Page 24 - SPIRE Digital Version SEP-DEC 2024 9th Issue

themselves in 15 min and they never change. Those are rare
B Y J O A N N E W I L M O T
First, let me say what a beautiful voice you have! You
stated that you started out singing at friends houses on
songwriter nights and eventually started writing songs
yourself. What was it about those beginning sessions
that made you realize music was your path?
Thank you so much for the compliment! The reality of it is
I’d always had a love of songwriting from my start in the
early days but it wasn’t until just the past few years that I
began to take it very seriously. I’d always had a “real job”
and wrote and performed when I could (like many do).
But after so many years of wanting to do nothing but
music and being too afraid to really pursue it, I said the
heck with it and now I’m finally doing what I think I was
put here to do. The little voice was always there, but it
was years before I decided to listen to it. No regrets
though – I believe things happen as they’re supposed to
happen and now, I’m enjoying every minute. It’s a tough © Shervin Lainez
life no question about that, but I wouldn’t change a thing!
J E N N A N I C H O L L S THU, DEC 12 | 7:30PM
The Spire Center is excited to welcome you back in to embrace the unexpected that comes with
December as part of our Spire Lobby Series. As an artist, collaboration: to trust. It can lead to some really
you seem just as comfortable being part of a duo as you
are being a solo performer. Do you have a preference? Is wonderful experiences that one could never have as a
there an artist that you would really like to collaborate solo performer. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve
with in the future? made through musical collaboration; probably more so
than anything else.
Another great question! There is a time and place for
both I think. The longer I do this though the more I’m Regarding a collab wish list: I’m really loving what Sierra the piano. It’s an instrument to which over the last few
enjoying collaborative efforts. It’s just plain old fun! I’ve Ferrall is doing right now – she’s a force and I’d love to years (starting in Covid) I’ve become deeply attached. © Shervin Lainez
learned to ease up a bit on myself and enjoy the process; work with her someday. I’m also a huge fan of T-Bone
Burnett’s production. There are lesser-known artists that
I’d love to work with as well and plenty in my own
neighborhood that are just fantastic!
I have idols too of course: Tom Waits and Randy Newman,
that are on my ultimate (albeit impossible) dream list. But
hey you never know!
Where do you begin with the writing process on most
songs? Does it begin with a hum, a melody or do the
words and ideas come first? Does it start with just
something you feel you must say?
Its never the same. I wish it was that would make things
so much easier, though perhaps less interesting.
Sometimes it will be a lyric that I like. I’ll write the song in
a day or two but then spend the next 6-8 months
rewriting everything about it, including the line I started
with. By the time it’s done, its completely different from
where I thought it would go. Then other times the lyrics
JENNA WITH PETER MULVEY AT THE SPIRE’S and melody come at the same time. Those songs finish
10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW.
PHOTO CREDIT: Denise Maccaferri
but such a blessing from the Heavens. Usually though it’s a
process of figuring out what exactly it is I’m trying to say, then
trying to say it in a visual way. If the message is clear I know I’ll
figure it out. If its not, then I know I’m in trouble.
“Piggy” which is featured on the Happy You Happy
Family website on their “go-to playlist of funny songs
for kids.” Are you interested in creating more children
friendly humorous tunes?
It’s funny, “Piggy” was never meant to be a children’s
song. It's more about a woman taking control of her life.
It's just presented in a very fun way. But kids love it and I
love that they do. Kids are the greatest audience in the
world – its instant unconditional adoration. What’s not
to love about that? I’m all for writing something for
them!
Regarding humor: I love writing humorous lyrics. For me
it opens the door to other subjects besides the
traditional love / relationship / breakup songs.
Stretching the lyric boundary is very important to me.
I’m a strong advocate for writing about whatever you
want and using imagination. People are quirky, unique,
strange, ugly and beautiful creatures who have all kinds
of hangups. They also laugh, and making an audience
laugh is the best feeling ever! There’s way too much
sadness in the world and I feel one of my jobs is to give
people a break from it for an hour.
What do you want your growing fan base to know
about you going forward? What are your favorite things
to do when you are not performing? Places to go?
When I’m not performing, I’m usually at home playing
Playing it is my favorite thing to do. I also love reading
and baking and going swimming in our local swimming
hole here in Woodstock NY. (There’s rarely anyone
there! There’s nothing better than having a swimming
hole all to yourself!)
I guess I’d like to people to know that I’m just out here
trying my very best and I hope they enjoy what I do.
T H U R S D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 4
Don’t miss Jenna Nicholls live—a voice that bridges
eras, weaving stories with a sound both nostalgic and
new. Her performances are as timeless as the songs she
sings. Whether sharing a stage with legends or crafting
tunes for film and TV, Jenna’s unique sound is one you
© Shervin Lainez
won’t want to miss.
T H E S P I R E C E N T E R M A G A Z I N E | 2 3