Chelsea Jenkins
1 – Are the musicians on your record “recording musicians” or are they in your band?
What you hear in the songs that are available right now were recorded during a time when I was establishing myself as a solo artist. I didn’t decide to form a band until I found musicians that I felt would work well with my material. What you see at our live shows is typically a mixture of band members and touring musicians. The permanent lineup for our band right now is myself on vocals and guitar, Charles Coleman on guitar, Brian Andel on drums, and Dave Kreideman on bass. At the moment, Dave has to take a break from the band so we use touring musicians to help us out until he is able to return. He’s part of the family and we don’t want to replace him.
2 – How is the music scene like in Ohio?
As a musician, I always want more from this city than it may have to give from a business aspect, which can sometimes be a letdown considering we are the home of Rock ‘n Roll. However, the scene itself is incredible. We have tons of bands that thrive here. You can find live music on any given day. Our fans are massive and loyal. The support system is just great. Unfortunately, you have to work a lot outside of Cleveland in order to get anywhere. I would love to see more companies born here so we can reestablish our reputation.
3 – Which artist inspired you the most to be a singer?
I have been singing since I before I can remember. I think when I actually came to a point (still as a child) where I realized I wanted to actually take on singing, I was mostly influenced by R&B and Pop. Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston had a lot to do with that. As I grew older, my preference in genre changed, I grew as an artist and songwriter. Today, as a songwriter I am greatly influenced by Jeff Buckley, Jimmy Gnecco, and John Mayer. This new album is heavily influenced by Juliett Simms. She’s my favorite.
4 – How do you stand out from the other Alternative bands?
I don’t think I stand out. (Laughs) It’s hard to answer that modestly. I think that my style of writing is a lot different than what is considered mainstream. There was a time when the term “alternative” meant “non-mainstream”, but now there are so many Alternative bands I think its inevitably become mainstream. I like to think Alternative means that you can’t necessarily be placed in a genre, so it’s like, checking the “Other” box. I am the “Other” box. I’m not sure if anything I said made any sense.
5 – What are your topics when writing lyrics?
I try to use different words and scenarios that most songwriters wouldn’t. I don’t like to write the same song that everyone else is writing. STARS is a perfect example of that. It’s written about a Facebook conversation I had with a fan. Of course, the majority of the songs are about love, or lack thereof, but I try to write about it in a different way. Like, Love Game paints a picture. I like to paint all over people’s minds.
6 – How has being on the Ernie ball battle of the bands helped you as a musician?
Being on the Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands has been a lot of work. It’s definitely put my marketing skills to the test. It’s given us a chance to introduce ourselves to a new audience. This year, with the Acoustic Basement being added to the tour, it’s opened so many doors for artists who typically would not be considered “Warped Tour” material. We’ve met amazing bands through this whole process and of course gained fans along the way. Even if we don’t make the cut, it’s been a great challenge that has given us so much. I can’t imagine what actually winning this will bring, but I’m excited to find out.
7 – Whats the most memorable moment being a singer?
In my career, I’d have to say performing with the kids at recreation centers over the summer when I was younger. They really looked up to me. I loved being able to interact with them and coach them in music. I’ve done bigger things, been on national television and played big festivals, but I enjoy the little things really.
8 – Describe your live show in 10 words or less?
Energetic, interactive, flashy, and fun. (We really go all out to put on a show)
9 – Any plans for Chelsea Jenkins in 2012?
We are currently booking up the summer. I’m hoping to get out of the state for a few shows towards the end of summer. As a band, we will be releasing an album at the end of the year. I will also be releasing an acoustic EP for my solo work in the fall.
10 – Where can we find your music online?
http://warped.battleofthebands.com/u/heartsndagger
http://www.facebook.com/chelseajmusic
http://www.facebook.com/lorcleveland
http://www.reverbnation.com/chelseajenkins
you can also look us up on YouTube (I think that’s about it)
11 – Are you looking to get signed to a indie or major label?
I wouldn’t mind being signed to a major label but I am very hands-on with the business end of the music. I went to school for business management and marketing; I was a promoter for a few years, so I know a lot about the industry. Being signed to an indie label would be more ideal because I would like to have say-so in the business end of it all. I definitely wouldn’t mind having less of a work load though.
12 – Any final words to your fans?
Thank you all for your support, for voting for us daily in the Ernie Ball Battle of The Bands, for coming to shows and hanging out, etc. It’s awesome that you all let us be a part of your lives. We love that you are a part of ours. Keep voting daily if you can, we still have a long way to go.
