Interview

I would like to reintroduce you to singer/songwriter Jenny Franck, from the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois, and the home of my beloved Chicago Bears. I didn't find out how big of a Bear's fan Jenny is, but what I did find out is a glimpse into the life and thoughts of an Indy artist.

The struggles are hard and real, but what can't be denied is the final outcome of the wonderful music Jenny has made so far in her young career.
Take a moment to sit back, relax, and take in this one on one interview I had the opportunity to do with Jenny Franck.

Hello Jenny. Thank you so much for doing this interview with IAATM. First question, what is the hardest part about being an Independent Artist?
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Jenny - Exposure!! The hardest part about being an independent artist is exposure. I’ve had a lot of people ask me what exactly does it mean to be considered an ‘Independent Artist (or indie artist).’  Basically, it means all costs and connections to operate fall onto you, being the artist. This is why crowd-funding platforms have given the creative industry here in the United States a new life.  

Contrary to popular belief, being an Indie Artist in music has nothing to do with the sound you produce. It has to do with where the funding comes from. The artist wears the hat of being in control of what they create and how they portray themselves, but they are also financially responsible in every aspect. This could definitely be a subject for a whole separate interview!

It's funny that you say that about the Indie Artist. I tried explaining this to someone the other day and they did not believe me. Thank you for clearing that up. Have you ever had a record label?

Jenny - Yes. I have had my own record label; I have also worked for a label as an A&R executive. The industry changes so rapidly, I find myself in a consistent motion thinking, exploring, & developing the ideal way to move among the industry while still maintaining creative control.

I’ve read in one of your bio’s that you want your listeners to develop their own personal meaning with your songs. With that being said, what does “Black Crows” mean to you?

Jenny - What the song, "Black Crows" represents to me is facing fear.  All my life I’ve found myself standing in the center of a Universe I saw cluttered and cursed with impossibilities that imposed fear. I was not blessed with the start of a fortunate life.  I believe most people do not have that luxury. However, I was blessed with the ability to understand this is not the way the Universe operates. 
 
When I was younger, each battle I faced I thought to myself, ‘NOW I have arrived! I can rest.’ I realize now that I’m older, there is a likely possibility there is no last battle, there is no place to stop and enjoy, and this is just a part of my existence in this life. We are all here on some sort of mission. I believe mine is to manifest, and help others achieve the same. The telling line in Black Crows is the intro and the outro, “Black Crows, Big Wings. Fly By and Sing. They had, Me Wrong. They Died, I Won.” I find joy in helping others believe in themselves and in their dreams. I believe to be able to achieve a dream, a person must identify they feel a burning desire, and be able to have the strength needed to blindly follow it.

Wow, that was very deep Jenny! Now it's my turn to get a little deep. I really like your style and how you sing your songs. I said in my Jenny Franck TubeBlog post that you can tell each of the words in “Black Crows” has their own special meaning. Basically, you put emphasis on every word stressing the importance of the word to the song. Do you realize you’re doing this?

Jenny - You are the first person to point this out and notice this. Each word in the song holds a truth, and while I write I focus on how to shape each word to blend with the music. People that know me well call me a poet first, before songwriter.

Awesome! I guess that gives me an extra point as an interviewer. Let's talk a little bit about your live shows. If I were fortunate to attend one of your live shows, is there a certain song you sing at every one of your gigs that could be called your, “Staple Song?”

Jenny - One song I play at every gig is my song "Colorscreen."  Unplugged or electric, it’s got a fast, punk rock sound with lyrics that are metaphorically written to fit and fill the meaning into the broadest range of an audience’s mind.

Thanks to the world of YouTube, I'm able to give the readers a listen to that song. Very nice Jenny. Getting back to the song "Black Crows," what is the deal with the over sized shoes the girl in the white is running in during the video? 

Jenny - She was running through snow, running to hide.  Since the song isn’t so glamorous, the shoes did not have to be.  I’m all about finding the beauty that’s hidden.

I’m a pretty big fan of American Idol.  I think last year and this year, the show has improved drastically from the previous years with a little bit more emphasis on artistry.  What is your opinion on American Idol? Also, Not to give away your age, but have you ever thought about trying out for Idol?

Jenny - American Idol is a great opportunity for people who want to be launched into the American pop industry. Regardless of how much emphasis appears to be put into the artistry showcased on the show, the format has not changed. The contestants are entering the stage on the basis of judgment. I compare American Idol voting to politics. The network chooses your voting choices. 

I have never had that desire. I am not here to fit the bill of what people want to see in pop culture. I am here to carve out a space for myself. I am an established artist. I write my own songs knowing what I want them to sound like. My image is portrayed as such. I do not want to be in this industry viewed simply as a marketing tool, and be expected to represent my beliefs in a different light, because the person I am isn’t cultivating and catering to what the industry executives decided to be the ‘in’ thing of the moment. Instead of choosing to take the well-traveled, well-thought-out path, I am choosing to pave a path that fits my own soul. 

That's interesting because I think the judges would like you. Have you ever tried out for any reality music show?

Jenny - I have not. Not yet! But I would not rule it out.

Now for the random plus one question, which usually has to do with my dislike of The Beatles.  I always say, The Beatles are the most overrated band in the history of music and The Monkees are the most underrated. Pick one, The Beatles or The Monkees?

Jenny - Oh man, that’s a tough question. In all honesty, both groups influenced me. I do agree with you in the fact that The Monkees are very underrated. They also entered the industry to be marketed as a certain way… that leads me back to my feelings on American Idol. I wonder if they had been in a situation that allowed them to be themselves in the industry right off the bat, they may not have been so underrated. They were hugely talented songwriters, and performers! The industry did it’s best to use them as more of a marketing tool. Limiting their creative effort and opinions that came out of them, as real artists.

Outstanding Jenny! I think I will chalk that up as a vote for The Monkees. Finally we have a winner. In all seriousness, I want to thank Jenny for the time in doing this interview. She now has a life long fan in me and maybe we will hear more from Jenny in a special blog spot in the future.

If you would like to hear more of Jenny's music you can check it out at http://www.jennyfranck.net/ or you can follow her on Twitter @jennyfranck.