THE SCENE: A music journey that started in the family home
Jenny Mitchell - the 2017 Southland Entertainer of the Year - is currently touring New Zealand which has included helping raise money for Forest & Bird.
Jenny Mitchell - the 2017 Southland Entertainer of the Year - is currently touring New Zealand which has included helping raise money for Forest & Bird. She provides us with an insight into her music journey to date and outlines an original song that’s special to her.
ARTIST: Jenny Mitchell
What's your style of music?
Singer-songwriter, wrapped in country and folk sounds.
Tell us about your music journey, where did it start?
It started in our family home, thanks to Dad teaching me to sing as soon as I could talk, and at early performances at the Gore Country Music Club.
Who have been your music influences?
The Chicks are probably the band that have influenced me the most. I’ve been listening to their albums since I was about 7 & still do most days now! Norah Jones is another big influence.
What does the creative process look like when it comes to you writing songs?
It looks like me & a guitar, in a quiet space. I love writing when I’m touring so you’ll often find me with a notebook backstage! There are always “seasons” that I don’t write as often but I try not to force myself to write during those times & let it happen when it’s meant to happen.
What's been the most enjoyable gig where you have performed your own songs?
Hmmm. That’s a hard one! I don’t think I could pick just one but opening for Nadia Reid at the Auckland Town Hall last year was definitely a highlight.
What song have you attached for the Southland Tribune audience to listen to?
I’ve attached The Bush & the Birds featuring my sisters, The Mitchell Twins.
How did that song come about, and why is it so special for you?
I wrote this one years ago for my Grandad Bruce Mitchell.
It’s essentially the story of his life and inspired the tour I’m currently on which is touring the country in support of Forest & Bird.
We created an online campaign that generated an initial $1200 donation and 10% of tour profits will also be donated to the conservation organisation.
We’ve just played sold-out shows in Peel Forest at Christchurch and are heading to Invercargill on July 27th.
I feel so lucky that this song has given me a way to make my music give back to something my family and I are passionate about and am having a great time being back on the road.
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