A tremendous vocalist, compelling songwriter, and dynamic performer, Jenn Grinels is shockingly talented and unexpectedly sincere.
Interview conducted on Jan. 28,2021
Nearly a decade ago, Jenn Grinels gave up her apartment, put her things in storage, and hit the road, armed with little more than her soulful voice and an acoustic guitar.
“Jenn Grinels is the real, talented epitome of today’s best indie music.” – The San Diego Reader
You are from Portland OR.
I grew up in Cupertino, CA – that town that shows up on your new iPhone. I came to Portland about two years ago by way of Nashville!
How did you discover music?
My first memories involving music start around age 5 when I played Gretl in a high school production of the Sound of Music. I think my “discovery” involved my parents’ collection of musical theater records, that I would play in my room and sing along with for HOURS. I’d record myself singing along using a boombox and then critique myself, repeating the performance until I was happy. I haven’t thought about that in so long- I’m wondering now if I was a recluse as a child!
What is your vocal range?
D3 to D6 – I think.
How did you start to write music?
I was in a band in high school and I wrote lyrics for our songs. Later I grabbed a guitar and started writing songs. I was definitely influenced by all those late 90’s confessional singer/songwriters. For me, it was about turning my journal entries into music. A big catalyst came after college, I had a few songs and a bunch of unfinished songs, and a friend of mine called me up one day and said “hey, you better finish those songs because I just booked you a gig on Wednesday.” And it was Sunday, so I had 4 days to finish a bunch of my songs and get a full set ready.
Describe your music
My music has gone all over the place in the last year, although everything fits under the “singer/songwriter” umbrella. I released an album called Go Mine that has influences of jazz, soul, pop, maybe even a touch of Americana. It had a bunch of cello and horns, just beautiful arrangements. Then I put out a straight folk, Americana album with my best friend and our project called Siren Songs. I collaborated on a bunch of songs with the brilliant lyricist, Alfred Howard, and those songs ranged from rock to Americana to soul. And then my last single of the year was a song I co-wrote with Jesse Ruben called “Easy This Year”, and turned out kinda pop/light shoe-gaze…if that’s a genre.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My very first guitar was a cheap Washburn and my friend Kelley has it. I think she’s had it for about 20 years and she keeps asking me to come to pick it up, but I haven’t. Then I had an Ovation and that might be the one that “feels” like my first guitar. I played my first gigs on it and had it for a while…and I’m not sure where it is now.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
Currently,, I’m playing a Martin D-35. I got it brand new in New York City in 2008 I believe? My Larrivee was immediately stolen from my trunk upon my arrival in NYC and my supporters at the time pulled enough money together to buy me a new guitar.
What was your first performance at like?
I’ve been performing so long that I don’t remember but an early solo gig that stands out to me was right around the time that friend booked my first show for me, she also booked me to play 4 songs during the intermission of 2 one-act plays she was producing. It was an odd thing because most people get up for concessions or to use the restroom during an intermission or chat or whatever, but she just wanted to give me whatever exposure she could. I do remember some of the audience staying seated and listening politely. The next day the review of the production came out in Backstage West and it opened “Where I am utter churl, I’d tell you to come late, stay for intermission and then leave.” So, it was pretty brutal regarding the one act, but the reviewer gave me a glowing paragraph, including the line, “she achieves the energy of rock without subverting the melody and the effect is electrifying.” Wenzel Jones was the reviewer, and I’ll never forget that. One of my very first solo gigs of my original music and my first ever review. I’ve held onto that review for years.
What makes a good songwriter?
A good songwriter? Maybe bravery? Confidence? Whenever I co-write, I’m inspired by my friends who throw out ideas and melodies on the spot, they’re not self-conscious about it. I tend to be more comfortable writing alone, putting something down and then listening to it a few days later to decide if I like it.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, ASCAP or BMI?
BMI
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I have no idea. But a very early one was called “The Plea”. I did record that one and I even had it available online up until a few years ago. Every so often I’ll still get a request for it which is so incredible to me that a few people still know and love it and want to hear it. It was vocally super dynamic so I don’t even know if I could sing it anymore!
You have supported artists like Marc Cohn, 10000 Maniacs, Marc Broussard, Edwin McCain, and Christopher Cross. Have they given you any words of wisdom about the music business?
Not so much words of wisdom, but I’ve learned a bunch about performing live and how to build a set from watching Marc Broussard, Edwin McCain, and the 10,000 Maniacs. Edwin is especially hilarious and a great story teller so it was a master class to get to watch that night after night.
Did you heard that Christopher Cross cannot sing because of one of the side effects of Covid-19?
I did not!!! That’s horrible, I hope he recovers soon.
Earlier this year you formed Siren Songs with Meredith Kaye Clark. You are best friends. When did you decide to form a new group?
About a year and a half ago, a local theater company asked Meredith to put a concert together and she called me up and asked if I wanted to do it with her. We put together a set of our favorite covers and originals that really showcased harmony, we called the show “Siren Songs of Summer” and afterwards we were like, “that was fun, let’s keep doing that.” And we did. It’s been the most magical music project I’ve ever been a part of.
You are scheduled to do a show at the Old Church Concert Hall in Portland OR on February 5, 2021. Have you performed there before?
I have! I did a single release for a song called “Evidence” that was off my new album Go Mine. It was almost a year ago and the last time I headlined and performed with a band. That’s so crazy to think about! The February concert was to be Siren Songs headlining debut there, and to finally celebrate our album release from last summer, but it’s getting postponed for the 3rd time and we’re planning on October now!
You latest album just came out. Tell me about it?
Go Mine happened because of Kickstarter and Patreon. Kickstarter provided me with an incredible budget (around $50,000) and Patreon supported the whole creative process, I shared all my demos with my patrons and asked them to give me feedback on the songs they liked best. I had so many people supporting the making of this album, I really wanted it to be perfect. It took more than 2 YEARS to make it and get it out.
Why did you wait two years between albums?
I didn’t, it was EIGHT YEARS between studio albums. I did a limited release live album in 2015, but before that my last studio album was in 2012. I was on the road full time and I found it difficult to write new material. And I didn’t have the money to make anything. It seemed like there was always an investor interested that would eventually fall through. So, I started on Patreon and that CHANGED EVERYTHING. I took time off the road and just wrote music. I moved to Mexico and Nicaragua to keep the cost of living extremely low. After a year, armed with a bunch of new material, I pulled the trigger on the Kickstarter and started recording. It’s crazy that it was so long between albums and it took so long to get Go Mine out, it’s like there was this big dry spell, and then suddenly in 2020 I put out an album with Siren Songs, and 6 singles! In addition to the release of Go Mine (and I have a live album coming out in February). If there’s any silver lining to the quarantine, that’s it- no touring and ample time to write/record. But I couldn’t have put out anything without Patreon. The people who support me on there are my heroes.
What is your favorite track on the album?
It changes, but currently it’s the title track Go Mine. I love the horns and how the band improvised in the middle.
How was it to have yourself be heard on NPR?
I haven’t heard Go Mine on NPR, but I was thrilled that OPB/NPR reviewed the album. Maybe that means they played it? I’m not sure. BUT I did release a single with Alfred Howard called Always On The Run and I DID hear that on NPR when they interviewed him and that was THRILLING because I’m an NPR junkie. I listen to NPR far more than I listen to music.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
I feel TERRIBLY unhealthy when I tour. The only thing I do is ask for a healthy snack and fruit and veggie platters on my rider. And usually, my band and I are pretty good about not stopping at fast-food restaurants. I feel like I’ve been to every natural food grocery store in this country. I have them mapped out on my phone.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
Mostly it enrages me. The fact that rates aren’t the same for all artists and that there’s really no transparency and no communication for indie artists. For instance, my “Spotify Radio” or “Fans Also Like” section is absurd. Since my first single came out, Spotify has paired me with rap and techno. And there’s NOTHING I can do about it (because it’s determined by algorithm). And then the bigger issue is the payment. My album just hit 600,000 streams (since my first single was released a year ago), which feels GREAT. BUT I literally get paid $0.0027 per stream. I don’t know what others are getting, but that rate just kills me. And I feel so powerless. Once again, thank god for Patreon. People pledging $1 per song – that’s equivalent to 370 streams on Spotify!
Standup bass vs. electric bass?
Stand up
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl! (Both my album – Siren Songs and Go Mine – are available on vinyl, and my live album will be as well)
Is there 2 United States?
Ha! Looking that way right now, I’m hoping that we can figure out a way to use technology in a way that doesn’t spread misinformation but also doesn’t feel like censorship. It’s certainly a tricky thing, we are living in such a fascinating…and accelerated… time and it feels like we just don’t know what to do with all this technology yet.
Do you still dance?
I do! I took adult ballet classes at Nashville Ballet before I moved to Portland, and before quarantine, I was taking musical theater dance at Northwest Dance Project. I can’t wait until classes are happening again.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve done quite a few puzzles, but besides that, I’ve been pretty obsessed with making music and collaborating, and then way too much tv.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I’m embarrassed to say we have 6 streaming services right now. All I care about is which one has the Great British Baking Show. I had never owned a tv until a few months before all the quarantining began. Now it’s like I’m making up for lost time.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live-streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
So, Facebook also began monetizing live concerts at the end of last year. We did one (Siren Songs) and we honestly can’t figure out how to withdraw the money we made. It’s been over a month, and we can’t get anyone to help us, it’s insane. I still prefer doing concerts on the website StageIt because I think the tip function is so fun. And I’ve built up a pretty good audience on there.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
I engage with my fanbase through Patreon, social media, online concerts – it’s been all about releasing new music. But it is different than the connection you get at a live concert and I’m eager to get back to that. Siren Songs did one concert for a small audience in a big theater in November and I just started crying at the end. It was so emotional; I didn’t realize until I thanked the audience at the end just how intensely I miss performing in front of a real live audience.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means things like playlist on the internet?
I’m sure it is. In my experience that’s really only been a thing in LA but who knows? Paying for playlist consideration is DEFINITELY like the “pay to play” of today. You are so right!
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Oh my god, interesting! They must be coming! Or like, Oculus virtual reality music festivals.
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