Music interview: Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans
August 9, 2009
When we saw Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans live, you could just bottle the excitement that was in the summer air. Kids were singing, dancing, laughing, and having a jolly good time. Singer-songwriter Jeanie B is understandably a Billboard and Parents Choice award winner, since her music is so much inspired by her own kids. It's this authentic joy of life that only kids can inspire. With her easy on the ears blend of folk and rock music, Jeanie B and her band, the Jelly Beans, have great kids' appeal. I asked her a few questions to discover the person behind the band.
What inspired you to start a kids' music band?
I have played music all my life and when my kids were born I started listening to "kids music" and decided I could do that and perhaps do something different than what I was hearing. I felt the music was unsophisticated and played down to kids so I wanted to see what would happen if I applied the same style of music I had always played, to kids lyrics. Full band tracks with harmonies and the whole enchilada. It worked apparently because I'm still here doing this and people show up when I play!
What did you do before you started the band?
I have had many careers! I had "grown up" bands since high school and played solo a lot, but have also been a horse trainer, and a professional film/video editor in Chicago. I owned a post production house for almost 2 decades before going into music full time.
Do you use any personal experiences in your songs? What's an example?
I use almost all personal experiences in my songs. My children are my inspiration! For instance, when my oldest son (now 10) was 5 years old he asked me if I still loved him when I was mad at him. My answer to him was "The I Love You Song" which explains how a parent loves you no matter what. The title track of my latest CD "Joy" was inspired by my other son (8 years old) who wakes up with a smile and says he's great! and bounces out into his day! He is just full of joy and the song tells his story. "Mommy Knows Best" was written when my booking agent's daughter would only say "no" to Mommy. I could go on and on... So I use the songs as teaching tools and a way to reflect life back to the kids.
What's your favorite kind of venue to perform at?
I get something from every kind of venue. I admit that I love a huge crowd that I can work into a dancing frenzy with my band, but there is something magical about playing solo to a room of just 20 kids really learning through music. I am fortunate that I get to play the gammet.
How do you decide what to play in concert? Do you vary it and why?
Ahhh, the art of the set list! Never easy! I try to incorporate songs that are seasonal, for instance, right now I am doing songs about summer, gardens, animals and such. I try to vary it a bit and find new things to sprinkle in to keep it interesting for me as well as anyone who may have seen me recently. I play songs with my band that I never do solo and vice versa. I've written over 50 children's songs so I have a lot to choose from there, plus, I play a lot of covers. I choose songs based on the size and ages of the audience as well. I have songs that are better for younger kids, and some that older kids respond to. I usually gage it for the older kids as the little ones will go along with anything, but the older kids don't appreciate the younger kid songs as much. It's always a tricky thing, that set list! It has to be flexible too, I sometimes shift away from my plan if the audience isn't what I anticipated or something isn't working.
What's the most special song to you from your latest CD, "Joy", and why?
Wow, that's a big question. My favorite song is "Joy" because it fills me with joy when I sing it, but I would have to say "Daddy's Little Girl" is the most special because I wrote it for my Dad on his 80th Birthday. It was my gift to him and I'm lucky to have such a great Dad for such a long time.
Any influences on your music?
Well, my playing style has always been a little Neil Young meets The Indigo Girls, and as far as kid artists, I would say Ralph Colvert and Justin Roberts are my heroes there.
Do you write your own songs? How long have you been writing/playing kids' music?
I write songs all the time and have been since I was about 15. I started writing songs for kids as soon as my first child was born which was 10 years ago. If I need a song about something, I just sit down and write it. It's really a blessing to have that ability and I don't take it for granted.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I love acoustic/alternative Folk and Rock. I like to listen to hard rock as well, but appreciate all music that is well crafted and meaningful.
What kind of mom are you?
Well, you'd have to ask my kids that one! I like to think that I'm fun. I am probably more strict than most would think, but I try to keep a sense of humor. My kids would probably say I work to much, but it takes a lot of work to make money with music and that's what I love. So I hope it shows them a good work ethic to achieve your dreams.
What's next for you?
Who knows what is next really? I have dreamt of having an educational TV show for kids about music, so that's what I'll put out there. I just want to keep playing music and teaching kids about life through a song. I am very blessed indeed to be able to do this full time.
You can find more information about Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans on her website, www.jeaniebmusic.com