Published: June 5, 2010 1:17 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2010 Edition
Jarrett Fenlon
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Jarrett Fenlon
Our Webzine introduces to our online pages the sensational sounds of Singer/songwriter and guitarist Jarrett Fenlon. The artist shines through his music which comes out sounding stylish, classical, and bluesy with a splash of jazz, folk, and country. In this spotlight, Fenlon speaks on several important matters concerning the plight of the indie artist. Here is what formulated from our online conversation.
Isaac: Let’s get started with this interview. When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
Jarrett: I've been interested in music as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is of me singing along to all of my mom and dad's favorites while riding along in the car. Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Bob Seger and Eric Clapton were all some of my "teachers." I first started playing an instrument back in 4th grade. My first instrument was the clarinet as you had to play that first before you could graduate to the saxophone. I didn't really pick up the guitar until my teenage years.
Isaac: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why?
Jarrett: Van Morrison probably has had the biggest impact on my songwriting and musical style, but someone who is fairly new on the musical scene that has also had an impact is Amos Lee. The main reason being is that they both play music from the heart and soul which is something I strive to accomplish every time I perform or write a song.
Isaac: What has been the greatest highpoint in your career so far?
Jarrett: I would say having the chance to perform along with my band at the historic Hotel Utah in downtown San Francisco to celebrate the release of my new CD "Sprung." Some huge names have rocked that venue over the years and I was honored to be on that stage. We had a packed house that night and the sound we got, especially when the horn section joined us was stunning. I got the chance to cover one my favorite songs of all time "Try a Little Tenderness" by my man Otis Redding that brought the house down.
Isaac: What has been the greatest disappointment in your career so far? What did you learn from that experience?
Jarrett: The experience of being my own radio promoter has been somewhat disappointing I must say. It irks me to know that most major radio stations have absolute no interest in giving smaller name artists a chance no matter how good/bad the music may be. It just reinforces the fact the music business, at least at a high level, is completely and totally about $$ which makes me happy to be an indie artist playing and promoting my music for the right reasons.
Isaac: What draws you to want to play the type of music that you do?
Jarrett: I'd like to think the music I play resonates with everyday people and is something that they can identify with. I play music because it is therapeutic for me, not only because it provides and outlet, but because it gives me a tremendous amount of joy when I meet people who genuinely feel what I'm singing/talking about in my tunes.
Isaac: What do you feel it takes to play this type of music that you play?
Jarrett: Americana/Roots/Blues music takes heart, soul and the willingness to be vulnerable. These tunes don't always touch on the happiest subjects in life, but we all know that life isn't always bubble gum and bunny rabbits. You've also got to be able to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way, as well. Especially when you're performing live and it is time to rock the house. The band and the people in the crowd always feed off of each other and work together as one to create an experience that is often times indescribable to someone who was not actually there to see it.
Isaac: What do you think you will create that will make your performances and who you are stand out in the music industry?
Jarrett: I'm a brutally honest person and I hope that I'll create an image that people can trust and identify with. I'm hoping that people will always see me as truly just a regular guy that will never let any hype effect how I treat people or a situation.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to do one cover, what cover would you do and why? How would you put your own spin on this cover?
Jarrett: I actually got the chance to cover Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" recently and I'm happy to say I managed to avoid botching the thing as people seemed pretty pleased with result. It certainly helped that I had a world class band backing me up. In order to sing it well I did everything I could NOT to try and emulate Otis, because he is a one of a kind. I did the best I could to stay within myself while at the same time pouring everything I could into the performance.
Isaac: What does it take to be a good songwriter?
Jarrett: The ability to look within yourself and be able to identify your own flaws as a person. When you are able to do so and spill that information into a song, people will listen. A good ear also help :-)
Isaac: How difficult is it to juggle music, family and work obligation, and life in general? Explain.
Jarrett: I can certainly get lost in my music, but it doesn't really pay the bills currently so it does require definite discipline to check yourself and make sure you save enough energy for your "real job." It is a constant internal struggle knowing that you are doing the best to "live your dream" but knowing that the cable, water and electricity people could care less where the money comes from as long as it comes. I guess you take solace in knowing that you still have never given up, at least on some level and that gives you strength.
Isaac: What is your definition of being an Indie artist/band?
Jarrett: You are an indie artist if you play music for the love and laugh in the faces of everyone who tells you that you aren't good enough. You take the negative feedback and sink it into your next album knowing that the monetary payoff is not likely to or will never come.
Jarrett: I'll still be living this musical dream. It may not be in front of thousands of people at the Greek, but I'll be singing and performing as if it were....
