Interview with Jenny Kern

Jenny Kern is a Canadian born Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter with a dreamy indie pop sound. With a magnetic vocal style and emotively piercing lyricism, Kern’s music has been amassing plenty of attention around the globe.

Having originally started as a Page at NBC, Kern then went on to work for acclaimed filmmakers Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, before eventually becoming a producer in the film and television industry. In 2018 Kern decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her passion for music full time.

Who inspired you to make music?

So many people have inspired me to create and play music but it was my college friend who encouraged me to write a song a few years ago. I’m forever grateful because I wouldn’t have started without her. She changed my life.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

My music is very personal, reflective and honest.

What does your music say about you?

That I am human, I make mistakes, I hurt and I heal.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

THE 1975

Which famous musicians do you admire?

So many that I admire but I’m particularly amazed by artists like Chelsea Cutler, Maggie Rogers, The Japanese House, Phoebe Bridgers, HAIM or MUNA. All incredibly amazing women who write and produce their own music (with collaborations) but they are heavily involved in the process and that’s really inspiring to me.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

My dad always says “never waste a good crisis” … pain, trauma, and hardships all make you stronger if you embrace the growth.

Who are your main musical influences?

There are so many artists that inspire my music. Growing up I listened to a lot of everything from Motown to 80’s pop to Joni Mitchell. Mostly I’d say I get a lot of my sound from 90’s female singer songwriters like Annie Lennox, Dido and Sarah McLachlan. Right now I’m really influenced by the sounds of The 1975, Maggie Rogers, MUNA and Chelsea Cutler. 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.

If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?

A few artists I’m heavily spinning right now are Dizzy, Fickle Friends, MUNA, Chelsae Cutler, The 1975, Phoebe Bridgers, The Paper Kites and Holly Humberstone

You can listen to everything I’m listening to here:

You are a new addition to a crayon box. What colour would you be and why?

Sunrise yellow – it’s my favourite colour and sunrises always make me feel inspired and calm.

Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?

I still have my childhood blanket in my closet, I’ll never let that go.

What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?

As messy as it is tacos are the key to my heart.

What was the last TV series you watched on TV?

Criminal Minds! I think I binged that one a little too fast but I have no regrets because it’s amazing!

Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?

Dragons – they can fly and they breathe fire. How can you beat that!

Do you shout out the answers at the TV whilst watching quiz shows?

Absolutely and I constantly get them wrong.

Jenny recently released her new single Miss Somebody.

Taking profound inspiration from the likes of The 1975, Chelsea Cutler, and Maggie Rogers, her new single “Miss Somebody” offers a realm of reminiscence. In an ode to past love, Kern worked alongside producer Carson Cody (Valley, joan) to create a tune that echoes with her blissful vocal energy, contagious melancholy and melodious bliss. Synthesisers intertwine with vibrant rhythms to produce a truly remarkable tune. Kern explains, “As much as love is a part of being human, so is heartbreak. But there’s something beautiful about remembering something special. I’m definitely a person who struggles to let go of certain moments, feelings or people. However, I am learning how to appreciate those moments even when they’re gone. I’m learning how important it is to live in the present emotions. To think, process and write about them. To feel it all and know it’s ok to miss somebody.”