There is so much hidden talent in the world. As everyone knows, the internet has been opening that door for creativity especially since YouTube was brought into our lives. All walks of life on an even smaller screen than Television. Constantly I manage to find tons and tons and people with guitars, pianos, and ukuleles, playing covers and original songs that take my breath away. This has become something I have found joy in looking for. I came across a cover of “My Hero,” sung by Jenn Follano. Partial to the last name, I clicked play and was seriously… blown away by her voice. After a little research, and some contact with the singer/songwriter herself I found her band, This Decree.
This Decree is a Florida based band, with four members performing on two guitars, bass, drums; John Aumock, Spenser Shephard, Bill Jarrett, Bryan Andrew, and front woman, Jenn Follano; all together bringing an energetic blend of rock and soul pounding emotion.
With two internet released singles titled, “I’m Over It,” and “Take Me With You,” I quickly became very interested in interviewing their leading lady:
Jenny S: This Decree is a Floria based band, but where are you from Jenn?
Jenn F: My whole family is from Oceanside, Long Island. As for me I was the
only one born in Stuart, Florida.
Jenny S: That must make you want to play NY, eh? You fanbase here seems to be growing by the day!
Jenn F: I would love to play in NY. It’s always been a dream of mine. My mom and her entire family is there, so that would make it pretty cool. And yes, we actually gained 20 new fans from NY in a day. That blew me away.
Jenny S: So many bands come out of Long Island. Do you feel there is any competition to come here and play for us some day?
Jenn F: Not really.. Im pretty confident in our music. Its really catchy and from the responce we have been getting so far, I think we would go over well. Not to say I wouldnt be a nervouse, but on the flip side, so excited to get to share it with my second home.
Jenny S: Thats the best attitude to have. Long Island is a very tough crowd. So tell me, how did all of you meet?
Jenn F: Well, in 2004 I walked into a guitar store and bought my first guitar from this nice red head kid, Bill Jarrett. At the time he was in a band and I was just doing other things. Little did I know that 5 years later, me not knowing where life had taken me, and him not in a band anymore, that we would meet up again and decide to start our own band. After we had talked about it for a while Johnny Aumock had contacted me on myspace and told me he heard some of my music and really liked it. I told him about my good friend Bill, and as small as the world is, he knew him. Johnny and Bill had played in a band together before called “Story of Midnight”. So us three got together and jammed. The connection was there immediatly. I was on guitar at the time, and Bill was on drums, and johnny jammed on the bass. We quickly learned that I am not the best electric guitar player! So we decided to bring in Bryan. Bryan also played in the band with them a few years back. After that Bill got on bass, Johnny on guitar, Bryan on the drums, and me, well my voice is my instrament. We jammed and it was good, but we knew we were still missing something. Bill decided to ask Spencer, who he worked with, if he was interested. Spencer came and jammed, and we were all blown away. The melodic guitar parts he was playing just fit perfectly with our sound. And so, the rest is history. It’s been almost a year for us.
Jenny S: Thats amazing. Its sounds like it’s been way longer than that! You can hear the family in the band. What’s it like being the only woman?
Jenn F: Totally. We all get along so well. We will have “family dinners” before practice, and just hang out. Like I said, the chemistry is so there between us. We have other bands come up to us and tell us that they wish there band was so close. Its a good feeling. I get along with guys better, and it feels like they all are big brothers to me. They all look out for me and take care of me. This may sound selfish, but I like being the only one they have to look out for. Makes me feel special! I love my boys.
Jenny S: There are like so many front women and cliches. Who do NOT want to emulate?
Jenn F: Theres this band, Automatic Loveletter, who I discovered threw that time of my life, and her lyrics just hit home. I listened to them everyday. It really helped me get through and inspired me.The singer of the band, Juliette Simms, is amazing vocalist and she just got me pumped. and of course Haley Williams from Paramore also is a huge inspiration. Shes just down right amazing.
Jenny S: Thank you so much Jenn, it has been a pleasure.
Jenn F: Well thank you so much, You now know the whole story behind us. That was the first time I shared with anyone.
And there you have it. Here’s to hoping This Decree get’s to NY fast!
You can download two of This Decree’s singles of the Pure Volume link and Youtube links at the bottom. Thanks for reading!
LINKS:
http://www.purevolume.com/ThisDecree
