Jennah Vox is a powerhouse singer from Queens. Her debut EP, “In Effigy” was released in late 2020, produced in a garage during quarantine. Her next single “Tacoma (See You Around)”, a break-up anthem for the post-pandemic world is available for pre-save on Spotify now and will be followed by her next EP “Recovery”. Vox draws influence from a life-long love of neo-soul, blues & the spoken word. Each of her live shows is unique and carefully designed to leave listeners feeling renewed, refreshed and ready to run in the direction of their dreams. She flexes her talent live in front of her audience, often writing new songs improvisationally based on the mood of the room.
Getting to know Jennah
What is the most random talent you have?
I can fix basic plumbing issues. I played a contractor simulation software module when I was a kid and have a marked ability to get your toilet to stop running.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
I feel like this is entirely possible – Kristin Stewart or Emily Hampshire. If this happens, someone remind me to recommend that they method act me by dropping things and wanting a puppy at all times.
What’s your least favorite personality trait you like about yourself?
The impulse to answer this question honestly.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Are we there yet?
Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
Godzilla. Albeit the jury is out if she is a dinosaur or a monster.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
We’re not there yet. There is no there. There is only here.
Who inspired you to make music?
My first musical partners were my mom and my sister. We pretty sang ourselves through our days. Sang along to the radio, sang at our dog, made up silly songs about normal everyday things. My mom’s #1 hit was called “Shower Time”. My sister & I were in a neighborhood “band” called Sundaze. We recorded one EP on cassette and then buried it in a time capsule that remains underground to this day. I really hope to dig it up one day. My mom & my sister taught me the value of an improv partner in life and it’s why I spend a lot of my time doing freestyle music today.
What is your creative process like?
I am a live writer. I sit down at a piano with a recording device and sing for hours. I know when I’ve hit something and it’s usually when I forget I’m recording myself and touching a deep emotion. I zero in on that moment and follow the thought in a more structured way, writing down the lyrics/chords and then ultimately taking them to my producer, Taylor Morrow, to build out the sonic idea. So far, connecting with my pain has been the primary way I write but more and more I am finding that I am able to connect to creativity through beauty and appreciation.
Where have you performed? What is your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
When the live venues started booking acts again, I felt a bit useless because I was so ready to play but didn’t know the first thing about booking gigs. I dedicated that I was going to learn by doing and sent out cold emails to the local stages. I was extremely pleased to hear back from Rockwood Music Hall & Bowery Electric right away. We had an absolute blast playing those shows and the people that work in the music scene have done us a huge service to keep these venues online during the pandemic. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
The debut NYC shows were both so uniquely special to me because I tailor the live show to the space and the audience. Our first Rockwood Music Hall show was more leaned in and intimate while Bowery Electric was a hard rock vibe. We’re playing Rockwood Music Hall again on September 30th at 8 pm, on the big stage this time. We’re going to have moments of improv, moments of connection, live fine art on stage and we’re going to play songs from my new EP. And my old EP. And maybe figure out the next EP live on stage with the audience.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Nice to meet you, I’m Jennah. I’ve been singing my entire life. I’ve also been feeling and thinking deeply my whole life. I had to go through some things to come into awareness. I am an altruistic manifestor. I believe that you can specifically dream your life into existence. I’m looking forward to meeting you along the path. If you’re reading this, it’s not a coincidence. There are no coincidences. Come to my shows!
What is your favorite song to perform?
Tacoma (See You Around), hands down. The crowd really responds to it. I think it’s because my first song of redemption after a love lost. It’s the single off of my next EP “Recovery”. Some of my favorite lyrics are in this song.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to making yourself noticed?
Steve Martin said, “Be so good they can’t ignore you”. So, I’m going to focus on doing that.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
More female producers, directors, more female sound engineers, more female drummers, bassists, guitarists, horns, strings, pianists, more female executives, more money to women-led projects.
Have you always been interested in music? Was there a particular song/performance that made you say “Woah! I want to do that!”?
I’ve always been musical. When I was younger, I could hear music in my head and recreate it pretty close on the piano. I lost that muscle and had to retrain it. Every time I go to a gig or a show that has amazing talent, I come away with a fire in my belly that I am meant to join them. On that bigger stage, with that bigger band, making the best sound I know how.
What can we expect from you within the next 6 months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?
A lot of exciting things coming up. Our next show is at Rockwood Music Hall on Stage 2. For readers in the NYC area, the ticket link is here, vaccinations are required for entry. In the fall, I will be releasing my next EP, it’s called “Recovery” and it has 3 records with very different influential origins and genre expressions. My most experimental release to date. Will also be touring the California Coast in November and, COVID willing, Europe some day soon.
What is your biggest musical challenge?
For sure directing my band. They are all professional level musicians, know theory and how to speak in music language. I’m not quite there yet so I’m often trying to communicate concepts with “Ba-bow!” and “ting ting tingting” and they mostly stare back at me and then discuss amongst themselves to get me close to what I want. “The Band” is excitingly great live.
Where was your current project recorded?
“In Effigy” was recorded in a garage in Los Angeles, “Recovery” was recorded in a friend’s living room in NYC. You can build a studio anywhere now and we have a lot of fun doing it.
Was anyone else involved in writing, recording, or producing the songs?
My producer, Taylor Morrow, is my secret weapon. Taylor has an innate ability to build massive sonics around my vocal performance, collaborate on new ideas and give me feedback. Every time I listen to “In Effigy”, I am impressed. Check out their other projects and if you’re a musician looking for a thoughtful, positive force to bring your vision to life, HIRE TAYLOR MORROW!
