Quickfire Questions: ĠENN
ĠENN have a decade of history and experience under their belt, having started the band in Malta and eventually moving to Brighton to form the full line up of the band and performing all over the UK. We caught up with bassist Leanne to discuss their new EP ‘Liminal’ released yesterday (30/03) and got to know the band even better with some Quickfire Questions.
Starting at the beginning of the band, how did you all meet?
Considering there’s about a decade of history now, I suppose the most condensed version is that Leona and Janelle (vox and guitar respectively) met when very very young, started the band with others at age 13, I went to sixth form with Janelle and joined the band two years later, and then we found Sofia on Facebook because we were drummerless and about to do a UK tour and knowing we intended to move to Brighton. Amazingly, she said yes and we’ve all been together since.
What made you relocate the band from Malta to Brighton and what are the major differences in the music scenes in both places?
It was a decision strongly motivated by the want to take the band as far as it can go- the Maltese alternative scene is a small and close knit community which have shown a true sense of community, but being physically located there proved to be a setback for booking opportunities (as well as commuting options) so we wanted to be somewhere where we could be more viable for higher scale opportunities. The Brighton scene does have those elements of community too, though I feel like a distinguishing element of UK based music communities is the overlap with one another. I notice a lot of bands (us included) that do a lot both here and in London due to the close proximity.
Are you excited to have your new EP out in the world?
Incredibly! With this being the first release with the band as it is now as far as lineup and style and position in our lives, we’re very excited to get to share that with anyone who wants to listen, and those who have also been invested in our journey.
What is your usual songwriting process, has it changed since your debut release?
We’re typically a very predominantly jamming band, where the bulk of the work takes place in a rehearsal room. It was different with most of these songs about to come out as they were written during lockdown so the approach involved everyone coming up with or building on ideas from their own bedrooms, and then sharing them, with a few rehearsals to fine tune. I think we try to play to the strengths in both approaches.
What influences your songs both sonically and lyrically?
Too many things to keep track of - lyrically I’m pretty sure it’s inspired very strongly by life experience and wanting to push the presence of a visual element to the music. Sonically, I suppose the predominant elements are post-punk influences, groove based music, amongst many others. I feel like the answer would be a little different depending on which one of us you asked since we all come from such varying listening backgrounds.
Quickfire Questions:
How did you meet?
Leona and Janelle in a school uniform store as children, me and Janelle in sixth form, Sofia and all of us (in person) in a rehearsal room in London same day as our first gig together!
Do any of you have any other talents?
Drawing, kind of?
4 essential items you have to take on tour…
As much of your own equipment as you can afford to carry.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Video games, doodling, youtube video essays about shows and film.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Going off recent listening: Khruangbin, Vulfpeck, Dirty Loops
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
I think Japan would be an impressive accomplishment!
The best gig you've ever been to?
Gojira in Melkweg, Amsterdam (June 2019)
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
I don’t know if I’d say they’re a new band but Stone Cold Fiction are well worth a listen!! https://stonecoldfiction.bandcamp.com/album/strange-times
How can people listen to you & support you?
All major streaming but best support is to buy merch/Liminal through bandcamp or a select few record stores!
What do we have to look forward to from you?
EP release! Gigs hopefully! Even more music sooner rather than later!