Jennifer Silva

FOLKROCK HAS A NEW FACE – Q&A WITH JENNIFER SILVA
By Chimera Magazine / April 22, 2018

Brooklynite Jennifer Silva’s childhood love for music has tranformed her into one of the most talented women in Folk Rock today. Silva’s newest release Bluest Sky, Darkest Earth is lyrically powerful and she projects her voice with more soul than I have heard in a very long time. If you’re a fan of Folk Rock and Soul you’re going to want to take a listen. The way this album is crafted by blending these two genres togther is genius. This album which is her first full length would be the follow up to her earlier Pop EP SILVA. And even both albums bare zero resemblance to one another they both hold their own within their respective genres. I was lucky enough to get a Q&A with miss Silva and get to know her a little better, check out what she had to say.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music?

I’ve been singing all my life. Every wedding and funeral I’ve ever been to, I was the one singing…reluctantly. But after moving to NYC and working in the corporate world for a while, I realized that singing and making music was the only thing that comes naturally to me, that I am pretty good at, and actually makes me happy and fulfilled. So, I quit my job at Playboy in 2008 to focus on learning guitar and making music. Best decision of my life.

Who would you say influenced your singing style?

I am a soul singer, first and foremost. Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross were big influences on me growing up, along with all kinds of Motown and R&B. Singers like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill are forever favs. But I also have this folkier singer-songwriter vibe, hugely influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos. And my dad playing The Animals, The Stones and lots of classic rock at home, singing those songs with him on guitar, definitely influenced me. I like to say my genre is Folk/Soul.

Your first release is a complete 180 from your new album. What inspired you write SILVA?

Making SILVA was a very fun experience. I answered a Craig’s List ad posted by a local DJ named Sizigi-13 and initially, we just wanted to make a few songs together. I learned so much from that process and actually recorded all the vocals inside my bedroom closet! I loved the songs and decided to release it independently. The music may be electronic but my lyrics and vocals are still emotional and dynamic and still me. I’m very proud of that EP. The songs are about love and being in a relationship with someone with a dark side.

Why did you decide to concentrate on a different genre (folk) as focused on your new album.

The music on this record BLUEST SKY, DARKEST EARTH is very authentic. I didn’t get caught up on genre or style when writing it. This is just an amalgam of influences coming out of me naturally. There is Soul, Folk and Rock on this record. I think it showcases my vocals very well and I think the melodies reflect the lyrics very symbiotically. This whole record is warm, emotional, hopeful and sexy. These are personal traits of mine as well, I think.

Do you have a favorite song on the new album?

I love Convent. I appreciate songwriting that plays with a theme and I’m crazy about blasphemy and sacrilege in general. Maybe I listened to too much Madonna growing up! But I honestly felt really strong about this demo going into the studio and fought to keep it on the album. I think the simple piano intro is powerful and the harmonies feel rich. I love the powerhouse bridge. Plus, it’s damn sexy!

Are you planning on mixing the two styles eventually or forget about the first EP all together?

I’m all about taking every door that opens to me. I personally see a connection already between these 2 albums because of the lyric and vocal commonality. But now that I have a great band, I’ll probably continue making organic music. I do love artists like St. Vincent and Alabama Shakes though, so adding some electronic elements in the future with real instrumentation is a definite goal.

How are your fans dealing with the switch?

Everyone has been very positive. My friends and fans have been waiting patiently for the new record for a while. I am just so excited to share it finally!

What would say is the hardest part about starting a career in music?

I have a family and so touring for extended periods isn’t really a possibility unfortunately. My kids are still young and it’s also a challenge writing when they are home. But they’ve come to understand they need to let me be when inspiration strikes. They are my biggest fans actually.

So what’s the next move for Jennifer Silva?

Saturday, April 28th at 9pm is my record release show at Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 1, 196 Allen Street, NYC)! My band and I will be performing all the songs from BLUEST SKY, DARKEST EARTH, so come and see me if you can!
We will also play shows throughout the city this Summer and Fall, while I continue to write songs for the next record. I’m also open to collaborations with other artists, music or visual, and I’d love to start licensing my songs. Lots to do, lots to learn, lots to be excited about! - The Chimera Magazine