Jen discusses her Grammy-nominated producer, Chris Steinmetz, and more on the new album, "Closer to the Surface" in a candid interview with Phase Radio.

Click the link above to hear the entire show

Jen talks about her new album, "Closer to the Surface", and all sorts of topics with the Fabulous Hosts of Feast of Fun, Marc & Fausto.

Click the link above to hear the entire show

EXCERPT:"This is real music, wide and deep. It’s accessible, but still invites you to take your time to see what’s really there. I don’t need any comparisons to get a handle on what she’s doing. She’s setting a standard by which others down the pike will be compared."

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"Porter is a powerhouse. She's been compared to Joplin and this doesn't seem too far-fetched. What she brings to the mic is earthy strength moving at a torrential speed."

 

EXCERPT: "There's a wintry feel to “Closer to the Surface,” singer-songwriter Jen Porter's fourth full-length album. The songs are filled with allusions to bitter cold and snuggling for warmth, Porter singing: “It's … cold tonight”; “She was trying to get warm”; “I was cold and alone. … It's been a very, very long winter.”

And yet, oddly enough, the Chicago-born singer spent a bulk of the last two winters plying her trade in the Caribbean, performing monthlong residencies at bars in Aruba, St. Martin and Barbados. "

Click the link above to read the entire article

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CHICAGO (August 19, 2009) – The sounds of rhythmic piano combined with emotion, passion and fire are on display throughout “Closer to the Surface” – an album that Jen says “truly captures me as an artist.”

Jen Porter, born and raised in Chicago, has been playing piano and singing ever since her parents put her in lessons at age five. “Closer to the Surface” was born, and most of the writing devised, based on her personal and musical journey. “I don't think an artist ever says, ok I'm done. I finally achieved everything,” said Jen. “That being said, I think this album brings me so much closer to where I want to be as a musician. Just as the title says, I'm closer to the surface. This album is a testament to how far I've come.”

Directed by Grammy-nominated producer, Chris Steinmetz of Stonecutter Records, Jen says that “Chris brings an edge to my music and vocals that has never been captured before. I FINALLY feel like I've found someone who gets me. He was able to provide outstanding direction and strength to my songwriting.”

Over the past 20 years, Steinmetz has worked with various artists such as Kanye West, Ben Harper, Tori Amos, Jay Z,Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Mavis Staples, Common, Kiss and Feist, to name a few. “Jen Porter is powerful performer that can bring down the house with her high energy. She can also move a listener with her emotional and dynamic performances,” said Steinmetz. “Jen's new CD, Closer to the Surface, sets out to show the diversity in her talents as a singer / songwriter and push the limits of her creativity as an artist. This album gives fans melody, emotion, energy and a sense of common ground.”

This is especially evident on such standout tracks as “Long Winter” and “Discarded.” Long Winter is a song about Jen's experiences working in the Caribbean these past two years. She says, “Working on the islands has given me some balance. I feel calmer and more relaxed and fulfilled, even though I'm working harder than I ever have before. This song reflects that.” While sometimes difficult for her to play and hear, Jen thinks that many fans will be able to relate to “Discarded.” “It's all about heartbreak and despair, but also about recovery and how to pick yourself up.”

With 11 tracks of powerful vocals, “Closer to The Surface” also features Jen's stirring bandmates; Tommy Sanchez playing guitar, Joe Thomas on bass, world-class percussionist Ernie Adams on drums and Chris Foreman featured on Hammond B3 organ, all of whom provide a killer rhythm section to Jen's soulful, sultry vocals and melodic piano work.

With the release of “Closer to the Surface,” Jen Porter and her band give a whole new meaning to a combination of indie, rock, folk rock and adult contemporary genres and add yet another album to an already impressive resume including, “Moving On” ©2006, “It's About Time” ©2002 and “Faces” ©1999, celebrating it's 10-year anniversary. “This new album shows real growth in my songwriting and in me as well,” says Jen. “I'm doing new things in my career and working with new people and it's exciting to see these changes culminate in a new addition to my body of work. ”

For media inquiries, contact rachel@impressionsPR.com

"With a voice that’s both enthusiastic and sexy, Jen Porter has the piano skills to match. “My Own Hand” takes the elements of a rock piano ballad and transforms them into an edgy, double-entendre, using her undeniable know-how for clever expression. With an explosive pulse provided by the bass and drums, Jen’s thunderous voice and piano playing make for an electrifying listen."

On Tuesday’s election night, Jen was hammering away on the piano in the recording studio, working hard to put out her new album “Clever Compromise.” On today’s show, Jen debuts three never-heard before songs from this new album.

Listen as we talk with Jen about the new sex-drive enhancing patch for mature women, the mouse found inside a block of cheese and the jogger who got bitten by the fox.

Plus- Jen accompanies me in Marc’s hilarious tribute to Sarah Palin, based on Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind.”

A video of the new song Clever Compromise will be posted there soon, too...

THE SAULT STAR
Janis, Jodie, Jen - Angie Gallop
Feature article on the front page of the Entertainment section - read here

Personal Note from Jen: This is probably the best press I've ever had. Plus, she makes me sound like a complete angel...which of course I am! ha ha :)

Click here to see pictures and
Click here to see the actual video

Video footage of Jen & the Fab Trio @ Underground Wonder Bar's 18th Anniversary Party

Acoustic Chicago Compilation [ link ]
Release Date: November 20, 2007
I've been working on a new track with producer, Chris Steinmetz of Stonecutter Records and Chicago Recording Company. You can check out footage from the DVD/CD compilation, plus come see us perform @ Joe's on Weed, Wednesday, November 21st.
Featuring many great Chicago artists including Marty Casey & Lovehammers, Andreas Kapsalis, Howard Levy, Micki Croisant, Sarah Potenza, Malcolm Palmer, Tim Nagle, Noah Gabriel, Scottish McMillan, Mike Mangione & Shannon Fortune.

Click here to see Jen's recording footage

At the end of the 2007 season, I was also given a personalized Sox jersey, which I will wear at every performance at US Cellular Field in the future. I was also told I was the new regular for Anthems and that I sang more Anthems in the 2007 season than every other Anthem singer, except one. Woo hoo!

Jen has performed the Star Spangled Banner for several major league teams, including the Detroit Pistons, the Chicago Fire, the Chicago Cubs & the Chicago White Sox.

I had the even greater honor of singing with The Washington Mystics WNBA team, Patricia Shih, Harolyn Blackwell & Kathleen Herles, the voice of Dora the Explorer!! We sang together on the National Mall in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC with over 200,000 Girl Scouts!! Thanks to all who made this unprecedented event come together!

Click here to see pictures
Click here to read my journal entry

The album gets started with "Along the Way", a pop-tinged blues anthem that quickly sets the stage for Porter's no-holds-barred vocals and fine piano work. "Get Out", a driving ode to a former lover, calls to mind the intensity of Fiona Apple combined with the self-sufficient attitude of Alanis Morissette. Other tracks, such as "Aaron's Song" and "Brotherly Love" are softer both musically and lyrically, highlighting Porter's diverse talents as a singer-songwriter. Throughout the album, Porter's technical skill is apparent.

One of the strongest points of Moving On is its blues rock and country roots that sustain and clearly influence Porter's music. The song "Gracie" has a great classic-rock feel with piano work reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama". The vocal styling of "Heaven to Me" evokes some of Bonnie Raitt's best work.

Jen Porter is clearly a seasoned and talented performer; Moving On adds another successful album to her already impressive resume. Judging by the rousing quality of this album, I'm sure Porter's live performances are soulful and energetic. Those with the opportunity to see her in Chicago should definitely do so; those not lucky enough to live in the windy city will be sure to put this album in regular rotation on their stereos.

PRESS RELEASE - January 2007
Chicago musician, Jen Porter, Donates $645 to local charity, BEHIV

Chicago , IL– Local musician, Jen Porter has donated a whopping $645.00 to a local non-profit organization called BEHIV-“Better Existence with HIV”. How does a “starving artist” come up with that kind of money to donate to charity? This artist recorded her own Christmas CD and sells it each year for $5.00. She generously donates all – not a portion – of the proceeds to the charity of her choice. This year, Jen sold 130 CDs and the benefactor is a charity she’s worked with in the past: BEHIV-“Better Existence with HIV”.

“I’m a capitalist,” says Jen. “I really like the simple act of providing goods and services and being compensated for them. I also enjoy that the “goods” are my CDs, T-shirts, etcetera, and that the “services” are entertaining people. I truly love my work and I love to share it with others.

But from Thanksgiving to Christmas, I sell these CDs that I recorded myself, in my measly home studio, and sell them for five bucks. It’s only seven Christmas songs, and it’s just me playing the piano and singing, so it was simple to record. I take all of the money and donate it, even though it costs me a little bit to copy and package the disc. I just decided this was going to be my good deed for the year, every year. Its three years running and I want to keep adding one song per year so that even if you bought it last year, you’ll buy it again, for charity, year after year.”

Last year, Jen donated $450.00 to the American Red Cross, with recognition from the Red Cross for such a generous donation. Two years ago, Jen donated $150.00 to a special Tsunami Relief Fund through the Red Cross as well. This year, Jen decided to donate the proceeds to an organization doing great work here in Chicago .

BEHIV is a non-profit organization based in Evanston , IL . “BEHIV’s guiding vision is to STOP the spread of HIV throughout our service area. Everything we do is towards this end.”

“I think I get it from my parents,” quips Jen. “That sense of wanting to help people, I mean. Mom’s a nurse and Dad’s a minister. Both jobs require so much giving of ones’ self – I remember volunteering at the hospital when I was 14 and we’d had a huge snow storm and the power was out. The hospital was on generators and I went to work with my Mom because school was closed and I passed out food trays to patients and generally helped the staff. I also remember going out with my Dad to distribute baskets of food around the holidays to needy families in our community. Sometimes the day we’d distribute would be my birthday – it’s December 21 st – but we’d go and help others whenever we could.

I volunteered for the Red Cross at the Big House – Michigan Stadium – as a first aid responder. There’s over a hundred thousand people in that stadium. Someone’s going to have heat stroke, someone’s going to have a heart attack, someone’s going to get a bee sting and have an allergic reaction. We were the first responders to those emergencies. I’ve always loved medicine – it’s my second calling. So when I found out about BEHIV, I jumped at the chance to work for them. I’ve got several friends who are HIV positive. While it’s not a death sentence, merely a chronic condition, the medications are grossly expensive. Also, education and programs to test throughout the community are and will always be needed. BEHIV has such a great program and they’ve got great people working for them. I’m lucky to count myself as one of them.”

Jen Porter is an artist who is truly giving back to a community that supports her.

Chicago musician, Jen Porter, to collaborate with Producer/Drummer Ed Toth, on new album

Chicago , IL– Professional local musician, Jen Porter, is back in the studio recording her third studio album, entitled “Moving On... ” and scheduled for release in June of 2006. This will be her third independent release, though it's the first time there are some heavyweights in her corner, namely Ed Toth. Ed, former drummer for Vertical Horizon and currently one of two drummers touring with The Doobie Brothers, will be producing and playing drums on Moving On... .

“I’m really excited about working with someone who has a stake in today’s music but also appreciates the past, especially the Doobies!” exclaims Jen.
“Seriously, I am both humbled and thrilled to be working with Ed & Steve”, says Jen, referring to Steve Cook, who will be playing bass on the album. Steve most notably worked with King Konga, who had a top 100 hit in 2001 with “Something Good”. Steve has also worked with Hootie and The Blowfish, Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain, to name a few.

Jen and the band are recording Moving On... at Farm Fresh Studios in Bloomington, Indiana. The album is scheduled for release in June of 2006 through JJP Productions.

Chicago , IL – Local musician, Jen Porter has donated $450.00 to the American Red Cross. How does a “starving artist” come up with that kind of money to donate to charity? This artist recorded her own Christmas CD and sells it each year for $5.00. All, not some, of the proceeds go directly to the charity of her choice. This year, Jen sold 90 CDs and the lucky benefactor is the American Red Cross.

“It feels good to do something for others, especially around the holidays,” says Jen. “All year I take people’s money for entertaining them. I make them laugh or cry or just stop and appreciate something beautiful. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, I sell these CDs that I made myself, in my home recording studio, and sell them for five bucks. It’s only six tunes, and it’s just me playing the piano and singing, so it was simple to record. I take all of the money and donate it, even though it costs me a little bit to copy and package the disc. I just decided this was going to be my good deed for the year, every year.”

Last year, Jen donated $150.00 to a special Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund. The Red Cross recognized Jen for her generous donation.

“I imagine I’ll get even more recognition this year, though that’s not why I do it. I do it because I innately want to help people. The Red Cross is there for people affected by national disasters, but also for a family on the south side who has lost their home to a fire and has nowhere to go. I used to volunteer for the Red Cross myself so I know that my money is going to a good cause.”

Regardless of the recognition, Jen Porter is an artist who truly gives back to a community that supports her.

Chicago, IL - Local musician, Jen Porter just confirmed she is to be included on the groundbreaking International Music Compilation "The Greatest Music You've Never Heard" Volume 1., to help benefit Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research in London, England.

The process of elimination was pain staking for the Producers at Mosquito Media in London, England. There were hundreds of Independent artists and bands that sent their music in the hope of being involved in the project. Jen's song "Dance of Time", taken from her 2002 release entitled "It's About Time" will be featured as one of the tracks on the album.

Seventeen phenomenal artists have finally made the album, with just 4 making it from the United States. The best of the best Independent bands and artists from all over the world were chosen on talent, lyrics and music and regardless of age, sex, race, creed, color, size or appearance.

Kicking sand into the eyes of the American Idol philosophy the release of "The Greatest Music You've Never Heard" Volume 1., is set to revolutionize the way independent artists break into the "business", and is exactly the backlash musicians and audiences around the world have been waiting for. Simon Cowell, et al, watch out!!

"The Greatest Music You've Never Heard" Volume 1., will be released in England, Europe and the United States, becoming an International tribute to Independent artists. Jen Porter feels that when there is a need for causes such as Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research the music and imagery of musicians brings people together to find a way to help raise money and help bring awareness to needy causes. Jen feels honored to be part of this project and is delighted to be helping to raise money for such a needed cause. The CD will be released in the UK on May 18th through an extensive campaign on UK National Radio stations, Television and print media by Mosquito Media followed by showcase parties at the Cobden Club in Notting Hill, and Cargo in Shoreditch, London.

I first saw Jen Porter a few months back, during a Singer Spotlight showcase at Fitzgerald's, and I was impressed. So when I received the CD for review, I was excited to sit down and listen to it.

Track two, "How it Feels," has a great bar Blues feel to it and Porter does bring something to it that makes the vocal her own. Before you think that it's all about the voice, let me say that Porter is a very fine writer, there is no question that she can craft a fine song. Tracks like "Shakespearean Tragedy" and "Tonight" offer more of an original sound, as did my favorite track "Your Child." With its haunting melody and lilting vocals, I was caught up in playing "Your Child" over and over again.

Jen Porter's piano-driven, bluesy rock has a very distinctive 70's art-prog sound. This is partly owed to the flute accompaniment on "How It Feels," which always reminds me of Jethro Tull. Jen has a true Janis Joplin feel to her deep, soulful, very rocking voice; but you will also hear qualities of both Natalie Merchant and Tori Amos in her phrasing. "How It Feels" has a jazz swing to the beat because of her drummer's time keeping on his hi-hat, and that adds a nice texture to this very appealing performance of a perfectly arranged song. And how can you find any fault with a woman who apparently held a crowd of 40,000 Detroit Pistons fans in rapt awe as she performed an acapella version of the National Anthem? She definitely has a voice with commercial appeal and a great band. Her songs may be a bit too good for the radio (i.e. too complex), but with more mainstream material (maybe working the Norah Jones vein) there's no reason she couldn't be huge.

Another Day from Jen's latest release It's About Time has been sought out for use in a new television show brought to you by the people behind the smash hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Scout Productions. Stay tuned for more information as this project moves forward!

CD Review of It's About Time by Mark Lush, MidwestBands.com
Quote: "I think that any recorded noise blended with Jen's vocals would come off sounding incredible!"

Click here to read a well-written in-depth review of It's About Time by Ashley Chappell on Indie-Music.com
Quote: "Her firm and soulful voice impassions the daily routine that sometimes seems to trap us."

If YOU would like to be a part of the Chicago Singer Spotlight, click the link! Go to the Photo Page to see photos from the show by Dan Locke.

My newest endeavor...electronic music! I went to Minneapolis and sang with my good friend DJ Corey Valentine. (Click on the link to see his catalog on CDBaby) We TORE IT UP that night in January '03...and we're releasing a double disc to prove it! That's right: There will be a double disc of Jen Porter and Corey Valentine entitled "Live at Starlite Lounge".

UPDATE - June '03: Disc One of Live at Starlite Lounge is almost ready for sale! Stay tuned to the Discography Page to hear sample tracks and buy the album when it's completed!

From the WGN Feedback page: "I watch the morning news everyday. I was excited about this round of battle of the bands. You finally had a girl on who totally rocked. (Jen Porter) Too bad that a woman didn't take the honor's of winning. Submitted by: Mike

Thanks, Mike!! Maybe next year...

Interview appearing in Nightspots Magazine:
Girl Scout Goodie or Cookie Pushin' Bad Girl?...You Decide!

Washington DC gig for a crowd of over 120,000 June 8th, 2002
Read the Press Release for the event
Read Jen's Account of the event

CD Review of The Jen Porter Project from Red Is All The Rage
Quote: "It is hard to pinpoint Porter's influences, although one has a feeling that if Carly Simon and Stevie Nicks played piano the resulting sound would be similar to that of Jen Porter's."

Interview from KissMyHeart.com

KMH: What type of style is your original music?
JP: I always said I wanted to have a job when I finished school. To ensure that, I did get a degree from the Univ. of Michigan in both Communications and English... so I can read and write (super). I had a band and a solo career going in Michigan at the time, too. I was working with a guitar player whom I adore, and various other musicians through those years. There were times when it was a 5-piece band, other times when it was just the guitar (we both sing). Then I began to build my own chops on the piano and to write and branch out as a solo artist. I began playing in a piano bar in Ann Arbor and that was the beginning of the show I do now.

KMH: With your day job, it seems that it would be hard for you to travel outside of the Chicago area for gigs. When you have vacation, do you gig or spend time with family and friends?
JP: I try and do both. As a singer/pianist, there are opportunities for me to gig without bringing any of my own equipment. That's the upside of playing piano bars. So when I go out of town to visit friends, I try and find a piano bar I can book. That way, I can write off the trip as business and my out-of-town friends can see my show! I do value my time off as well. There are times when I just kick back...Like the holidays, for instance. I'll be at my folks house for about 5 days. My Dad will make me sing in church (I'm a preacher's kid) but then that's about it. I get to rest, relax, enjoy my time off and my family.

KMH: What is your ultimate dream and/or goal, whether it's music or non-music related?
JP: It's DEFINITELY music related...the ULTIMATE goal would be to "make it", so that I can write music, listen to music, and perform music as much as possible. I know the life is hard and being on the road will be tiring at times but I cannot imagine my life without that goal (I say goal instead of dream because I'm doing all I can to attain it). I want to live in the Rockies somewhere in a beautiful home with lots of wood accents - cedar, oak, cherry...it'll have huge bay windows, especially in the recording studio, so I can feel like I really am out in the mountains all the time. My heart just feels RIGHT when I'm in the mountains.

KMH: How long does it normally take you to perfect an original song? When you write lyrics and music, does the final version sound like the first version?
JP: I would say it takes anywhere from 5 minutes to a week to perfect a song. Mostly I write lyrics first. I am almost always a poet before I'm a songwriter. Usually, I'll write an entire verse/chorus and then I'll sit down at the piano. Now, a melody comes in, if it hasn't already popped into my head (sometimes they come along with the lyrics, sometimes they don't). I begin playing chords, working out different voicing, rhythm, etc. Finally, I end up writing more verses, tweaking words from the original verse, adding a bridge (mostly) and voila! A song is born! Most of my songs are strong starters so they don't change much by the final version.

KMH: When you play out, do you mostly play piano or guitar? Do you have other musicians with you?
JP: Like I said earlier, it used to be that I always had my best friend playing guitar and we would both sing. Then, more and more, I'd play piano, too and sing more solo stuff. There was a drummer that was around most of that time as well...I miss playing with those guys! I ended up moving back to my hometown, Chicago, so I could go farther with music than I was in southeastern Michigan. Alas, that meant I was gonna be a one-woman show for a while. I'm always on the lookout for musicians with a similar taste/style/groove as my music but I haven't found them (or they haven't found me) yet. Now, I'm almost always by myself, singing and accompanying myself on piano. I enjoy the control I have of that situation but really miss the full sound of more instruments. Every once in a while, someone will play and I can just sing. Lately, there's been a guy that comes in and plays harmonica with some of my more blues-y tunes...that's been really fun! I hope that I can get to a point where I have a band behind me and I can just write, sing, and perform, only sitting at the piano when I want to. But for now, I'm a hard workin' one woman show.

KMH: What's the name of your new CD being released in Spring, 2002?
JP: Gosh, I haven't even thought about names yet. I've got about 12 songs ready to go but I should really consider the whole effect of those songs when choosing a title. My first album, Faces, was so named for all the different pictures of me that were around the lyrics in the jacket. That's the first question that I haven't had a easy answer to!

KMH: If you were going to describe your music in one sentence, that would it be?
JP: Powerhouse vocals backed by smooth melodic piano with lyrics that reach universally into people's souls and tell stories that everyone can relate to.

KMH: Describe the feelings you feel when you're performing for an audience.
JP: Performance is a rush. Every time it's an outpouring of energy, emotions, ability, and fun. When an audience responds strongly, I become stronger. I actually get more nervous performing in front of an intimate group of friends and family than in front of a huge crowd. I've sung the National Anthem in Detroit and Chicago for as many as 40,000 people and it feels great! Sure, I'm always a touch nervous, but that just boosts my energy level. If I'm in front of friends and family, like when I played last New Year's Eve, I get super nervous. Again, that adrenaline rush is good though - it fuels my desire to perform well...and I've learned over time that an audience isn't nearly as in tune with mistakes, missed notes, missed words, etc. as I am. I just try and relax and let the music flow out of me. It's better than worrying about every little mistake anyway.

KMH: Please add anything else you'd wish to say.
JP: I never thought I could make a living at music without being famous but I'm proving myself wrong as we speak. I'm closer to a career as a musician than I've ever been. It's been hard work up to this point and I know it'll just get tougher to balance the day job and the music for a while. However, the pay off of NOT having a day job is worth every lost minute of sleep, every stressed moment where I say "Calgon, take me away!".

KMH: If you have a quote you'd like listed, please list it here.
JP: "This petite flame haired performer has a soulfully raucous voice and offers a truly unique experience. In between playing her own upbeat compositions, Porter covers rock's current creme of the estrogen crop. If you are longing to hear Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Sade, Stevie Nicks or Tracy Chapman done as well as the original artists, then Porter is your woman! Gentry has truly done audiences everywhere a service by adding Jen Porter to their roster of incredible performers." - Brian Kirst, Music of the Night Column, HotSpots Magazine, Chicago, IL - May, 2001

Show Review from HotSpots Chicago Magazine
"...if you are truly in an adventurous mood, and want to get completely drenched in talent, I suggest that you check out the incredible Jen Porter. Porter performs every Thursday at Gentry on State. This petite flame haired performer has a soulfully raucous voice and offers a truly unique cabaret experience. In between playing her own upbeat compositions, Porter covers rock's current creme of the estrogen crop. If you are longing to hear Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Sade, Stevie Nicks or Tracy Chapman done as well as the original artists, then Porter is your woman! Gentry has truly done audiences everywhere a service by adding Jen Porter to their roster of incredible performers."

Thanks to Brian for those very kind words! -Jen