Jess Penner

Hawaiian native Jess Penner is currently making her mark in the music industry.

Performing regularly in Los Angeles, Jess’ music has been featured in a variety of commercials/campaigns, television shows such as Gossip Girl and The Hills and film trailers for What’s Your Number and Dirty Girl.

If you’re reading this from the UK, you may recognise Jess’ song ‘All Smiles’ which currently features on the 75th anniversary advert for Malteasers.

We spoke to Jess to find out more about her musical aspirations and her plans for 2012.

Who would you cite as your strongest musical influence?

It’s changed over the years from Whitney Houston to Bob Marley to Nirvana to Jimmy Eat World to Radiohead to Phoenix. I think I just need variety and I love all kinds of music!

How would you best describe your music?

I would say it’s cheerful and cheeky indie-pop. Most of my songs express a certain level of joy and freedom, but I’m also a sucker for a good old heart-breaker that laments the fact that you’re jealous of that chick who’s got your man.

Your music has been featured in a variety of movie trailers, what has been your favourite so far?

Probably “Dirty Girl” even though the trailer is kinda naughty. Everyone likes a gritty coming of age story with a bit of humour – I think most of us have had at least some painful experiences in our high school days, if you didn’t then you’re probably a cyborg

How does it feel to have your music used across popular TV shows?

It feels amazing because I feel like I’ve been validated somehow, but I am totally uncomfortable watching it! I don’t know if other artists feel the same, but it always seems like my music is awkward compared to the other pieces it’s matched up with in an episode/movie. I’m probably just being ridiculous!

What is your favourite gig venue?

The music box in Hollywood. Totally fun, classy, and rock and roll. I haven’t actually played a show there – I just pretended to on T.V with my band “We cry diamonds”. It was a pretty amazing experience though and it made me long for the day I could have a sold out show at a place like that.

What has been your favourite performance to date?

I would say playing for Edison Electric in Milan. They were using my song “All smiles” in their ad’s at the time and decided to fly my band out to perform at their christmas party. Let me tell you – those Italians know how to party!!! They all sang along to the song and had bootleg ringtones of it on their cell phones… it was a lot of fun!

How did you find opening for the band FUN?

It was a great experience. I was blown away by their live performance. There were six people on stage all doing double or triple duty (playing more than one instrument and or singing), it was everything you would expect from a band who’s number 1 on itunes at the moment. It felt a little intimidating to open for them as a solo artist with one little guitar, but it was an honour.

You keep a blog on your website, do you feel it’s important to connect with your fans via the internet?

Yes. I feel like people expect so much more than music from artists nowadays, they want to feel connected to you as a person. At first I was uncomfortable with people knowing so much about me, but as I have gotten more comfortable with myself I’ve come to enjoy it. If people don’t want to read about my back yard chicken farm or how I was forced to listen to Aaron Neville as a child they can simply avoid my blog… but if they are curious – my blog is their oyster… or something to that effect.

What are your plans for 2012?

I have a lot of hopes for the year, but it’s hard to know what will come up and demand my attention. It seems to be more about seizing the moment than having a plan for me of late. I am writing and demo-ing for a new record now, but also trying to focus on releasing a couple of side projects properly. My band “We Cry Diamonds” has a debut record coming out that I’m pretty excited about. It’s completely different than anything I’ve done before, really raw and dynamic and just a lot of fun. I’m thinking of all the glam outfits I’m gonna wear and how I should learn to set my guitar on fire and stumble around stage!

Do you have any plans to visit the UK?

No plans yet, just dreams! I haven’t been to the UK in four or five years, so I would love to come visit again. I have a song in the newest ad for Malteasers UK at the moment so maybe that will stir up demand. Also I would die to be at a taping for Top Gear, I love that show!!!

You can listen to a few tracks by Jess below:

You can find out more about Jess by visiting the links below!
Website
Twitter
Facebook