Page 25 - SPIRE Digital Version SEP-DEC 2024 9th Issue

themselves in 15 min and they never change. Those are rare
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
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 Family website on their “go-to playlist of funny songs
stated that you started out singing at friends houses on for kids.” Are you interested in creating more children
songwriter nights and eventually started writing songs friendly humorous tunes?
yourself. What was it about those beginning sessions It’s funny, “Piggy” was never meant to be a children’s
that made you realize music was your path? song. It's more about a woman taking control of her life.
Thank you so much for the compliment! The reality of it is It's just presented in a very fun way. But kids love it and I
I’d always had a love of songwriting from my start in the love that they do. Kids are the greatest audience in the
early days but it wasn’t until just the past few years that I world – its instant unconditional adoration. What’s not
began to take it very seriously. I’d always had a “real job” to love about that? I’m all for writing something for
and wrote and performed when I could (like many do). them!
But after so many years of wanting to do nothing but Regarding humor: I love writing humorous lyrics. For me
music and being too afraid to really pursue it, I said the it opens the door to other subjects besides the
heck with it and now I’m finally doing what I think I was traditional love / relationship / breakup songs.
put here to do. The little voice was always there, but it Stretching the lyric boundary is very important to me.
was years before I decided to listen to it. No regrets I’m a strong advocate for writing about whatever you
though – I believe things happen as they’re supposed to want and using imagination. People are quirky, unique,
happen and now, I’m enjoying every minute. It’s a tough © Shervin Lainez strange, ugly and beautiful creatures who have all kinds
life no question about that, but I wouldn’t change a thing! of hangups. They also laugh, and making an audience
J E N N A N I C H O L L S THU, DEC 12 | 7:30PM laugh is the best feeling ever! There’s way too much
The Spire Center is excited to welcome you back in to embrace the unexpected that comes with sadness in the world and I feel one of my jobs is to give
December as part of our Spire Lobby Series. As an artist, collaboration: to trust. It can lead to some really people a break from it for an hour.
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 What do you want your growing fan base to know
there an artist that you would really like to collaborate solo performer. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve about you going forward? What are your favorite things
with in the future? made through musical collaboration; probably more so to do when you are not performing? Places to go?
than anything else.
Another great question! There is a time and place for When I’m not performing, I’m usually at home playing
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 Playing it is my favorite thing to do. I also love reading

Burnett’s production. There are lesser-known artists that and baking and going swimming in our local swimming
I’d love to work with as well and plenty in my own hole here in Woodstock NY. (There’s rarely anyone
neighborhood that are just fantastic! there! There’s nothing better than having a swimming
hole all to yourself!)
I have idols too of course: Tom Waits and Randy Newman, I guess I’d like to people to know that I’m just out here
that are on my ultimate (albeit impossible) dream list. But trying my very best and I hope they enjoy what I do.
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 T H U R S D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 4
so much easier, though perhaps less interesting.
Sometimes it will be a lyric that I like. I’ll write the song in Don’t miss Jenna Nicholls live—a voice that bridges
a day or two but then spend the next 6-8 months eras, weaving stories with a sound both nostalgic and
rewriting everything about it, including the line I started new. Her performances are as timeless as the songs she
with. By the time it’s done, its completely different from sings. Whether sharing a stage with legends or crafting
where I thought it would go. Then other times the lyrics tunes for film and TV, Jenna’s unique sound is one you
JENNA WITH PETER MULVEY AT THE SPIRE’S and melody come at the same time. Those songs finish © Shervin Lainez
10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW. won’t want to miss.
PHOTO CREDIT: Denise Maccaferri
T H E S P I R E C E N T E R M A G A Z I N E | 2 3