Gwenevered is the moniker Jennifer Dunn uses for her solo songer/songwriter project. She's been studying music, performing and creating since she was a wee one, and she's not stopping anytime soon. Jennifer did an email interview with me in June/06.
When did you start playing piano?
Gwenevered: My whole musical experience all started when I was 10 years old, and I started playing the flute. That was my first personal and real encounter with music, and I loved it. I then started playing the piano when I was around the age of 11, but never really pursued it much until College. My Mother started me on the piano and tried teaching me lessons, but you know how that goes, of course, I did not listen to her much at the time. In college, upon majoring in music, I studied piano more and learned the basics and also musical theory.
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What was behind the decision to pursue music through school?
Gwenevered: I guess it was the only thing I have ever really wanted to do with my life if truth be told. My dream has always been to be a singer, and it just seemed like the right fit for me to major in music at college. I wanted to go to college and get a degree, so for me, music was always my passion, so I knew that would be my journey in college as well. Although, I’m not sure opera training was exactly what I had in mind, but I do have to say, that it has definitely taught me a lot about correct singing techniques and has improved my voice to blossom as it has. I also feel that studying operatic music has broadened my whole spectrum of music. It has also been very beneficial in training my voice to do things that are difficult, so that I can have some versatility when singing. The most challenging thing for me, is still, and probably will always be Breath Support.
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What do you feel you gained from going that way?
Gwenevered: I feel that I have improved my voice and my musicianship overall, in it’s tone quality, techniques and agility for sure. Had I not studied voice in college, I don’t know that I would be as confident with singing. I have developed my own style of music through the years, as you’ll notice from my songs, and I think it has been a huge growth for me to have studied professional voice. I would recommend it to any singer, even if you don’t care much for operatic music, because it will definitely teach you more than just the basics, and make you grow into a much better singer/musician.
Do you feel that you have any specific challenges or advantages being from/based in Saint Louis, Missouri?
Gwenevered: I will always feel that my home is in Farmington, MO, no matter where I go. I do feel that currently living in St. Louis is a little better than being in Farmington, MO for now as far as having music gigs and exposure to playing out, and that sort of thing, but I don’t really feel that it is a challenge yet. The Internet is such a great resource to us all as well and has provided such great opportunities. It’s a real plus having access to the internet in today’s world that’s for sure, no matter where you are at, and it has allowed me to continue my pursuit in the music industry, while living in Missouri.
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Tell me about the recording process for your demo. Where / with who was it done?
Gwenevered: I started doing the recordings all on my own on my computer at home about eight years ago. I wrote my first song 'See How the Lights' when I was 20 years old, but didn’t record it until a few years later. It was inspired by a song that I heard from one of my best friends, Lora McCarver, who also writes music and paints Art. All of my songs were written, recorded and produced by myself, except for 'Me & Joe’s Song' – music by Joe Runnells, 'About Dreams' – collaboration with Brad Schuman on the guitar and mellotron, and for the gospel and traditional songs on my website, which were not written by me. I do someday plan on seeking a professional music producer to enhance/redo my songs on a future album, that is why I have entitled this album my demo cd.
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Gwenevered on being based in a small town
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'The Internet is such a great resource to us all as well and has provided such great opportunities. It’s a real plus having access to the internet in today’s world that’s for sure, no matter where you are at, and it has allowed me to continue my pursuit in the music industry, while living in Missouri.'
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Promo plans for the new disc?
Gwenevered: I have recently partnered with VendorPro to assist with selling my cds. They are a marketing company who will also assist with promotions of and sales of my official band items.
Are you looking for label support? What are you looking for in a label?
Gwenevered: I am open to label support, sure. I am looking for any support from a label company that would assist me in my musical career.
How important is it to you to be hands on about all the non musical aspects of your projects? (fliers, cd artwork, web design)
Gwenevered: Well, as for currently, it’s just me, so I am all hands on, but in the future, some administrative support would definitely be nice.
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The Playlist
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Gwenevered's Playlist
1. K. T. Tunstall - Black Horse and a Cherry Tree
2. Suit of Lights - Goodbye Silk City
3. Scott Kubala - A Famous Friend
4. Jennifer Trynin - I'm Feelin Good for now
5. Everclear - So Much for the Afterglow
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