Canadian-Based Jenny Ritter Goes Folk Solo
Jenny Ritter is a well known Canadian folk musician from a big island off the rainy West Coast. After ten years of ping-ponging back and forth across North America with a couple of different indie-folk bands (The Gruff/Nicely Nicely), Jenny has finally settled herself right back in Vancouver.
Jenny is now in the process of recording her first solo album and based on what we've heard so far - it will rock. I spoke to Jenny about her crowdfunding project and the adventures of being a solo artist.
Two years ago I found myself (almost to my own surprise) living quite alone in Vancouver, with my ten-year-old band, The Gruff, parting ways. I was like "Uh oh... what exactly am I doing here?".
It's been a long process searching for the answer to that question, a process of leaving-and-coming-back, trying-new-things, failing-at-new-things, and just generally figuring out who I am as a musician. For a while I thought I'd switch to electric guitar. For a while I thought I'd quit music altogether. But the true conception of this album must have happened at the same time as I just completely embraced my identity as Jenny Ritter - Folk Musician!
Lets face it... folk music ain't exactly "cool". But as I struggled through the growing pains to finally settle into my solo songwriting style, I came to see that my love for music is deeply rooted in folk traditions. And once I admitted this, it was like the tap opened, and I started writing like crazy! Much of what I'm writing are really love songs, about the people and artists who were inspiration and support during this time of upheaval. I have a feeling that this album is going to be a big old thank you card, of sorts. Now it's come to a point where, if I don't record, I think I might just explode, and all those songs would go to a big messy waste. Innocent bystanders might be hurt. Better to just make a record.
Obviously your path has been windy and rewarding. How are your fans - in Vancouver and beyond - responding to your artistic evolution and crowdfunding campaign?
I've always been a big believer in community. As an independent musician, I've seen time and time again, that artists need each other, and the bigger our community, the more successful we are. So when I heard about the concept of crowdfunding, it just made perfect sense. Yup. Once I had committed to making a record, It was the obvious choice to jump on the RocketHub pony. I notice other musicians pricking up their ears when they hear about crowdfunding, and anticipate an increase in people utilizing this concept in the near future!
I have a lot of faith in my friends, contemporaries, and fans. Faith which is proving to be completely founded! These guys are amazing!!! Every last one of them, from the dear friend who helped me make the video, to all of those who've contributed and spread the project around. Every time I look on Facebook, some sweetheart has shared it on their wall. Honestly, it's heartwarming and ridiculously exciting.
You're now a crowdfunding veteran. What words of wisdom do you have for fellow artists looking to be successful on RocketHub?
Just over half of the way through my timeline, it's hard to say if I'll reach my goal or not. But I will be not afeared! Every little bit counts.
I'm thinking that keeping on top of things is the key to maintaining momentum! For example: at my halfway mark, I released a little home-made video of a song I wrote last month. I sent a link out to all of the folks on my RocketHub mailing list, contributors or not. For those who have already contributed, it's like a little reward! For those who haven't, it's a reminder that we're halfway done, and time's a ticking! I will try to think of something else to entice them, closer to the end.
Aaaaaaand, of course have fun! I've been enjoying this whole process immensely. Making silly videos? Writing to friends and family? Watching my album funding roll in? Doesn't get much better than that!
Nice advice Jenny. Thank you for being a part of the RocketHub community.
