Jenny Dee Dancing from a Distance Interview

Dancing from a Distance

Singer-songwriter Jenny Dee has released her sentimental debut album, Dancing from a Distance. The record is a nostalgic listen that takes audiences back to the moments of love and loss that are synonymous with the human condition. Produced by Copeland's Aaron Marsh, the album exudes honesty and vulnerability, akin to records like Bon Iver's For Emma Forever Ago and Phoebe Bridgers' Stranger in the Alps.

Dancing from a Distance amplifies the feelings of longing to belong while alluding to geographical references such as oceans, rivers, and the coast; themes that are apparent in Jenny's own life as a San Diego native now making a life in Lakeland, Florida.

Interview with Jenny Dee

Question: How would you describe your music?

Jenny Dee: Nostalgic singer/songwriter with some folk influences. I think my music feels a lot differently when I first write it compared to how it sounds after the studio. But the roots are singer/songwriter folk. I listened to a lot of Swell Season and Ron Pope growing up so I find lots of my writing style in those influences.


Question: Can you tell us about Dancing from a Distance?

Jenny Dee: It's my first full-length album that I have been working on for the last three years. All of the songs are special to me and represent so many people and experiences that I have gone through. I came into the studio with no expectations so I really enjoyed every second of it. Working with Aaron Marsh was an honor and it was fun to watch him take my songs and add different layers to them. The title in itself is kind of a paradox so I wanted my listeners to think about that when listening. To me the record is about finding a place to be okay with things changing but there are so many other meanings. I hope everyone walks away with something different.


Question: What inspired Dancing from a Distance?

Jenny Dee: I listened to a lot of Bon Iver and Noah Gunderson before recording this album so they are heavy influences on the writing. But the album in its entirety was inspired by being away from home and not really knowing if and when I'll be back. Being on the road and having two places to call home but them being 3,000 miles from another was something I was struggling with and still am.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Jenny Dee: I hope each listener takes something different away. The record isn't about one particular thing and has a real ambiguous message. I just want people to connect with it in any way they can. I started writing because I wanted a way to express things that are hard for me to talk about. So for anyone going through that I hope they find solace and comfort in the album.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Jenny Dee: I really enjoy both. They are so different from one another so it's hard to choose what I prefer. Being able to go on the road and perform for people that have never heard my music before is something really special. So I enjoy getting to meet and connect with new people over my music and that part is really rewarding. At the same time, there is no better feeling than bringing a song into the studio and seeing it come to life little by little.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Jenny Dee: It definitely changes. I've been playing the songs off of the album out on the road for about a year, so I have written a lot of new stuff that I love playing. It's nice to be at the point in my career where I can really play whatever I want to live without anyone really knowing what's new or not. I love trying out new songs on the crowds sometimes a couple days after I write them and seeing how the crowd responds to them.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Jenny Dee: This answer would probably change given the day but right now, I would have Dermot Kennedy. He listened to my first EP 3 years ago and took the time to write back to me so it would be surreal to have him out at one of my shows. He is also my dream artist to support on tour, so if I put it out there, maybe one day it will happen.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Jenny Dee: Writing always surprises me. I can't plan to write or sit down and write a song about something specifically. Songs usually come to me when I have a lot going on in a day and don't have a lot of time. So I'll write a verse or something then have to go and I'll be thinking about getting back to that song all day. It is a really exciting process for me. Certain places bring out different themes. But I can always write a song when I am home in San Diego. I have written more songs there than anywhere else.

Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Jenny Dee: Henry Jamison and Dermot Kennedy are probably the most played artists for me right now. I started listening to Dermot 3 years ago, every time I listen to his music I am blown away. I usually listen to him before my shows too.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Jenny Dee: It wasn't until my freshman year of college until I realized writing was something I wanted to take seriously. I was playing college basketball at the time so it hadn't really been an option for me when I was training in high school. Then after moving to Florida to finish college, my friends really pushed me to put my stuff on the internet. It wasn't a decision I made one day, it's all just kind of been a process of playing shows and releasing music.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Jenny Dee: Right now, it would definitely be Noah Gunderson. I just saw him live in Orlando and left so inspired. He writes in such a unique way that it would be fun to be a part of and watch that process from him.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Jenny Dee: Depends on where I am in the country, but it always starts with coffee. When I am home in San Diego I almost always wake up and head straight to the beach to just spend time reflecting and listening to music. I always do something musically throughout the day, whether that's spending time at my studio in Florida or working on new stuff at home. I have some side gigs - so while I'm not on the road, I'm saving up to go on the road.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Jenny Dee: Meeting people. Being able to go on the road to new cities and meet so many different people has been by far my favorite part. It's special to have strangers connect with my music and a feeling I will never get used to.


Question: What's next, for you?

Jenny Dee: I have some shows in the PNW and the Midwest this spring. Heading to the East Coast at the end of the summer, then hopefully starting to record some new stuff this fall. I would love to open for someone on tour, so if an opportunity like that presents itself I would be stoked.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Jenny Dee: Facebook.com
@jennykdee/
@jennykdee


Interview by Brooke Hunter