Interview: Jenny Mitchell Music
From playing noisy pub gigs with her guitar “June” to now touring the globe, Jenny Mitchell is a Folk/Alt-Country singer-songwriter with something to say! For @jennymitchellmusic songwriting isn’t WHAT she does but it is WHO she is. With a new single on the way (though you didn't hear that from us 😉🤫) we thought this would be a great chance to put Jenny in the Acorn hot seat as we ask her questions about her new single, how she got into music and more!
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Instagram: @jennymitchellmusic
Facebook: Jenny Mitchell
Website: www.jennymitchell.co.nz
Interview and portrait shoot with Jenny Mitchell in the Acorn Studio
So… we heard a rumour that you have a new single on the way? Can you give us a few sneaky details?
Very pleased to say that the rumours are correct! The details are still pretty under wraps at the moment but the song was written as a response to the mistreatment of women in the music industry and playing it live for the first time was one of the most pride-filled moments of my career. So pretty fair to say I’m excited to share more about that soon!
What is your songwriting process?
My songwriting process is always a little different but generally starts from a lyric. Usually when I’m either driving or noodling around on my guitar at home. I try not to overthink melodies too much and am always most focused on telling the story of the song.
What were 3 things that you learnt from your last song release? What are the areas you have grown in?
1) There’s no better feeling than releasing work you’re proud of.
2) All the little things add up eventually.
3) Spreadsheets are my friend.
How did you know you wanted to be a singer/songwriter?
I don’t ever recall thinking “I think I might be a songwriter one day” because it’s been such a big part of who I am for as long as I can remember. In saying that, my tours through Australia had a big impact. Meeting people from all walks of life who make their living from songwriting and music, realising it was a real thing. There’s nothing more inspiring than being surrounded by other creatives and watching them thrive.
Who inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Watching Dad making music is what started my love of music that tells a story and he’s responsible for me catching the performing bug at a very young age. After that, I used to constantly listen to albums from American artists like Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, and The (Dixie) Chicks. Watching live performances from my music teacher, Peter Cairns, and other local artists including Kayla Martin and Taylor Cairns was also a big inspiration to me at a young age. At about 10, I watched Canada born/NZ based powerhouse Tami Neilson perform for the first time - she inspired me then and still inspires me every time I watch her play.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the most challenging?
The best part; playing live followed closely by being in the studio. So much of music is solitary, behind a computer screen or on a train/bus/plane on your own and the energy of either connecting with people from a stage or through making music with people in a studio is the antidote to that solitude. Most challenging: carving a sustainable path.
What advice were you given when you were younger that you still live by today?
I think I was really lucky to have people around me who believed in the way I wrote songs, even when I wrote my very first little tunes at around 11 years old. I think that has given me the courage to believe in what I was doing; to tell the stories I want to tell, play the songs I want to play - and also wear whatever makes me feel best on stage.
What has 2021 taught you?
There have been some pretty major shifts in my personal life this year which has meant being unsettled for quite a while and having to let go of control - which is probably a lesson I’ve needed to learn for a long time! Along with those changes, a couple of events occurred that meant I’ve been unable to gig for the past few months. A couple of months might not sound like a big deal but this is the longest “break” from a live performance I’ve had since I was about 5! So I initially felt pretty lost but it forced me to take a bit of a step back and realise that I was burnt out and in desperate need of a rest. I think it’s going to make my upcoming tours even more special and I’m hopeful for the next chapter of both my professional and personal life; a chapter that I hope will bring more balance and focus on what’s truly important to me.
Who are three people (dead or alive) that you would have brunch with?
Aaaand what would your brunch order be?
Flat white + poached eggs & mushrooms.
Give us 3 words that describe you?
Driven, passionate, giving.
What music gets you vibing?
My go-to “get in a good mood quickly” playlist is full of Tami Neilson, Maren Morris, The (Dixie) Chicks and Taylor Swift.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
I played a lot of noisy pub gigs to buy my guitar ‘June’ and that’s an investment I’ll never regret.
What is your current life motto?
It sounds cliche but “what’s meant to be, will be” is my motto of the year/decade.
What is next for “Jenny Mitchell Music”?
I have a tour coming up very soon with a beautiful couple from the UK known as “Good Habits.” We’re touring through some super cosy and unique spaces in the North Island and I can’t wait! Shortly after that I’m touring all of NZ with Tami Neilson’s show ‘The F Word: Songs of Feminism in Country Music.’ I’m not exaggerating when I say Tami is my favourite artist in the world and to get to tour with her on this particular show, is such a true honour for me.
In your own words can you describe what Folk/Alt-Country music is?
To me, Folk and Alt-Country Music are sort’ve the outlaws of a few different genres. Often full of acoustic instruments. When I think folk, I think of artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell - writers like that. But Alt-Country in particular is really a home for those who include country and folk elements in their music but don’t quite fit into some of the more traditional boxes of “country music.”