Heather Jeanette can play piano and violin, too, but her attention is solely focused on one particular instrument: the guitar. She was greatly influenced by the artists of the '70s, which led her to take voice lessons while in high school.
Jeanette attended Berklee College of Music for a five-week summer session, then enrolled after her high school graduation. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Music.
Integrating contemporary and jazz music styles, she started to form her own niche in rock music.
Jeanette gave us a sneak peek into her music and her life.
Q: How did you start making music? A: I started writing songs at the age of 15. From then on, I realized that it was a great creative outlet for me, as well, as fun. I began to share my songs with people and met my band members along the way (through open mics and gigs).
Q: Did you grow up in the Hampton Roads area or relocate here?A: I grew up here. The rest of my band members fill in for me at gigs, but the majority of them grew up here.
Q: Who are your influences? What gets you inspired to create?A: This list could go on forever....Led Zeppelin, Heart, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Aerosmith, The Beatles, Radiohead, Patty Griffin, Pat Benatar, No Doubt, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Incubus, Susan Tedeschi, The Doors, Muse, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayer. I get inspired by everything and everyday living.
Q: What local bands should we keep an eye out for? What bands do you enjoy sharing a bill with?
A: There are so many great local bands out there. The Influence is a great band around the area as well as Superock, Jackmove, Counterfeit Molly, JoAnna Lynne, Grant Austin Taylor, The Big Mighty, and The Underground Press. I haven't shared a bill with all of them but I would love to.
Q: How would you describe your music to people?
A: This is always a hard question. I like for people to just listen and form their own opinions. My music combines melodies I hear in my head, influences, along with a list of experiences, and out pops a song. I feel the best way to describe it would be honest, emotional, bluesy rock/pop style with a sultry voice.
Q: What are your favorite venues to play at around the Hampton Roads area?
A: I love playing anywhere that gives me an opportunity to play my music for audiences. It basically comes down to I wish the Hampton Roads Music Scene would develop into something more than it is, with fans and venues more supportive of local music.
Q: What changes from the media do you think need to occur to better help get your music out there for Hampton Roads residents to hear and see?
A: Radio stations responding more to local music shows, more press in newspapers and local magazines about upcoming artists and local orignal music to inspire people to go watch it. I feel if we can get more locals out to hear the music, bars will embrace local original music as well, and we could develop a better music scene closer to ones such as in Richmond or bigger cities.
Q: Who primarily writes the songs? Is there a certain process or does it come out during practice?
A: I write the songs. I would love to co-write with people in the future, though. My songs just tend to come out if I'm just playing guitar or messing around on the piano, then I'll go back and make some changes.
Q: How do you market your music to the public? What seems to work best for you for letting people know about your shows?A: Myspace is
a great great great site to promote music to the public! Otherwise, I try to get out there with flyers and word of mouth.
Q: Do you have any CDs / merchandise available for fans to purchase? Where can they buy them?
A: I have a demo that's soon to be released. Keep checking back at my myspace for more details on it and how you can purchase one.
Q: When not playing music, what are your hobbies?
A: Besides playing music I enjoy spending time with my friends, swimming, running, going to the beach, and just having a great time. And of course I like to hear good music from other great musicians!
MMX: Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following:
Military Ships - protection
Constant Road Construction - Pain in the A**
Virginia Beach Oceanfront - Did you say tourists?
Blogs - interesting public diaries
The NorVa - great venue for any band local or national
The Boathouse - cool place
Ghent- cute urban atmosphere
Festivals - fun
The Block - never really went out there officially yet
Granby Street - Girls Night Out
Q: Any final words?A: Everyone please check out my music at
myspace.com/heatherjrocks
