Chick of the Week | Jennah Barry

We were lucky enough to get in touch with the charismatic and talented Jennah Barry this past week to talk about music, life, food...and even politics! Her timeless singer-songwriter mystique truly makes her one of the maritimes finest. Be sure to check her out at the Halifax Pop Explosion this coming week!

EWM: What are some of your biggest influences when writing music and lyrics?

JB: I write a lot of stories in my spare time; those are where my lyrics typically come from. I like to dwell on things for a year and then sing about it...I suppose it's hard to say what my big influences are, they always change. At the moment, I'm fascinated by small-town social culture (bowling alleys, garages, fire halls...etc).

EWM: How do you think the Nova Scotia music community has helped you grow as an artist?

JB: It's been such a riot playing in all the little tiny towns around here. It keeps you on your toes because the age bracket in the audience is usually very wide and requires a type of stage communication that's hard to describe. Plus, if they love you once, they'll usually love you forever.

EWM: Feminism has been very prevalent in the media lately. What’s your take on it? Do you think that there is equality for women in the music industry?

JB: Haha, this reminds me of Jon Oliver addressing the impossible questions Miss America contestants are expected to answer in 30 seconds.

I see and am motivated by a lot of really great musicians who assertively self-regulate their gender identity and what that means (or doesn't mean) to their creative goals. I think that's good feminism. The industry has been blown wide open and at it's best, a person can put themselves out there exactly as they are and find success. Unfortunately, most of the big money is still in sex - and sex still looks like tits and ass and, in my opinion, has never sounded worse. That kind of inequality affects everyone. The bright side is, thanks to the ever-flailing internet, a person doesn't necessarily have to climb that weird, slutty mountain to fame to feel rewarded in their career. That's a game changer, for sure.

Also, world peace.

EWM: Ok and now just some questions for fun! We hope this doesn’t happen, BUT it’s your last meal ever. What are you eating? (Feel free to include drink, appetizer, entree, dessert).

JB: I just had this conversation the other day! Farmers Restaurant-style Sour Cream. Doesn't matter what it's on. I'd probably try opium or something as well.

EWM: A high-up-there industry exec approaches you and says that you can go right now to perform wherever you want and with whoever you want. Where do you choose to perform and who’s playing at this concert with you?

JB: First off, I don't trust the guy, so I'll give him an impossible challenge.

It's 1972, Donny Hathaway is recording his Live album at the Bitter End in New York and I'm the bass player. Take me there.

EWM: Make EWM a 4-song playlist of what you are listening to right now…GO!

JB: "Party Police" by Alvvays

"There Is a Mountain" by Donovan

"That Married Life" by Al Tuck

"Don't Forget to Breathe" by Mike O'Neill

EWM: Finally, favourite spot in Halifax/HRM?

JB: Songs on Quinpool for Korean food and Elsie's!

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