A NOTE FROM JEANNA: As you know, we love sitting down with "behind the scenes Switchfoot people" to get the inside scoop on the guys and the industry. Up and coming artist Molly Jenson, who is featured on Jon's EP "Spring" (and Jon returns the favor by appearing on Molly's forthcoming solo album), has been a long time friend of the guys so we thought it'd be neat to chat with her for our Exclusive Interviews. Due to some conflicts in my personal life, I was unable to conduct this interview myself, so I asked my best friend Lisa to handle it for me. Lisa really has a great appreciation/understanding of Molly's music and she did a FABULOUS job on this, so settle in and enjoy the following conversation between Lisa and Molly!
A NOTE FROM LISA: When listening to rare Jon tunes, you’d sometimes come across a smooth female voice singing along with him. Most of us know that the voice belongs to brilliant musician Molly Jenson, of Southern California. Not many people know that she is a talented up and coming artist, recently signed onto Bully!Pulpit Records, owned by Nettwerk Music Group. I recently had the chance to chat with her, and she was nothing but gracious and entertaining. Read on to see what Molly thinks about Photoshop, gorilla suits and what super power she wished that she had...
Lisa (LOBH)): So, I know that you started off in the SD area. How did you meet up with Jon and the rest of the Switchfoot guys?
Molly Jenson: I had actually just moved back to San Diego after living in England for a bit. I was living with my parents, working at a coffee shop and looking for another job. My mom mentioned this guy who was the son of one of her friends. She said he worked for Switchfoot and that he was running their online store and getting a little overwhelmed. So I met this guy (Adam Gillespie) and told him that I’d love to help him with stuff. He said he was fine but then came back to me a couple weeks later and asked me to help out. That’s when I started working for Switchfoot. I helped run their online store, took care of all the customer service, shipped out orders, started their street team. It was crazy but fun.
Lisa (LOBH): Oh, that's awesome, getting right into the whole groove of things like that.
Molly: *laughs*
Lisa (LOBH): So how long did you do that for?
Molly: I did it pretty full time for 5 years and then went part time about 2 1/2 years ago to start focusing more on music. Now I still work for them but only when they get new product in the store and then I will take an image of the new product and clean it up so it looks good in the store.
Lisa (LOBH): So you're pretty crafty in the whole Photoshop type thing, and all, right?
Molly: Yeah. I’m not a pro but I definitely know what I’m doing. And I learned how to use Photoshop while working for Switchfoot. Adam had to teach me so I could take care of stuff.
Lisa (LOBH): I’m not either, but. It’s disgusting how I love that program.
Molly: I know. I love it too!
Lisa (LOBH): Okay, before we get all 'ubergeekyaboutphotoshop'… during all of that time working for Switchfoot, was that when you and Jon decided to work on some material together? And how did that come about, for those who aren't familiar with the story?
Molly: it wasn't until after I stopped working full time for Switchfoot that Jon contacted me about writing. I had become friends with Jon and his wife through working with them and through having similar friends but I don't think Jon knew that I was really doing much music. I mean, he knew that I was working on a record but I don't think he knew that I was really pursuing it. I think some friends must've been talking to him about me because it was totally out of the blue when he called and said we should write some music. I kind of blew it off because I thought he was just being nice. But then he called back a couple weeks later and said, 'let's do this. I’m serious.' So we set up a time and met up.
Lisa (LOBH): That seems so impromptu. How did you first feel about it? You mentioned disbelief…
Molly: Yeah, I was shocked. He’s just such an amazing songwriter and musician and I was really just starting out. I was shocked that he would want to actually write with me. But he's such a supportive friend and he's that guy who wants to help out his friends…Help them succeed, you know. I don't think he went into it thinking 'yeah, I’m Jon Foreman, my success will help Molly's success' but I think he knew that us writing together could be helpful for me and he just likes writing with new people. Luckily it worked.
Lisa (LOBH): It's great to have a supportive friend like that, especially in a business that can be so cutthroat.
Molly: absolutely. It was super encouraging too. It made me feel more legit as a musician and gave me more confidence in my craft. When I first met those guys, I was totally star struck cause it was Switchfoot, but once you get over that it felt like a friend doing a kind thing for another friend.
Lisa (LOBH): So what are your fondest moments from working with Jon?
Molly: Nothing sticks out. They are all just great guys. Super kind. Super friendly and they LOVE their fans. I love the story about Jon dressing up in a gorilla outfit before one of their shows and running around outside with the fans. No one knew it was him so he got to be with his fans without getting mauled.
Lisa (LOBH): Yeah, I heard about that. Pretty wild...also a wee bit creepy, LOL. Could you imagine some random dude in a gorilla suit following you around?
molly: I love it. I think it shows how much he loves the fans. He just wanted a chance to be with them on a real level. And not on a level where he was some kind they were too scared to talk to. But okay, a little creepy too :)
Lisa (LOBH): Hehe, see. Told you.
Molly: I’d do that though. If I ever get to a point of having fans like that, I’d do the same thing but maybe not a gorilla. Maybe a huge Elmo or something. It’s hot in those suits though!
Lisa (LOBH): Oh, that would be a little more fun. Gorillas could tend to be a little...overwhelming? Is that the right word?
Molly: definitely. There’s a power about them that is scary…gruff.
Lisa (LOBH): *laughs* Well, now that we've covered the whole importance about wearing gorilla suits...between all of the songs you’ve worked on with him, which one is your favorite and why?
Molly: Well we've done 3 songs. I love "Do You Only Love the Ones Who Look like You" because that was our first song and it came from a song that I had already started writing which makes me feel extra special :); and that song will be on my record (coming out march 3). BUT I loved writing "March". We had gone into his studio to record another song and had like 30 minutes left to spare so he said 'let's write a song real quick' and we wrote March. It’s so short and fun and then he hired a guy to add all the horns at the end. It’s so circus-y and I love that. Plus I play the rhodes on the song and I never play keys so that makes it more fun for me.
Lisa (LOBH): Oh, i know what you mean about March. It sounds a bit...whimsical and almost dream-like, in a way.
Molly: Yeah.
Lisa (LOBH): So what's the other song you recorded together?
Molly: Dreamer
Lisa (LOBH): Oh, you know, that song, despite being performed only a couple of times or so, has a huge fan base. Just so you know. *laughs*.
Molly: I know. I think that is so funny. It’s rad but funny. I think we've played it twice. Maybe 3 times. Maybe we'll put it on my next record ;)
Lisa (LOBH): Yeah, it's pretty insane when you have over 50 or so videos on youtube, of a song you've played only a handful of times.
Molly: *laughs* it's definitely in the mix for the next record. At least, in the mix in my head :)
Lisa (LOBH): Awesome! So can you tell me a bit about the story behind Dreamer and Do You Only(...)?
Molly: (about Do You Only Love The Ones Who Look Like You) It's a long song title :) Okay "Do You Only Love The Ones Who Look Like You " is basically just us reminding ourselves, and everyone else in the world, that we need to be sure to love everyone, not just the people in our family or in our circle of friends but the people we wouldn't be inclined to love, like the dorky kid at school or the bum on the street.
Lisa (LOBH): that's very true. I find Dreamer very....summer-like. You know, a song that should be listened to on a warm summer night, all hazy and what not.
Molly: "Dreamer" is totally a summery song. We went into writing Dreamer, not sure what we were going to write about and the song ended up being about a dream I had had the night before about this guy I had a crush on. He had no idea I liked him and I knew I would NEVER act on it because he had just started dating a girl so I thought I’d write a song about it. Poor Jon had to help me write out my thoughts about this boy. *laughs*
Lisa (LOBH): *laughs*. How Dr. Phil of him.
Molly: I think the song actually became more personal after it was written though. Like, we just said, 'let's write a song about someone having a dream about someone that doesn't know they like them' and then I was like 'that was my dream'. Anyway, the first time we played that song live, the boy was there. He’s married now and I’m glad it never worked out between us but now he has a song and he doesn't even know who he is. That’s fun :)
Lisa (LOBH):*laughs.* Maybe some things are better left unsaid, right?
Molly: Absolutely.
Lisa (LOBH): And so, speaking of performing live, how was your little touring stint with Fiction Family? How was the experience for you?
Molly: oh it was AMAZING! It was my first tour opening for a band that took me out of California, so I have been calling it my first "real" tour. I never play solo. I usually always have at least one other person to back me up instrumentally. Mostly because I don't feel completely confident on guitar and I want someone else to help muffle my mistakes :) but I did this tour with Fiction Family solo because I knew it would help me grow as a musician and I couldn't afford to bring anyone else with me. The shows I did with them ended up being some of my favorite shows ever. The crowd really makes or breaks a show for me and the crowds at every venue we played were incredible! They were attentive and quiet and responsive and that made it for me. And being on tour with those guys and Sara was so great. We are all already friends and have been for a while so...it was super comfortable for me to be with them and I felt safe and protected. And Sean Watkins came out on the stage every night and played one of my songs with me so that made it extra fun. It was just an amazing tour. The best first "real" tour I could have chosen. I can't wait to play with them again.
Lisa (LOBH): Yeah, I heard that the crowds were awesome. As though it was "story time" and not an actual show.
Molly: Yeah and that is super important to me because I want people to feel like we're in my living room. I want them to feel comfortable and have fun. And if the crowd is great like every crowd we had then you can have the intimacy that you're looking for, even with 300 people.
Lisa (LOBH): Sounds great! I really love the intimate setting over the huge impersonal arena venues. I mean, it feels more like a conversation than someone yelling or singing to you. You know?
Molly: Absolutely. I decided after that tour that the theater style venues are my favorite. The sound is usually really great and people are usually there expecting to be quiet and attentive. It’s awesome as a performer to have that type of crowd
Lisa (LOBH): And apart from that, any memorable tour stories? The crazier the better sometimes.
Molly: hmmm. I only traveled with Fiction Family from Seattle to Portland so I’m sure I missed out on some of the crazy stories. The first boy I ever kissed showed up to our San Francisco show. Turns out he's really good friends with Tyler (FF bass player). I haven't seen him in probably 10 years. That was fun. And we kissed in second grade so it's not like there's any scandal there now.
Lisa (LOBH): haha! did you rehash the awkwardness of a childhood first kiss?
Molly: *laughs*. We talked about it and just laughed. It was really funny that we both remember it so well and it happened so long ago. I ran out of cds during the second show which isn't a crazy story but was crazy for me! I had to have cds overnighted twice because I was averaging about 20-30 cds being sold a show. That's a lot, for me at least :)
Lisa (LOBH): I can understand how that may be crazy for you. lol. I mean, first tour outside of CA, it must have been cool to see your cds go like that.
Molly: it was so rad! it was my first time selling this new cd so I had no idea if they would sell at all.
Lisa (LOBH): So about your cd. Let’s start at the beginning. When did you first realize that you wanted to become a musician?
Molly: oh my! That really is the beginning :) I think I knew at a young age that I could sing but I never really thought I would do music. I started singing in church when I was in high school and I was in choir and musicals and I knew I loved performing and singing then but still I didn't think I was good enough to do it but I had no idea what I wanted to do. I went to college for a year and a half and got to the point where I had to decide what my major was going to be and I still had no idea what to do. At that same time I got an offer to sing at a camp so I just left college and started singing all around. I sang in other peoples' bands and I sang all over but I never wrote or recorded my own stuff. I moved to Orange County in 2004 and that's when I got a random, out of the blue call from Greg Laswell. We knew each other in college and had mutual friends but hadn't talked since college...so it was strange to hear from him but he had just finished producing this girls' album and he liked writing for a girl’s voice and liked the producing aspect of music AND he'd heard that I was wanting to write but struggling so he called me. We met up and wrote a song and then decided to start working together. That’s when I started doing my own stuff and really realized that this was something I was going to pursue.
Lisa (LOBH): Sounds a lot like a typical college kid. Not knowing what to do.
Molly: yah and luckily my parents were super supportive. My mom was sad that I was dropping out and my dad said, 'college isn't for everyone'. but I think he secretly was hoping I’d go back. I’ve always been a late bloomer in almost every area of my life so it makes sense now (looking back) that I didn't know what I wanted to do till later.
Lisa (LOBH): Yeah, so that was totally a 'chance' phone call of sorts, was it?
Molly: TOTALLY a chance phone call. And I absolutely believe that i wouldn't be where I’m at with music now if it weren't for Greg.
Lisa (LOBH): Greg's name has been thrown around a lot, when it comes to producing and all. How was it working with him, it being your first 'real' musician experience?
Molly: it was amazing working with him. I’d never really finished a song before. I’d dabbled in writing but I would usually get stuck after a verse or two. He came in and helped me push through that. He taught me how to write. I still struggle with it and call him with songs I’m stuck on but I’ve learned a lot working with him.
Lisa (LOBH): And you've played shows with artists like Tristan Prettyman and Anya Marina? How was that companionship?
Molly: Ahh two great friends :) I don't know Tristan as well as Anya but they are both so great and such great musicians. I think it's hard for women in music to have other women friends who are doing the same thing they are because there is so much competition in women. Lame. That is not the case with us. Tristan and Anya have been working on their own stuff way longer than I have so I’ve always looked up to them musically and I always ask them for advice. Anya is one of my very close friends. We are super different as people and our music is really different but we are very good at supporting each other. We email often and we are always asking each other for help with things. It’s really a great relationship. And it's an honor any time I get to play with one of them.
Lisa (LOBH): It's a great sense of camaraderie, right? Instead of it being sort of cutthroat, I mean.
Molly: Absolutely. I feel supported and I think they feel supported. Anya and I are always talking each other up. She’s really good at introducing me to people when we are at parties or at her shows and she always throws in a "this is molly, she's an amazing musician" or "this is my dear friend and one of my favorite musicians". She’s just really good at encouraging and getting other people to be interested in you by the way she speaks of you. Just a golden girl she is :)
Lisa (LOBH):So I’ve been listening to your record, (okay, almost borderline overplaying it), and it's truly amazing and intimate, in a way. The lyrics are personal, yet a girl can definitely easily relate to them...how was the writing process for the songs? Did the lyrics come first, or did you just strum up melodies that eventually turned into songs? Or just a bit of both?
Molly: Oh well thank you! I tend to overplay records when I first get them if I like them enough. So I’m flattered :) yes, it's definitely all personal but I really hoped in writing this record that people would hear the songs and feel not so alone in life knowing that someone else has gone through a similar situation. I can't tell you how many times I have felt so alone in a situation and then heard a song that changed my attitude because it made me know that I’m not the only one. That’s such a comforting feeling. When I write I usually pick up my guitar and start strumming and then lyrics and melody just come with the strumming. When Greg and I would write, every day was different but in most cases I would come into him with part of a song written and then we would sit down and finish the chords and melody and then finish the lyrics.
I'd written with a couple other people before but just didn't connect the way I did with Greg. It’s hit or miss when writing with someone. I just really lucked out with Greg and with Jon.
Lisa (LOBH): So, then with all that said about your record, do you have a favorite tune on it? I have a feeling mine's Wait For You Here.
Molly: ha. That’s a hard question to answer and I think my answer changes whenever I’m asked that question. I’ve been listening to the record a lot lately in preparation for my cd release this Sunday. And right now my favorite song is 'beginning here'. I’m not sure why. I think it's the second song we wrote for the album. I think it's just a beautiful song. It’s heart breaking but hopeful in a strange way. And the violin just breaks me every time. So, right now, 'beginning here' but that'll probably change tomorrow :)
I love that you like 'wait for you here'. That was the last song I wrote for the album and the only song I wrote completely by myself.
Lisa (LOBH): So just last year, you were signed by Bully! records. Congratulations first of all. And second, what went through your mind the day you got signed?
Molly: well just to make it clear, I was signed by Bully!Pulpit Records/Nettwerk Music Group. So bully is a smaller label that is part of a bigger label (nettwerk). Basically it's like being on an indie label but with the clout of a big label. It’s really an amazing situation for me. Every decision has to go through nettwerk but i have so much freedom in everything down to my album artwork and web design. It feels like a real partnership. I was scared and excited the day I got signed. It was scary because I was basically giving my cd away to this label that could either boost or bash my career as an artist. I had to completely trust them. But I was excited because I’d come to the play as an independent musician where I really felt like I couldn't do much more on my own. And it has been so great being on a label! My name is finally getting out there and people are starting to hear my music that wouldn’t have heard my music before.
Lisa (LOBH): A couple of your songs have been heard on various television shows, like knight rider and Privileged. What do you think of that type of media outlet for your songs? It must be different from playing in a small, stuffy bar/coffeehouse… (since we're on the topic of broadening audiences).
Molly: oh I love that! One of my dreams when getting into music was to have my songs in movies and tv shows. I grew up watching a lot of tv and I love movies a lot. It’s usually the music in movies that moves me more than actors' performances so I’ve always wanted to be a part of that.
Lisa (LOBH): So, what's next for Molly Jenson? Any prospective tours across North America (shameless plug: Canada included)?
Molly: well next is my cd release! It comes out March 3 but my cd release show is at the Hotel Cafe in LA on March 1. My band has been practicing a ton and we are going to play the whole cd. I can't wait for that! And right now I’m trying to find a manager and a booking agent so I can get some tours booked. My goal this year is to tour the country at least once by the end of the year so we're working on that :)… I LOVE Canada and my label is based out of Vancouver so I’ll most likely be coming there this year :)
Lisa (LOBH): What's the best advice you've been given, or heard?
Molly: don't be a diva.
Lisa (LOBH): Nice. lol…what's the one song you've wished you had written and why?
Molly: there's a new emiliana torrini record and one of her songs is called "Jungle Drum". I so wish I’d written that song. it's so catchy and she makes drum sounds with her voice. I love it.
Lisa (LOBH): Dude. cool. I'll check her out….and what's the one question you've never been asked, and what’s your answer for it?
Molly: i don't think I’ve ever been asked how old I am in an interview. I’m turning 30 on March 20. I like to answer that because most people tell you not to give away your age in this industry. like if people know you're older than you are then they'll discredit you are something. I think that's bull. I embrace that i'm almost 30 and I think it's rad that I can still pursue music at this age and still look young. I have good genes :)
Lisa (LOBH): hehe, wise. very wise. I agree that people in general discredit others based on age though. It’s a common thing.
Molly: it’s stupid. My drummer is 21 and she is one of the most talented drummers I know. Age doesn't tell anyone anything. Just a number
Lisa (LOBH): random one: if you could have a super power, what would it be?
Molly: I would FLY!!! I’ve always wanted to fly.
Lisa (LOBH): LOL you seem so excited about this.
Molly: ha haa. Oh flying :) I'm usually late places and I drive a lot. Flying would just make everything easier.
Lisa (LOBH): lastly, another random one. Would you rather....be poked in the eye with a stick, or have your tongue stuck on a frozen pole?
Molly: tongue stuck on a frozen pole. it would hurt to pull it off (if there is not hot water around) but mouths heal fast. that other scenario is just disturbing.
Lisa (LOBH): LOL see. I said the opposite. Don’t ask me why.
Molly: really? you're crazy!
Lisa (LOBH): shh. I speak from experience.
Molly: ha haa. well I’ve had my tongue stuck to an ice cube and that hurt, but hot water girl...hot water. that's sad. I have an image of you with your tongue sticking out of your mouth stuck to a pole and I don't even know what you look like but it's a sad image :) :(
Lisa (LOBH): lol! Sounds brutal. Let’s just say that I was...4. in a playground. in cold Canadian winter. 'nuff said.
Molly: ha haa. okay :)
Lisa (LOBH): it was really sad. it would make you cry. no lie.
Molly: i'm tearing up a bit right now ;)
Lisa (LOBH): So that's it, lol. I sound so final.
Molly: great. thanks for the interview.
Lisa (LOBH): ah, no. thank * you*. really. it was great.
Molly: I think sf and I have some similar fans so thanks for interviewing me on their fan site :)
Lisa (LOBH): No problem. A lot of people are dying to hear more from you. And that isn't an exaggeration.
Molly: ha haa. well tell them i said hi :) and tell them to go participate in my Karaoke Video contest on YouTube :)
Lisa (LOBH): Thanks again!
Molly: thanks :) good to meet you and bye bye!!!
To learn more about Molly Jenson, visit her website at www.mollyjenson.com
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