Singer-Songwriter Jeanne Marie Boes

Like an actress changing costumes between scenes, New York singer-songwriter Jeanne Marie Boes slips comfortably between vocal stylings, one moment she’s a lounge singer beyond her years and the next she’s a smoky pop diva. But whether she’s backed by a baby grand or a synthsizer, the passionate emotion behind her songs of love and heartbreak shines through.

Jeanne Marie took some time to answer questions about her songwriting, performing, her new EP, bison, and of course, her favorite sandwich. Read on for her answers, and tune in to KRUU on Tuesday, 5/1 at 9am for a full set of her music.

1.) Do you remember writing your first song? Has your songwriting process changed or evolved since then and if so, how?
I do, it was about 5 years ago. I remember sitting at the piano, playing around with chords and this tune came to me. The song is named “Fare” and I still perform it from time to time. I really have no regular process of writing other than the music usually comes before the lyric.

2.) What was the first concert you remember going to see?
I’ve been to so many! Hmm… It might have been the Dave Matthews Band at Central Park when I was 14 or 15 years old.

3.) What’s the hardest thing about performing? What’s the best thing?
The hardest thing is walking up on stage. Once I’m up there I am home, but getting up there is still nerve-wracking. The best thing is making that walk. Conquering that fear.

4.) Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get ready to perform?
An hour or so before a show I turn off the radio, TV, phone, etc. Having some quiet time really helps.

5.) What is one instrument you would really like to play but don’t (yet)?
The Theremin (research it)

6.) How do you pick yourself up when you’re feeling down?
I’ll usually call a friend or watch some cute animal videos on YouTube.

7.) What are you proud of with your new album?
With my EP, Promising Girl, I really wanted to explore some new sounds. I’m so happy I was able to do that. It’s more ‘Pop’-based than my previous releases.

8.) Any new projects currently or on the horizon?
Getting a band together first and foremost, but also gaining new exposure, playing more shows, releasing new music, and making videos.

9.) What things are you passionate about besides music?
Photography, actually. I love taking pictures – at concerts with my favorite bands or nature .. it’s a hobby I really love.

10.) If you could create a musical super-group with any artists, living or dead, who would you choose and what would they play?
Louis Armstrong on trumpet, Jimmy Page on lead guitar, Alison Mosshart (of The Kills) and Joan Jett on back-up vocals, Paul McCartney on bass, Stevie Wonder on harmonica and on piano, Billy Joel. Me? Lead vocals. It would be a circus, but I’d be the happiest girl in the world!

Bonus Questions
1. What’s your favorite sandwich?
Tunafish, lettuce and tomato. It’s boring, but I love it.

2. What’s your favorite hot drink?
Herbal Tea, any flavor.

3. Do you have pets or a favorite animal?
Cats! Forever and always. Also Bison.

4. Anything else you want people to know!
Bison are people too.

LINKS:
Website: http://www.jeanneboes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jeannemarieboes
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/jeanneboes
Bandcamp: http://jeanneb.bandcamp.com
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jeanne-marie-boes/id264855227

Filed under: music