TQS StaffIt’s not very often an emerging artist already has a ‘formally known as’ after their name but up-and-comer Jenn D was recently forced to change her name from Vela by a rather insistent Latin American artist of the same name. The Liverpudlian pop vixen’s music is slick and edgy, her image even more so, and her debut album ‘Lose It’ is set to storm the charts. We caught up with Jenn D to talk about her music, her influences and what she gets up to when she’s not making music:
Q: When did you first start singing?
A: I first started properly when I was about 14 or 15. I’ve always loved pop and music. I had a few singing lessons but it wasn’t the kind of style of singing that I wanted to do.
Q: If you had to use three words to describe your music, what would they be?
A: Sassy, fun and electro. I hope it makes people want to get up and dance – it’s definitely feel good music. Through the creative process and being the studio with some great people it’s helped me come up with my sound.
Q: What or who influences your music and lyrics?
A: People in general; friends and people I know. Icon-wise I would say Debbie Harry (a woman after our own heart, just check our contact page), Gwen Stefani, David Bowie, and Nelly Furtado. I don’t listen to modern music when I’m writing – I really like older stuff and try and involve this and also doing everything with conviction it’s not cool to copy styles it’s really important to be unique but with influences too.
Q: What has it been like collaborating with the teams behind bands such as Girls Aloud and The Saturdays on the production of your album?
A: It’s been fantastic and they have had so much experience in the industry and we vibe off each other. I have learnt a lot from them and hopefully I bring something new that inspires them. I am learning so much from the teams which is an amazing opportunity and I feel really lucky.
Instagrams well doesn’t she?
Q: Where have you been to write and record your album?
A: I’ve been to Amsterdam, all over the UK which has been fun. Although when you are in the studio you are literally locked away working on the tracks so you don’t get to go out and see where you are. We filmed the video in LA which was wicked. I’ve been working on the album for the last year and I can’t wait for people to hear it.
Q: What else do you like doing, apart from making music?
A: I like keeping fit, cooking, I love fashion and really like up and coming fashion designers – I’ve been working with some recently and I’ve written music for fashion shows as well. I love live music and going to gigs – from more underground acts to established acts as well.
Q: What’s your favourite song at the moment?
A: It’s A*M*E ‘Find A Boy’ – I’m loving it and it’s on repeat!
Q: What’s next, after the release of your album?
A: Lots of festivals, a tour, video shots and then back in the studio. I’m really looking forward to enjoying releasing this album and the single as I think it’s very different and fresh and the support that I have had to date has been great.
Jenn D’s debut single, ‘Lose It’ is out on the 18th of November, in the meantime catch up with her on Twitter @JennDMusic.
By Hannah Voss
