Q&A: Joe Jenneman Unveils Raw Emotions in New Single "The Villain"
IN THE EVER-EVOLVING REALM OF INDIE-FOLK MUSIC - singer-songwriter Joe Jenneman stands out with his deeply personal and emotionally resonant storytelling. Hailing from West Michigan, Jenneman has returned to his roots as an acoustic artist, stripping away the excess to let his core shine through. His latest single, "The Villain," embodies this approach, diving into the complexities of relationships in one's 20s and the often painful aftermath of a breakup.
"The Villain" serves as a raw, honest reflection of Jenneman's personal experiences with love, loss, and the social dynamics that come with being entwined in a partner's world. The track explores the narrative of becoming the so-called villain in a breakup, a role thrust upon him as his former partner shared her side of the story with their mutual friends. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, far from his home in Michigan, Jenneman channels the emotional turmoil of losing not only a significant other but also a newfound community.
Through this single, he invites listeners into his journey of self-discovery and acceptance, offering a resonant anthem for anyone navigating similar struggles.
Read below to learn more about the making of “The Villain” and what this summer as in store for Jenneman.
LUNA: Could you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single, "The Villain," and how it reflects your personal experiences with relationships?
JENNEMAN: The simplest cliche to attach to this song is how there are two sides to every story. The issue with this instance (a breakup) is that only one side gets told to certain people, and that side most definitely makes me out to be, well…the villain.
LUNA: In "The Villain," you touch upon the dynamics of relationships in your 20s, where you become intertwined with your partner's social circle. How does this theme resonate with your own journey?
JENNEMAN: Yes, you really do become immersed in their world. Especially since we dated in LA where she is from, and most of my close friends and family are back home in Michigan. I would spend holidays at her mom’s house, and go out on the weekends with her group of friends from high school and their significant others. Being so far away from home I had never really found my tribe in the city, and felt like I finally had with these folks. Unfortunately our relationship wasn’t built to last, and eventually came to an end. Of course leaving a significant other is hard enough on its own, but having to accept that I would never see any of the people in her world of whom I’d gotten very close to, was nearly just as difficult. Since it was my decision to end things, of course I had no chance to say my farewells. I instead had to accept my side of the story to be ever-muted as she was free to slander my name to the people I’d called my tribe shortly prior.
LUNA: As someone who has explored various musical endeavors, what led you to return to your roots as an acoustic storyteller for this project?
JENNEMAN: It really happened quite naturally. Regardless of what kind of music I would make in the past, it would always start on an acoustic guitar. From that point I would take the song to the studio where it would often become something totally different. I started feeling like the soul of the song would get lost at times burying it in too many layers of production, or polishing it to “perfection”. Essentially now I just cut off the process before doing all of that…and people really seem to be connecting with the music on a higher level since we scraped away that unnecessary barrier, which feels incredible.
LUNA: Can you share how your experiences growing up in West Michigan have influenced your music and storytelling style?
JENNEMAN: I definitely feel a strong connection to my West Michigan roots. It’s a bit of a slower pace back home vs in the city where I’ve been the past several years. People have time to acknowledge, to reflect, to feel. I believe this energy allowed me the chance to develop as a writer, and become strong in my identity before hitting the road and sharing my craft with the world.
LUNA: With your upcoming releases in 2024, can we expect more themes of self-discovery and introspection similar to what we hear in "The Villain"?
JENNEMAN: Most certainly. Whether writing through characters or as a personal narrative, all of the new material stays true to where I’m at as a human, and the struggles I’m working through. Wish I could share more specifics about those songs, but wouldn't want to ruin any surprises!
LUNA: How do you hope your music resonates with listeners who may be going through similar struggles in their own lives?
JENNEMAN: It’s interesting how sad songs often help to bring people out of the darkness. I’ve always pondered why this is, but I really think it just comes down to feeling less alone knowing someone else has been there. I feel like my music is especially healing because the themes and lyrics are often rather dark and desperate, yet the music and melodies are hopeful. At least that’s how I like to think my songs resonate with listeners. I feel like confessing your deepest woes, alongside a track that has a “light at the end of the tunnel” energy can be a very therapeutic combination. I know it is for me from a writing and performing perspective, so I hope the same rings true on the other side of the speaker. I know we’re focusing on “The Villain” here, but honestly of all my songs I’d say the most extreme example of hopeful desperation is “Bring Me Back”.
LUNA: What role does vulnerability play in your songwriting process, especially when addressing themes as personal as those in "The Villain"?
JENNEMAN: Vulnerability is everything as a songwriter, as an artist, as a creative in general. That’s always my jumping off point. Sometimes it’s not even a concrete idea yet, just an emotion…but I can only start writing when I have a feel for something deeply vulnerable of which to channel into music. And once the transition from buried emotion into a work of art begins, there’s really nothing quite like that high. Somehow it makes everything leading up to that moment worth it, and gives you the feeling that all the struggles happened for a reason: to birth this beautiful song. I know that’s a rather narcissistic perspective in the case of this particular song, and I’m not vain enough to think our entire one year relationship happened and ended just so I could write “The Villain” hahaha. But in the moment, after writing a song I’m proud of…everything just feels settled and ok in the world.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this summer season?
JENNEMAN: I’ve been writing more than ever in my life, and putting in long hours at the studio to churn out more music for y’all. So definitely be expecting more releases. In addition to creating, I've been focusing on performing as much as possible. We have several shows lined up around LA, and hopefully some out of town dates to announce soon. Will be sure to post regular updates on my socials!
