Critical Region Consulting

Sweedish Singer Jenny Beck ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Genre: Folk Rock

Current Album: On The Outside
Band Members:

Drums & Percussion: Mitch Deighton
Vocals/Guitar: Jenny Beck

1. What is the name of your current album?

On The Outside is the name of the third track on the album. I also decided on that particular name as I feel that this album is very much an observation...inspired and influences by people around me and placed I've been. When I was younger I used to feel like a bit of an outsider...I was the quiet one and used to observe things from the outside. It was never a bad thing though, but growing up you tend to put a lot of preassure on yourself and that's what the track On The Outside is about.

2. Which musical acts have inspired you?

I grew up listening to a lot of Sixties music so that's definitely influenced the way I write nowadays. The Beatles were my first important influence, then came female singer/songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Suzanne Vega and Sheryl Crow.

For my latest CD the influences are mixed as I wrote the songs for the album over two years. I listened a lot to Soul, modern Jazz and R&B during the period that I wrote the songs, hence why there's such a variety of styles on the CD. I think you can probably pick out a few influences from listening to the CD...artists like Amy Winehouse, The Corrs, Joss Stone, KT Tunstall...the list goes on :-)

3. Which track is your favorite and why?

I have two favourite tracks from the new CD that mean a lot to me; Shoot Him Down and Somebody. Shoot Him Down marks a time in my life where I felt I'd matured, both as a person and as a songwriter and I dared to write something a little more "dark". I've always wanted to write more Blues orientated songs as I love to sing that kind of music. Somebody is an acoustic/unplugged track that we recorded mostly live. It's just a happy kind of track and it finished off the CD nicely...I especially loved to record the acapella bit in the end...if I would have had access to a Gospel choir I would have definitely recorded that bit acapella Gospel! :-D

4. What has been the most difficult incident you have experienced?

I've been told I'm "passed my sell-by date" when it comes to my age (I'm in my 20's) and I've only just got started! That's difficult to hear, especially as you feel yourself that you write better stuff and get more confident as the years go by and the more experience you gain. It's also taken a while to learn who you can trust in the music business and that people seldom just want to help you because they believe in what you do...I think that's something a lot of artists believe when they first start out and it's a hard lesson to learn when you often end up loosing money because of it. I've definitely taken the long, hard way around and have had to learn from my mistakes...which has cost me a bit of money. I feel more in control now because of it though, so it's not been all bad.

5. Describe two qualities your fans love about your music?

I usually get good feedback on my lyrics and the fact that my songs usually tell stories and people can relate to them. I write about personal experiences and people like it that I sing it like I mean it :-)

6. How do you feel you have contributed to the evolution of rock?

I would like to think that singer/songwriters like myself can provide a bit more quality in an ocean full of mainstream. I don't write because I'm desperately trying to get to number one or write that smash-hit that gets played on radio a million times a day...that's not why I write and I think it's obvious when you listen to my songs. What means something to me is that I'm writing about things that means something and that people can relate to it. I probably sound like an old fossil, but I liked the fact that music and lyrics meant something in the Sixties...of course music has to evolve, but when everything sounds the same and it becomes less about the music and more about the image and it's all about what's in the charts at the moment I despair (OMG, how old! ;-) and I would like to think that I can provide something different and real. I think that, by incorporating all the influences you've had throughout your life into your music, you can contribute to the evolution of a certain genre of music. Mind, I'm all over the place when it comes to genres!...so, perhaps I haven't actually contributed at all so far :-D Watch this space...lol.

7. If you could have one track on your current album be the theme to a movie or TV show which would you pick and why?

Hmmm...Somebody might perhaps be suitable for a new Friends kinda series?

8. How many people have a song by Jenny Beck on their MySpace Profile?

I wouldn't know exactly, but I've come across a few...the most used tracks are Shoot Him Down and Like Nobody Else Can Do.

9. Are your parents fans of your music?

Yes...because they're partial! lol....nah, they generally like singer/songwriter and music in the same kind of genre, so they like it..not all the songs though...they're my most important critics! I always try out new tracks on them first. My dad is very musical and used to play the guitar. I appreciate it when they tell me straight and completely honestly what they think about a track. They're usually right, I've gotta say (although it hurts! :-).

10. Tell us a rumor (real or fake) that you think would garner your musical genius massive news coverage.

"Swedish singer/songwriter Jenny Beck's hot night with Robbie (Williams)"...."Jenny Beck's crush on female singer"..."Jenny Beck enjoys romantic holiday with James Blunt" (cringe)..."Jenny Beck joins ABBA" (cringe again)...."Jenny Beck marries Al Pacino"....lol...this is fun...how much time/space have you got!?