Introducing #129 - Jeni Schapire
Let us introduce you to Tennessee based artist Jeni Schapire - who has just released her self-produced single ‘Libby’ - a track filled with dark synths and reverb fueled vocals. She took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Jeni, how are you? So your new track ‘Libby’ is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Hi there! I'm hanging in there, optimistic about the future, which feels refreshing!! I am pretty emotional and also pumped to have this song out. It's been doing really well, which was a surprise since it's not the most pop-geared song I have. But it's about my grandmother, so it feels really special to have people connecting to it. I feel like if she were still alive she'd be proud and also weirded out by all the attention directed at her.
Can you tell us what it is about?
It's a memory I have of my grandmother where we're sitting on her couch and I'm reading aloud the book, "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Towards the end of her life she had pretty limited eyesight, so reading a book to herself was basically impossible. And in the book the protagonist shares her coming of age underneath a pear tree. I was 15 during this memory and I felt like this couch, sitting with her, in the quiet stillness was the beginning of my coming of age. Kind of like my own pear tree. And I always come back to this memory when I think of her. It was so candid and innocent.
You are originally from New Jersey but now live in Tennessee - what caused that move?
I moved to Nashville for the music! I went to Oberlin and loved that it was a small, music-centered place and I really wanted to keep that feel when I found my new community after school. I've been here for a few years now and it really is a big city with a small town feel.
You used to perform under the name of Jennifer Rae, what caused the name change and why?
I chose that name when I was 15 and as an adult, finding my true voice and artistry and sound, it just didn't suit me anymore. And a name is powerful. It's how you present yourself, the very first thing you tell people. And everytime I said "Jennifer Rae" it didn't feel like me. But I'm Jeni Schapire, that's who I am.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to you before?
A folk, pop, electronic fusion heavily influenced by singer-songwriter music. So basically, just a big melting pot.
Who are your key musical influences?
Sylvan Esso, Flock of Dimes, Half Waif, Phoebe Bridgers, Carole King, Nina Simone. I love a strong female songwriter-frontwoman.