Jenny

Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts. Something I try to do as often as possible, especially when it comes to checking out new music. So when I see a red poster advertising a CD release show for 'Jenny', with some support acts and absolutely no mention of a myspace address or anything like that, then heck, I just had to go. Obscure gig posters will get me every time, and man am I ever glad of it. Jenny are a band that I am rather stoked to tell you about. Sit comfortably for five minutes while I tell you about how I came across this superstar collective from Calgary.

Sean Jenny at Tubby Dog, Calgary, May 28 -

On this night I had planned to go to MacEwan Hall at Calgary Uni to see TV On The Radio, a band from what I've heard, seem very decent. The thing is though, shows on university campuses usually suck, and the moment that I saw Jenny's poster, my gut told me that I'd found a more interesting way to spend my third night in Calgary, for what would be the last show I'd catch in town during my visit here. My gut was also probably telling me that I needed to eat, so hey, I'd kill two birds with one stone by checking out a show and grabbing a hot dog.

Hot dog! Did somebody say hot dogs? The setting for Jenny's show was Tubby Dog, which is a hot dog diner on 17th Avenue. Tubby's is one of a medley of hip hangouts along 17th. It's a vibrant street, where skaters brush shoulders with suits, and the avenue is adorned with a suitable mix of trendy establishments. One place worthy of a mention is a bar called The Ship & Anchor - drop the anchor and just call it 'The Ship' - which is frequently frequented by rocker types. Nice.

That gig poster had billed this show as 'Jenny and friends...", and that was not false advertising, as everyone here seemed to be a friend of the band, or a friend of a friend at least. The crowd demographic was one of high school to college/university age, and I'd put money on each person either owning a skateboard or a rad-cool bicycle.

One of the great things about going to gigs is that you can be yourself and blend into the shadows with all the other freaks and weirdos, and enjoy the show in whatever way you choose. Regrettably, due to my mood on this evening, Tubby's is a brightly lit and vibrantly coloured little diner; so there were no shadowy walls for me to lurk in, which is all I wanted to do in my weary state after one too many late nights of insobriety in a row. I must've stood out like a zebra-striped giraffe at a small pop punk show, being the tall stripey-tee'd tourist that I was. I think this rather rare feeling of apprehensiveness was a big factor in me quickly contemplating making a run for the exit. Or maybe it was the rather crappy-but-happy Juno-ishisly off-key tunes being belted out by two girls on acoustic guitar.

"...a Tubby Dog hotdog ain't your normal skinny piece of 'mechanically recovered meat' in a bun."

I retreated to the far end of the diner to chow down on a hot dog while deciding wether or not to bail this gig. $6.50 seemed a little steep for a hot dog, compared to the $2.50 or whatever I pay back in Toronto for street meat. However the price seemed justified as soon as the girl presented me with the dog, topped with a mountain of chili and onions. Foolishly, I'd started to attempt to eat this hot dog in the same way one would normally eat a hot dog, using the tried and tested hand to mouth technique. This was an epic failure of judgement on my part, because a Tubby Dog hotdog ain't your normal skinny piece of 'mechanically recovered meat' in a bun. Some kind of better judgement kicked in and I sought out a plastic fork to eat this scrummy monstrosity. So anyway, I digress horribly, but I guess I like to paint a picture? I'll put my palette away for a moment so we can get back on topic...

Needless to say, that I stuck around, and there were two more support acts before the Jenny would take to the designated band floor area at the back wall of Tubby's. Up until this moment there was nothing to write home about. It just seemed like any other small show with young novice bands, with a bunch of musical mates having fun and playing music. I've seen plenty of shows like this and would never usually write about them, as there is no point being critical of what is either young/inexperienced musicians starting out or kids just having fun.

"In more ways than one Jenny's a group that thrives on the support of it's friends - either in terms of encouragement from the sidelines or from being in the actual band itself,"

Then Jenny started their set and everything made sense. The bands that had played before Jenny suddenly seemed like a critical part of the evening, as they were part of Jenny's friends. In more ways than one Jenny's a group that thrives on the support of it's friends - either in terms of encouragement from the sidelines or from being in the actual band itself, as Jenny is essentially frontman Sean Hamilton 'and friends' - www.musicvice.com

Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts. Something I try to do as often as possible, especially when it comes to checking out new music. So when I see a red poster advertising a CD release show for 'Jenny', with some support acts and absolutely no mention of a myspace address or anything like that, then heck, I just had to go. Obscure gig posters will get me every time, and man am I ever glad of it. Jenny are a band that I am rather stoked to tell you about. Sit comfortably for five minutes while I tell you about how I came across this superstar collective from Calgary.

Sean Jenny at Tubby Dog, Calgary, May 28 -

On this night I had planned to go to MacEwan Hall at Calgary Uni to see TV On The Radio, a band from what I've heard, seem very decent. The thing is though, shows on university campuses usually suck, and the moment that I saw Jenny's poster, my gut told me that I'd found a more interesting way to spend my third night in Calgary, for what would be the last show I'd catch in town during my visit here. My gut was also probably telling me that I needed to eat, so hey, I'd kill two birds with one stone by checking out a show and grabbing a hot dog.

Hot dog! Did somebody say hot dogs? The setting for Jenny's show was Tubby Dog, which is a hot dog diner on 17th Avenue. Tubby's is one of a medley of hip hangouts along 17th. It's a vibrant street, where skaters brush shoulders with suits, and the avenue is adorned with a suitable mix of trendy establishments. One place worthy of a mention is a bar called The Ship & Anchor - drop the anchor and just call it 'The Ship' - which is frequently frequented by rocker types. Nice.

That gig poster had billed this show as 'Jenny and friends...", and that was not false advertising, as everyone here seemed to be a friend of the band, or a friend of a friend at least. The crowd demographic was one of high school to college/university age, and I'd put money on each person either owning a skateboard or a rad-cool bicycle.

One of the great things about going to gigs is that you can be yourself and blend into the shadows with all the other freaks and weirdos, and enjoy the show in whatever way you choose. Regrettably, due to my mood on this evening, Tubby's is a brightly lit and vibrantly coloured little diner; so there were no shadowy walls for me to lurk in, which is all I wanted to do in my weary state after one too many late nights of insobriety in a row. I must've stood out like a zebra-striped giraffe at a small pop punk show, being the tall stripey-tee'd tourist that I was. I think this rather rare feeling of apprehensiveness was a big factor in me quickly contemplating making a run for the exit. Or maybe it was the rather crappy-but-happy Juno-ishisly off-key tunes being belted out by two girls on acoustic guitar.

"...a Tubby Dog hotdog ain't your normal skinny piece of 'mechanically recovered meat' in a bun."

I retreated to the far end of the diner to chow down on a hot dog while deciding wether or not to bail this gig. $6.50 seemed a little steep for a hot dog, compared to the $2.50 or whatever I pay back in Toronto for street meat. However the price seemed justified as soon as the girl presented me with the dog, topped with a mountain of chili and onions. Foolishly, I'd started to attempt to eat this hot dog in the same way one would normally eat a hot dog, using the tried and tested hand to mouth technique. This was an epic failure of judgement on my part, because a Tubby Dog hotdog ain't your normal skinny piece of 'mechanically recovered meat' in a bun. Some kind of better judgement kicked in and I sought out a plastic fork to eat this scrummy monstrosity. So anyway, I digress horribly, but I guess I like to paint a picture? I'll put my palette away for a moment so we can get back on topic...

Needless to say, that I stuck around, and there were two more support acts before the Jenny would take to the designated band floor area at the back wall of Tubby's. Up until this moment there was nothing to write home about. It just seemed like any other small show with young novice bands, with a bunch of musical mates having fun and playing music. I've seen plenty of shows like this and would never usually write about them, as there is no point being critical of what is either young/inexperienced musicians starting out or kids just having fun.

"In more ways than one Jenny's a group that thrives on the support of it's friends - either in terms of encouragement from the sidelines or from being in the actual band itself,"

Then Jenny started their set and everything made sense. The bands that had played before Jenny suddenly seemed like a critical part of the evening, as they were part of Jenny's friends. In more ways than one Jenny's a group that thrives on the support of it's friends - either in terms of encouragement from the sidelines or from being in the actual band itself, as Jenny is essentially frontman Sean Hamilton 'and friends' - www.musicvice.com

Indie403 is thrilled to present Jenny as our Featured Artist of the Month!
Overview

The greatest and longest-lasting bands are those that actually mean something. While many artists can be called hypocrites, posers or even phonies, the best bands have real beliefs and are willing to fight for them. Born out of a disdain for apathy and a desire to fight against it, Jenny is a Calgary folk punk band that believes in honesty and being real, and that is why they deserve to be Indie403’s Featured Artist of the Month!
The Band, Influences & Style

Jenny is a perfect example of growth and transformation. They’ve come a long way since the band’s inception in 2009 and with chemistry, history and a passion for music, truth and saying it like it is, they’re steadily moving forward to a huge and more serious place.

Jenny began as lead vocalist Sean Hamilton’s solo project while he was drumming for another band, Radio Logic. “I would go up on stage with my acoustic guitar, sit in a chair and chuckle about how people must have thought some pretty girl named Jenny was supposed to play,” laughs Sean. “It was definitely punk rock on acoustic guitar.”

Jenny quickly developed and took on different incarnations as it evolved from a solo side project to a fully functional band. First joining Sean were drummer Spencer Kathren and bass player Eric Svilpis, building the foundation to a band that was at first fun and noncommittal. “There was an open door kind of mentality with the players because everyone had other, more serious bands they played in,” Sean explains. “It was just a fun project to mess around in.”

This began to change as Sean wrapped up his undergrad in Squamish, BC and now-lead guitarist Jarrett Brand joined the group. Sean and the band began to take Jenny a little more seriously and it wasn’t long before the lineup became permanent. “We have sweet chemistry,” says drummer Spencer. “We are all on the same page all the time. It’s easy, we just love playing shows and having fun on stage.”

Eric adds: “We’ve been such good friends for such a long time, it’s easy.”

This chemistry has led to solid songwriting and a reputation for great shows. Focusing on love, politics and everything in between, the boys strongly believe in action, rebellion and changing the world. Inspired by the frustration, disillusionment and hypocrisy they see in everyday life, Sean’s lyrics take Jenny a step further than some of their musical counterparts. They also have a range of artists to influence their style and create their unique “Canadian Folk Punk” sound. “There are folk and rock elements with a hint of country twinkling in here and there,” explains Spencer. “The biggest thing is that it’s honest. Good honest music.”

A lot of the band’s influences and sound come from the members’ friendship, says Sean, adding, “We’ve all exposed each other to different music throughout our years as friends.” The band members find their own inspiration in everything from Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones to Rancid and Green Day. Rock, folk and punk have all led to Jenny’s own sound, and lead songwriter Sean uses great writers like Bright Eyes, Woodie Guthrie and Bruce Springsteen to guide his own work. “I always loved great songs and lyrics but with the delivery of energetic punk rock.” In this sense Jenny is anything but conventional and with a big year ahead of them, they’re well on their way to fighting against everything they see as wrong with the world.
The Year Ahead

2013 is a huge year for Jenny. With a new album coming out, a major tour in the works and an appearance at Canadian Music Week in March, the band is looking forward to the next year and shows more than a little excitement. “We are insanely excited,” says Sean. “We’ve been working on [the new album] for six months. It’s been a slow train coming out but the songs are awesome and we’re practising hard to do justice by the material.”

The band will have a chance to do the material justice as they continue touring during the year, and all band members agree that touring will be the most exciting part of 2013. “We plan on doing a lot of touring,” Sean comments. “There is nothing we love more than playing music. … Playing live is our holy grail. All the work we do is aimed at playing more, for more people.”

Spencer agrees, emphasizing the size of the show isn’t important. “We could be playing to the sound guy as long as he fucking loves it. It’s all about the energy in the room.”

Jenny should see a lot of energy in March when they perform at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, an opportunity many bands would kill for. With a ton of Canadian talent, music fans and industry execs making their way to the festival, Jenny is looking forward to expanding their fanbase, something they’re bound to do with their level of energy and incredible talent filling any room they’re in.
Accomplishments & Looking Forward

Jenny has done a lot in their time as a band and have a - indie403.com

Indie403 is thrilled to present Jenny as our Featured Artist of the Month!
Overview

The greatest and longest-lasting bands are those that actually mean something. While many artists can be called hypocrites, posers or even phonies, the best bands have real beliefs and are willing to fight for them. Born out of a disdain for apathy and a desire to fight against it, Jenny is a Calgary folk punk band that believes in honesty and being real, and that is why they deserve to be Indie403’s Featured Artist of the Month!
The Band, Influences & Style

Jenny is a perfect example of growth and transformation. They’ve come a long way since the band’s inception in 2009 and with chemistry, history and a passion for music, truth and saying it like it is, they’re steadily moving forward to a huge and more serious place.

Jenny began as lead vocalist Sean Hamilton’s solo project while he was drumming for another band, Radio Logic. “I would go up on stage with my acoustic guitar, sit in a chair and chuckle about how people must have thought some pretty girl named Jenny was supposed to play,” laughs Sean. “It was definitely punk rock on acoustic guitar.”

Jenny quickly developed and took on different incarnations as it evolved from a solo side project to a fully functional band. First joining Sean were drummer Spencer Kathren and bass player Eric Svilpis, building the foundation to a band that was at first fun and noncommittal. “There was an open door kind of mentality with the players because everyone had other, more serious bands they played in,” Sean explains. “It was just a fun project to mess around in.”

This began to change as Sean wrapped up his undergrad in Squamish, BC and now-lead guitarist Jarrett Brand joined the group. Sean and the band began to take Jenny a little more seriously and it wasn’t long before the lineup became permanent. “We have sweet chemistry,” says drummer Spencer. “We are all on the same page all the time. It’s easy, we just love playing shows and having fun on stage.”

Eric adds: “We’ve been such good friends for such a long time, it’s easy.”

This chemistry has led to solid songwriting and a reputation for great shows. Focusing on love, politics and everything in between, the boys strongly believe in action, rebellion and changing the world. Inspired by the frustration, disillusionment and hypocrisy they see in everyday life, Sean’s lyrics take Jenny a step further than some of their musical counterparts. They also have a range of artists to influence their style and create their unique “Canadian Folk Punk” sound. “There are folk and rock elements with a hint of country twinkling in here and there,” explains Spencer. “The biggest thing is that it’s honest. Good honest music.”

A lot of the band’s influences and sound come from the members’ friendship, says Sean, adding, “We’ve all exposed each other to different music throughout our years as friends.” The band members find their own inspiration in everything from Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones to Rancid and Green Day. Rock, folk and punk have all led to Jenny’s own sound, and lead songwriter Sean uses great writers like Bright Eyes, Woodie Guthrie and Bruce Springsteen to guide his own work. “I always loved great songs and lyrics but with the delivery of energetic punk rock.” In this sense Jenny is anything but conventional and with a big year ahead of them, they’re well on their way to fighting against everything they see as wrong with the world.
The Year Ahead

2013 is a huge year for Jenny. With a new album coming out, a major tour in the works and an appearance at Canadian Music Week in March, the band is looking forward to the next year and shows more than a little excitement. “We are insanely excited,” says Sean. “We’ve been working on [the new album] for six months. It’s been a slow train coming out but the songs are awesome and we’re practising hard to do justice by the material.”

The band will have a chance to do the material justice as they continue touring during the year, and all band members agree that touring will be the most exciting part of 2013. “We plan on doing a lot of touring,” Sean comments. “There is nothing we love more than playing music. … Playing live is our holy grail. All the work we do is aimed at playing more, for more people.”

Spencer agrees, emphasizing the size of the show isn’t important. “We could be playing to the sound guy as long as he fucking loves it. It’s all about the energy in the room.”

Jenny should see a lot of energy in March when they perform at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, an opportunity many bands would kill for. With a ton of Canadian talent, music fans and industry execs making their way to the festival, Jenny is looking forward to expanding their fanbase, something they’re bound to do with their level of energy and incredible talent filling any room they’re in.
Accomplishments & Looking Forward

Jenny has done a lot in their time as a band and have a - indie403.com

see link - Edmonton Journal