And that’s pretty cool.
What would be some of your main influences?
I am loving the new music from the Slash collaboration with Myles Kennedy. That is influencing my current songs that I am writing. And as always, AC/DC (I’m a huge Bon Scott fan), Aerosmith.
Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life?
A perfect day is when my day is all encompassing of music. I’m always listening to music or thinking about lyrics and song ideas no matter what I am doing. Even when I am not trying to think about music, my brain will click over in the middle of a conversation and I will get an idea for a song.
I’m really looking forward to performing again soon, because all I have been doing is writing. I miss sharing live music with people. It’s the most amazing experience of all!
Any new albums in the future?
Definitely! I have been writing non-stop and have enough songs for two albums, and the ideas keep coming. We’ll see which songs are meant to reach people first! A collection of the songs are in the same vein, and others seem to come from pure, random inspiration and go in a totally different direction, so we’ll see how the next album comes together. It will be interesting, and as always very spirited!
Any Jennifer Rose advice for musicians that are starting in the music industry?
Do it because your soul requires it from you, and for no other reason. The music industry is not an easy industry by any means. You have to pave your own way and develop your own voice. Creatively, if you let other people steer you down a different road than your own vision, that isn’t what being an artist is all about. So go do and live it, own it and enjoy it!