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Compilation CD
Jenny is on my label first release a compilation CD.

Jenny Dalton

Jenny Dalton
Picture copyright respected holders.

Interview With Jenny Dalton By Chris 26/4/06

Jenny Dalton is a fantastic powefull singer songwriter
Her music is excellent with such power and emotion.
She writes with honesty and with great melodies and vocals
She is worthy of an interview on this site, so here it is.
So read on and find out what she had to say.

Jenny Website

1.How did you get into music?

I grew up in a music-loving household. My dad played set in a garage band, and the radio was always on. I loved to sing, and I sang myself to sleep before I could even talk. My parents always brought my brother, sister and I cheap toy instruments. I wrote my first songs on those.

2.What were your major influences?

I am influenced by anything that makes an emotional impact on me. I am generally a very happy, care free person, but sometimes my songs can be pretty serious because serious things motivate me to write. Musically, I am probably influenced by what I love to listen to. I love to listen to musicians who layer interesting sounds and who take lyrics seriously. Kristen Hersh and Tori Amos are my favorite lyricists.

3. If you could have a three band bill who would they be?

Kate Bush, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kristen Hersh (I've seen a lot of Tori shows, so I guess I can take her off the dream list)

4. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My career is only beginning, but I love the momentum I feel. The highlight was the release show for my debut CD, Fleur de Lily, which had a lot of great publicity and drew a sizable crowd.

5. What the response been to the album?

Very positive. I have a lot of interest not only from my hometown, but internationally (Australia, for example J).

6. What inspires you when writing music?

I guess I kind of answered this in question #2, but my songs come from a quiet place. I sit at the piano and kind of zone out. I hit the keys and let the words come. Many of the songs on the new CD are about my relationship with a soldier sent to war, and about trying to stay optimistic through a lot of uncertainty.

7. What made you want to go out and play music?

I wrote songs and played music at home for my cat for many years. I was reading an inspiring book, and I got the urge to challenge myself and go play a few songs at an open mic night. It took many open mics before I was mostly comfortable on stage (I still get nervous though). I just wanted to keep going.

8. What are your thoughts on file sharing and the MP3 format?

I think it's great for musicians who are just starting out and need to expose as many people to their music as possible. Eventually though, we want to be able to eat and pay the bills. Creating music is a very expensive endeavor, so it's always cool of fans to support their favorite musicians by buying their music.

9. Who would most like to record a song with?

The Smiths and/or Drummer Matt Chamberlain.

10. Do you think the Internet is good for helping artists get known?

Absolutely. It allows people to become known without the help of a record label.

11. What bands/artists are you listening to lately?

My favorite CD right now is the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

12. Who has helped you out the most?

So many people have helped with so many aspects that it's hard to name. MySpace and local bands and musicians has helped with networking. Matt Freed was amazing in recording and engineering the CD, all of the musicians and visual artist involved with the project, and of course friends and family for their support.

13. What has the response been to your music on the web?

People have been responding very positively to my music on the web. I get nice messages from people all over the world.

14. What is like being an independent artist in America?

It's very competitive, but also very easy to get into if you're motivated enough. Major labels are loosing ground or just spewing out corporate 'artists' like Britney Spears. It's wonderful that people are still creating meaningful music and that people still want to listen to it. The only problem is that independent artists have a huge hurdle to leap over if they want to become mainstream.

15. What are some of your favorite movies?

Lost in Translation, I Heart Huckabees, Garden State, Shipping News, Steel Magnolias

16. What have you seen recently you really enjoyed?

Unfortunately, nothing. I don't get out to movies very often, and when I do, I'm always disappointed. For example, The Hills Have Eyes is HORRIBLE.

17. What is next for Jenny Dalton?

I plan on playing frequent shows in a few major cities including my hometown Minneapolis, then New York, Chicago, and London. My birthday is in September, and my gift to myself will be to get back into the studio to begin recording my next CD.

Jenny Dalton

Jenny MySpace Page