Interview: Genevva

[gallery type="slideshow" link="none" size="full" ids="136083"] What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?  Jenni: I grew up tinkering around on the guitar and writing little songs. It was my favorite creative outlet as a kid. I remember entering childrens' songwriting contests. I didn't start seriously pursuing music until I moved to Louisville in 2011 and met Aaron. If I wasn't playing music I think I would want to be a TV anchor or doing something with comedy. Aaron: My interest in music didn't switch on until I was 11. I heard Nirvana and suddenly I was obsessed. So much so that I quit baseball and got an electric guitar. I really can't imagine not doing music. If I hadn't gone the performance/recording route I probably would have taught music.   What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity? Jenni: The main two things I like to do when I'm not playing music are reading and spending time outdoors, hiking and camping. It gives my brain a break and I come back to songwriting more refreshed and inspired. Aaron: I love walking, hiking and meditation. I also listen to audiobooks quite a bit. I find anything that quiets the mind helps enhance creativity.   How long has music been your career? Jenni: Aaron and I have been playing music together since 2011. First, we had a band called Dr Vitamin. Then a band called Frederick the Younger and now Genevva, named after my grandma.   Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music? Jenni: We are based out of Louisville, KY. There is a burgeoning music scene here with a lot of different styles - I think being exposed to so much great music has inspired us to keep exploring different sounds.   Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played. Jenni: We have a lot of favorite shows. Some that stick out in my mind are when we opened for the Drive By Truckers, Foster the People and Houndmouth. All these experiences were invigorating. There was so much energy in the crowds - it was very magnetic. As far as the worst show - we played a show in Milwaukee and no one came - not even the opening band (apparently there was a miscommunication) and we just played for the sound guy and the bartender.   Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already? Jenni: Our favorite venues in Louisville, KY are Zanzabar, The Enchanted Forest and Headliners. There are so many places we want to play! An ultimate dream would be to play Red Rocks.   If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket? Jenni: Dream lineup would be Paul McCartney, Beck, Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten. All legends.   What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music? Jenni: I would say to keep finding new inspiration and things that excite you. Even though things can get pretty tedious, music is supposed to be fun. It's easy to get burnt out if you're not taking care of yourself. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people who inspire you - a few musicians/artists you can share your struggles with and you can encourage each other. Music takes time so you just need to be patient, keep working on your craft and keep going. Aaron: I would say be patient and stay centered. Don't lose sight of your unique gifts and what you love about music. There are lots of ups and downs, expectations, and distractions, but if you can stay focused and stick to your inner compass so to speak, you'll be more successful. This lifestyle is precarious but it can be very meaningful and fun.   If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be? Jenni: I've struggled with depression and anxiety in the past so my main advice to myself would be to get help sooner so I can be more productive and live a healthier life. Aaron: I would tell myself to read "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle.   Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?  Jenni: The song "Outside of Cleveland" means a lot to me. It's about growing up in Northeast Ohio and feeling lost but having one friend who made life fun and interesting. No matter what happened we had each other. The song is an ode to friendship and coming of age. Very nostalgic.   Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most? Jenni: The first song we released "Gone With the Wind" is our most requested. I really like playing all the songs on the upcoming album. I can't wait to play them live.  

What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?

Jenni: I usually start writing the melody first. A melody usually pops in my head when I'm relaxed - either driving, walking or taking a shower. Then I record a voice memo and flesh out the melody on guitar and start writing the structure. Next I usually work on the lyrics and when I have those down I take the song to Aaron and he fleshes it out more - he adds drums, bass, guitar, synth. He brings the song to life.  

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Jenni: I love writing about love, coming of age, transcending obstacles and anything nostalgic and anything that connotes a feeling of freedom.  

Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?

Jenni: We definitely used to but now Aaron and I know each other so well that it doesn't happen often. If we do, we usually stop working on whatever we're disagreeing about for a day or two and when we come back to it the conflict usually resolves itself.  

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Jenni: Our debut album "Slip Away" comes out July 9th. We're so excited! We are playing our release show July 10th at Zanzabar in Louisville, KY and then we start touring in August. Listen to Genevva: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QBAZ15ysuYYzgzuukTh9S Apple music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/genevva/1560501531 Genevva's YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66E2N573s0FomShm6W31BA https://www.instagram.com/genevvamusic https://www.facebook.com/genevvamusic https://twitter.com/genevvamusic https://genevvamusic.com/