“As a musician, a performer, a songwriter, a singer, all I really want to do is create something of quality, and create what is in my heart at the moment,” says Jenny MacDonald. “I know how cheesy that sounds, but isn’t the essence of art?” The non-stop touring singer-songwriter showcases tunes from Bye, Bye, Mr. Bluesman, with Regina’s Jeffrey Straker, at The Company House on Monday.
MacDonald, an NSCC music grad, will also perform songs from her third, upcoming album funded in part by her current Indiegogo campaign. Her success so far is no surprise.
A prolific and talented songwriter, co-penning a jam for Slowcoaster— and with over 100 songs in her catalogue—MacDonald also embraces the business side of music.
Coached by NSCC educator and city councilor Waye Mason, MacDonald was surprised to discover her strong industry skills that shaped her career. Now a label rep for Vancouver’s HMP Recording and Development, she excels in the business aspect of music production.
“I love both sides of the business,” she says. “For a lot of artists, the business is a struggle, but to me, it’s the avenue in which you can take the art you create to the public. Without it, your art stays in your room.”
Her wide range of influences means her work touches all genres.
“Putting music into boxes is hard, the best thing to do is listen for yourself,” she says, adding that she and her band just strive to make good music, “but blues is where the heart is.”
Jenny MacDonald
w/Jeffery Straker
Monday, March 25,$8, 8:30pm
The Company House, 2202 Gottingen Street
This article appears in Mar 21-27, 2013.
