I Never Thought That You Were Listening 🎙
I Never Thought That You Were Listening 🎙
Shuffle Sundays #43 • an interview with Jenny Kern, & more!
Hello and welcome to Shuffle Sundays, a weekly newsletter with music recommendations to help you find your next obsession.
This week I’m bringing something different and super special for you. Instead of just recommending Jenny Kern’s new EP “I Never Thought That You Were Listening”, I decided to reach out to her and ask a few questions about the process of writing this new material. I really hope you like it, as I was totally out of my comfort zone doing this, and it’s something I’d love to hopefully do it more in the future. Enjoy the read!
🎧 Soundtrack: Alice Caymmi - Imaculada
🗣 » I Never Thought That You Were Listening
an interview with Jenny Kern on her new EP, making music, her biggest influences, and the best ways to support an independent artist right now
When you were writing these songs, did you always know they would be a part of an EP? How does the process work?
At the time I knew I was working towards writing another EP but I didn’t know which songs would become the next four tracks. It wasn’t until I wrote "Where Did The Time Go" that I felt I had a theme really connecting the songs.
Why did you choose to release them in an EP, instead of a full-length album? Is there an LP coming in the near future?
I think the main reason I chose to release an EP was that it is both artistically and financially flexible. I wanted to create something that felt thematic and these four songs really encapsulated that for me. As for an LP, I’m currently writing and working towards that in the future but nothing set at the moment.
I love the EP title 'I Never Thought That You Were Listening'. Can you tell us a bit more about it?
I actually really struggled to finalize the title before landing on “I Never Thought That You Were Listening”. That phrase, the first line of the record, really struck me because these songs tap into themes of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. I think it’s easy to feel as though you are the only one struggling but the truth is you are never alone. This EP for me was about learning that I'm not on my own through it all. It's about self-discovery and searching for meaning in a dark and lonely time.
Some of your new songs bring a lot of layers, which reminds me of Bon Iver, an artist that we both love and that you've covered in the past. What that a direct inspiration?
Justin Vernon’s work was definitely a heavy inspiration on this record. One of the things I really wanted to explore with production was layering sounds and utilizing electronic elements. I wanted to get creative with instruments. Working with Carson Cody was an incredible experience because he challenged me to take risks with the music. The record really wouldn’t sound the same without him.
What other artists inspired you for this project? Do you also find inspiration outside of music when you're writing?
There were so many artists that inspired this record. A few key people were Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Amber Bain (The Japanese House), The 1975, Phoebe Bridgers, and S. Carey. I listen to a lot of music and constantly feel like I need to be surrounded by it, especially new music. When I’m writing or we’re in production I need to consume because I’m trying to find new ways to get creative with sonic palettes.
Knowing that artists make close to no money from streaming services, what is the best way for fans to support independent/new artists these days?
There are so many ways people can support indie artists! Buying merch, going to concerts (under safe conditions), following on social media or streaming platforms, and sharing the music are key ways in which we can help other artists. Especially coming off a pandemic, musicians are struggling more than ever. It’s never been a better time to support.
Where can people find you online and listen to your beautiful music?
On streaming platforms, I’m Jenny Kern and on social media, I’m @jennykernmusic I’m so grateful for the support and excited to share even more coming soon.
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listen to Jenny Kern’s new EP ‘I Never Thought That You Were Listening’ on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
🎶 » Jack White - Taking Me Back
The prolific Jack White is back with a new song, which is actually part of the soundtrack of the new Call of Duty game (!?!). Taking Me Back was released in two different versions, one being the classic blues-rock that White is known for, and the second version, named “gently”, introduces a more folky approach.
watch the video on YouTube.
🎶 » Black Country, New Road - Chaos Space Marine
I’m not the biggest fan of post-punk, but I am so glad I decided to check Black Country, New Road‘s new single Chaos Space Marine! The track, which is the first taste of their upcoming sophomore album Ants From Up There (out on February of 2022), is a delicious baroque-pop with big Arcade Fire vibes.
watch the video on YouTube.
⚡️ » Visual Inspiration
Calida Garcia Rawles is a Los Angeles-based painter who combines hyper-realism with poetic abstraction on incredible underwater portraits. Check out her website or Instagram for more. Here are some favorites:
🎶 » New Music
This week’s new albums I'm particularly interested in checking out:
Biffy Clyro - The Myth of The Happily Ever After (Spotify | Apple)
João Donato & Jards Macalé - Síntese do Lance (Spotify | Apple)
Also, new singles from Mahmundi, The Weeknd, Bonobo, Pvris, Duda Beat, and many more. If you’re curious to hear some of these songs and more, make sure to follow my 2021 playlist on Spotify, updated weekly with new releases:
👋🏼 See you next Sunday!
My name is Leo Mascaro and you are receiving this email because you signed up for Shuffle Sundays, a weekly publication that aims to bring music recommendations for people who feel overwhelmed with so much content out there, helping you find your next favorite artist, album, genre, and more. If this email was forwarded to you, subscribe using the box below:
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