‘Wildfires’ Sparks a New Chapter in NZ Singer-Songwriter Jenny Mitchell’s Career

Three years after the release of her critically acclaimed debut album The Old Oak, NZ singer-songwriter Jenny Mitchell is returning to the fold with her latest single, Wildfires (the first from her soon-to-be released second album) and a tour of Australia in just a few weeks’ time.

In this interview, she and I discuss what fans can expect from her upcoming album, what it was like working with esteemed producer Matt Fell, and the ups and downs of her career thus far.

Congratulations on the recent release of your latest single, Wildfires (the debut single from your upcoming second album of the same name). What’s the reaction been like so far?

Thank you! I’ve been so pleased by the response. A lot of women in particular have expressed that they can relate to the lyrics, so I’m really thrilled about that. It feels great to finally share part of this project that I’ve been working on for so long!

 

You wrote the song about a toxic relationship. Was it a difficult decision to share something so personal with your fans and the public as a whole?

I think as a songwriter that’s just a pill you have to swallow in order to release authentic work. So, while the thought did cross my mind, I’d never sacrifice the honesty of my writing for my pride.

 

What usually influences your song writing?

Usually all personal experience, but over the past six months I’ve been really inspired by those around me and have tried to get inside other people’s thought processes and decisions to write from their perspective – just to change things up a bit.

 

How indicative is Wildfires of what people can expect to hear from your upcoming album?

I hope that the album is going to take listeners on a journey from the start of track 1, to the end of track 12.  Thethread that runs through all those tracks is, I think, my perspective on life, rather than a particular sound or style. But Wildfires is definitely a good introduction [of] what’s to come!

 

How does it compare to your debut album The Old Oak (2015), if at all?

I think those who are familiar with The Old Oak will be aware that this is a new chapter for me. The record definitely still has country roots, but new flavours that might surprise those who are familiar with my previously released music.

 

What do you want people to take away from listening to Wildfires (both the single and upcoming album)?

I hope that people will be able to find themselves in the songs & feel something when they listen to the lyrics.

 

You won the NZ Gold Guitar Award, an MLT Songwriting Award and were named Southland Entertainer of the Year award at only 19. How have you grown as a musician since then?

The past year has definitely been a good one! I think winning those awards really gave the confidence I needed to be comfortable in my own skin as an artist, and gave me the encouragement I needed too.

 

You crowdfunded for both Wildfires and The Old Oak. Can you tell me a bit more about this process and why you decided to use crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is essentially a pre-order of an album, or the purchase of a reward. It supports artists so [they can] get in studio and make more music. I love supporting other artists in this way, and I think it’s a great way to really express your love for those who make music that you enjoy.

As an independent, my albums wouldn’t exist without crowdfunding support. The first time around I was one of the only musicians in my region who had turned to crowdfunding, but I found this process more difficult due to the popularity of the platform in 2018.

I think the most important part of the process is ensuring you provide great rewards and making sure that you keep everyone up to date with the progress of the project. My rewards included everything from wedding entertainment packages to tea towels.  I’ve truly [brought] my pledgers through the album journey alongside me!

 

You worked with producer Matt Fell on Wildfires. Can you describe the recording process and what you learnt from working with someone with such a great reputation?

Matt really offered me everything I was looking for in a producer and more. The process started with Matt and I working together to select the best 12 tracks. Then we had bass, percussion and guitar all tracked together, which I felt created a really great, creative energy. We had so many exceptional players on the record (including the likes of Shane Nicholson, Josh Schuberth, Glen Hannah, Luke Moller [and] James Church). I really couldn’t have asked for a better team.

He taught me how to be flexible with my vision of a song and how to explore sounds, [take] approaches that I’d never considered before. I think anyone who’s worked with him would agree, he always brings a fresh perspectives & encourages those in studio to venture outside the box.

 

The Old Oak received high acclaim globally, even as far as the US. Do you feel pressure when writing a new album or song, given your previous success?

I think everyone feels pressure, it’s only natural and I think ignoring that pressure is almost one of the hardest challenges of a recording process. As we’re nearing release, I’m really proud that I’ve created something that is authentic to who I am as an artist rather than a project focused on commercial appeal.

 

You’ve written over 150 songs between the release of The Old Oak and Wildfires. How did you whittle it down to the tracks you’re including on the upcoming record?

There were some tracks that I knew needed to be on Wildfires as soon as they were written and others that grew on me over time. The final track was actually written during the recording process and I just felt there was a place for it beside the other tracks we had worked on.

You’re returning to Australia in October and November for a few festival appearances and sideshows with Gretta Ziller, Andrew Swift, Nigel Wearne and Liam Gerner. What are you most looking forward to on your upcoming tour?

I’m really looking forward to playing with those fantastic musicians and to meet more of the folk community at the festivals. I’m just thrilled to finally be bringing new music with me and to be able to give the audience something new to take home.

 

How does performing in front of an Australian audience compare to one in NZ? Are there many similarities?

 

I definitely feel really at home in front of Australian audiences, I guess because there is more of a country market. It’s also great to know people I’m playing to are familiar with some of the Australian songwriters that I adore. I’ve met some of the best people around your country through a mutual love of particular types of music.

I read that you also do a lot of house concerts. How does that compare to other gigs you have done?

I can’t express how much I love playing in a house concert setting. I think there are very few other live music experiences that can offer that kind of connection and intimacy. It’s a place I can really express myself and share my music to an audience who wants to be there and wants to listen.

 

What can people expect from one of your live performances?

I always strive to have my heart on my sleeve and really let people into my mind and my world through my songs.  I hope that my audiences feel that. You can expect lots of stories and songs that remind you of sad times, but also some that remind you of the good things in life.

 

What do you enjoy most about touring?

I think the friendships that are formed on tour are incomparable. It’s such a special gift to be able to share my music and connect with strangers, while seeing corners of the world that I probably wouldn’t even know existed otherwise!

 

Is there a particular place you’re looking forward to visiting during the Australian tour?

I’ve never been to QLD, so I’m looking forward to exploring that. I think the festivals will be a real highlight.

 

Who are your idols, both personally and professionally?

Professionally, I think artists like Jason Isbell and Allison Krauss really inspire me to stay true to who I am – regardless of what’s “in” at the moment. I also really admire Tami Neilson and Fanny Lumsden. They are two female artists who I feel have stayed 100% true to who they are & have never been afraid to stand out from the crowd. I think their success is a product of that.

Personally, I’m inspired everyday by my mum. She is a hardworking business woman and she always finds a way to make things work. She’s the perfect balance of compassion and strength, the kind of person that you want around when disaster hits.

 

What is it about country and Americana music in particular that appeals to you?

I think both country and Americana are so story-centric and I just love the instrumentation too. You just can’t beat a dobro or a fiddle!

What are some of the highlights and lowlights of your career thus far?

Highlights – during my tour in Ireland last year, I ended up playing at and visiting a few schools. One was my Nana’s primary school and I played a song I wrote about her and my Grandad migrating to New Zealand. That wasn’t only a career highlight, but also fits into the life highlight category, I think.

Winning the NZ Gold Guitar Award was … something I had worked towards since I was a little girl. It was particularly special to win with a song I had written myself, which is track 8 on the album.

 

Lowlights – I think every artist goes through times that are pretty hard. Being a songwriter can be very socially isolating. This year, while it’s been wonderful, has tested every inch of my patience and been pretty exhausting emotionally. But I have learnt more than I ever have in the space of 12 months and I always try to remember that. Every day is a learning curve!

 

What are the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve received in regard to pursuing music?

Best advice:  to listen to my gut in any situation. Writing, recording, releasing, planning, touring – whatever it is! I can’t think of an exact example [of the worst advice]. But I think any time someone starts a sentence with, “you should be more like …”

 

What have you got planned for the rest of this year?

I’m heading back to Australia in a few weeks for an album release tour & after that there will be some NZ shows. Otherwise, I’ll be spending the summer with my family before getting ready for another Tamworth [appearance] and a big year of music in 2019.

 

Details of Jenny Mitchell’s upcoming tour can be found below, and you can find out more about Wildfires by visiting her website, or following her on Facebook. You can also view the music video for her new single via YouTube.