Interview: Jenna Leigh-Raine (Written)
Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with cinematic dark rock artist, Jenna Leigh-Raine.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
It’s been a long career which began aged 14. I started writing lyrics and met a new friend at fifteen who liked the same artist. We became a duo and wrote solidly and rehearsed religiously, but only did a couple of shows in three years. 1987, in my late teens, I began a relationship with Los Angeles which in some ways, it has become my second home.
I’d lived and travelled back and forwards from London throughout the Nineties. I recorded my first solo record almost thirty years ago in Fulham. In 1995, I moved permanently to London and stayed with fellow friend musician Jonny, who formed the band Republica. We were part of a group of friends from Windsor including Andy Weathall, Tim Dorney from Flowered Up and Jonny. We all hooked up in LA in 1998 and run around the famous hills of Hollywood me, Saffron (from Republica) and Fast from the Fun Lovin’ Criminals in one car following legendary producer Ben Grosse. We all celebrated that New Year’s Eve at Gwen Stefani’s home!
There was no social media or streaming then and things ran fine hits were made and the bloody Mary’s tastes good at 3am off Sunset Boulevard at The Sky Bar opposite The Rainbow.
I got signed aged 19 or 20 in Paris and learnt fast. These was the infamous days you would record an album that might just stay on the shelf.
In 2005, I recorded an album at the home of Siobhan Fahey from Shakespeare Sister, we were old friends then. I remember that era with strange abundance, meeting just about every pop and rock star known to man.
I’ve had odd deals here and there, one which I recall fondly was with God Made Me Hardcore, by one half of the Grids, Richard Norris. Finally in 2016, I signed a unique library deal with NAME, the original keyboardist for Gary Numan. This turned into a publishing deal three years later.
Since 2016 I recorded five albums, some that made it into the famous record racks of Amoeba Hollywood.
My new album BLOODSAND was the fifth.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
Over the years, I’ve often found it difficult to answer this question as I don’t seem to sit in any specific genre. So my publishers explain it sits alone in terms of its style. I can only best describe it as both cinematic and dark rock.
3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
I’ve just released officially the brand new single taken from my upcoming album BLOODSAND, out early next year. I’m trying to sort some live performances for the beginning of 2024. I’m already looking into ideas of writing and recording the next album.
4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
Well I have certain memories I call that are not earth shattering, but are personal landmarks. I began age 14 and have lasted coming up 40 years now. BLOODSAND would be my 16th album – it’s amazing to think how far I’ve come.
5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
Because of my musical identity, I always felt like an outsider. Critics have often criticised my music as being too futuristic, too left field, not mainstream enough. It’s held me back quite a bit but I always stay true to myself.
6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
I’ve stopped being a member of a band for a very long time. In terms of the pressures of online, it makes you feel that sometimes it’s not worth releasing any albums in full as there’s so much focus on streaming individual content. The one track is seen as a shop window and promotion tool. I thought, I’m not playing this game anymore. This is why I feel it’s so important to be true to yourself.
7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
END STREAMING!
8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
I have a dedicated music page where I update regularly on my progress in recording and much more. I pay for everything; write and record and promote. Please buy my albums and support independent artists.
9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
I love to swim, go on long walks and workout in the gym.
10. Where can people find you?
