It’s exciting times for artist Jenna Leigh-Raine. With new single ‘Artefact’ being released on 6th March, and an album of the same name dropping on Record Store Day. Offering a frightening glimpse at a not-too-distant dystopia, Artefact is both timely and a warning to our future selves. Therefore, we couldn’t resist speaking to Jenna:

Can you tell us about the band’s origins. Where did you meet etc.

I’ve been a solo artist for about 98% of my career in music – just a short three years at the beginning as a trio band. 

I prefer it this way, I’ve not really known different really. Though, I do not like going on stage alone. I have been lucky in the past two years to be a support act, appearing in large theatres. I’ve been grateful to be joined by the likes of artist and producer, Porl Young, who sometimes tours with Massive Ego.

What are the musical influences of each band member and how do you forge them into a cohesive whole?

Well, speaking only for myself, anything from Gary Numan to new band Kiss fronted by a guy called Danny – he’s a real saviour of emo. Metal band artists like Poppy are really good, I’ve watched her grow for years. Going right back, I appreciate music from the 70’s where music was at its purest.

Can you tell us about your local music scene. Is it supportive? Are there many places to play?

The London scene is massive, but I wouldn’t say it was my ‘scene’. That being said, I’m happy to notice rock is really making a return. But I have a problem with genre, I think it’s too confused. If it’s rock-ish it’s Rock N Roll, all sides of rock is rock.

What’s the best and worst thing about your local scene?

So many of the home music venues have closed, which is a big challenge for independent musicians. The saving grace is that we still have places like The Roundhouse, and the Underground in Camden, famed as a playground of former bands coming finding deals.

Can you tell us about the band’s discography (demos, singles, albums).

I have 17 albums and with them, a huge catalogue of songs and instrumental work, including lots of cinematic work. Much of these are listed in my book, In Stitches (available on Amazon).

How do you feel you’ve evolved musically throughout your career?

At the beginning, my focus was on mainly electronic to heavy beats, but it’s now more guitar based with heavy structured synth walls, dark sounding.

Can you tell us about tours you’ve completed. Any war stories you’d like to share?

P Sony Pictures in 1998 I think. I had returned to London weeks earlier to complete a single then flew back for meetings and blagged my way into record companies and such. The TV show was weird I was a professional guest against new talent who were, in the most, terrible. They said my sound was too sophisticated and cold for a daytime show across America at 5pm! I did have purple hair and an early version of industrial rock.

Will we see you on the road anytime soon?

I’m considering if I’ll just do a couple dates this year and wait until 2027 for a longer run. I want the new album to have a far reach to new listeners. Here in the UK, there is still a very strong issue with girls in rock being allowed showtime, it’s crazy – male gatekeeping at its brightest. Not right.

What’s next for the band? How do you plan to reach the next level?

Heavily promoting the new single the new album. It’s my best strongest, heaviest and most futuristic sound.

Finally, what’s the one question (and answer) interviewers never ask but you wish they would?

Well more an observation really – How I see music in general…

I think streaming is dead. I do not bother now, as one track is pushed over others on say SoundCloud, my preferred streaming choice. I will not go near Spotify i.e. Rotify. Streaming, when it began, was interesting, but it has taken musicians towards nowhere land, and labels are the only ones financially benefitting. 

I don’t mind in some sense as I’ve been producing, and taking care of business, and producing all releases and artwork, and advising others. But I think we need to forget about streaming and burn the iPod forever. Just play the vinyl and see a show. Go back to caring about the artist and labels stop looking for viral hits. All my heroes would shudder if they had to write a viral hit.

ARTEFACT is release as a single March 6

SoundCloud

Album at Rough Trade April 18

HUMMDRUMM RECORDS 

Publisher Ronall Music Worldsong 

Connect with Jenna Leigh-Raine: Bandcamp | Facebook | YouTube Channel