Words By Emma Hintz + Avery Davis
Photos By: Avery Davis
I had the absolute pleasure of previewing the sophomore single “Girl Class” from New York’s own Um Jennifer?. After hearing this single I can confidently call myself a fan of the duo, I can hear the pavement influences and as someone who is currently HARD in their pavement era right now, I very much appreciate it.
“Girl Class” sounds like the soundtrack to a PAINFULLY 90’s movie in the best way possible. Super fun, fresh, and nostalgic all in one, all of my favorite qualities to find in new music. I’ve had this single on loop all day, it’s addicting after the first listen and only makes me want more music from the duo, like, right now. I can only imagine how fun this song would be to hear live, and I'm hoping one day I get the honor to see it.
We had the opportunity to chat with Fig and Leah of the iconic Um Jennifer? to get to know the two a little more. Continue reading to hear about their musical journey, writing process, inspirations and more.
How did each of you start your musical journey and first discover your musical inclination?
Leah: I just always felt very connected to music. I started teaching myself drums and guitar at a really young age, starting with hand drums and drum kit. Then started playing in a band and studying formally at 9 years old.
Fig: I started out with the trumpet in third grade but eventually, I picked up guitar and just kind of ran with that. Also, a lot of my early memories revolve around listening to music in cars. My mom played a ton of Dave Matthews as well as the Les Miserables cast album. My dad played Eminem, Tupac, and our local classic rock station.
Who are your biggest inspirations and influences that have played a role in shaping your musical identity; old and new?
Leah: Old Jazz vocalists like Dinah Washington, Betty Carter, and composers like Cole Porter and Billy Strayhorn are some of my biggest inspirations. Also Louis Armstrong both as a player and a performer. Modern day inspirations are Mitski, Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean, and Born Ruffians. The performance, wit, and songwriting capability of all of these artists really inspire me.
Fig: Oh man, okay. St. Vincent was definitely the first artist that made me realize music can be like, strange and off-kilter and still be so good and listenable. Kendrick Lamar, Hiatous Kaiyote, Anderson Paak., Jack White, Big Thief Oh, also I’d be remiss to not mention just a ridiculous amount of Musical Theatre.
Adam Guettal, Stephen Sondheim, Dave Malloy. Those guys are so good. Lately, I’ve been listening to the new Water From Your Eyes record which is just so sick.
Where do most of your ideas for projects originate, are they more spontaneous or are they planned?
Leah: Most of my inspiration comes from intense emotion or obsession I would say. I get very fixated on an idea or energy and that seems to come out in different shapes or forms. But before anything happens with it, I’m chewing on something for a long time.
Fig: a lot of the stuff I write is pretty self-deprecating. and it’s definitely more spontaneous. Like, whatever is on my mind is what I write and then I’ll streamline it later. Normally, I’ll write the lyrics to a whole song pretty stream of consciousness and then figure out chords and a structure to it. And then I’ll just mull it over in my mind and see what needs to be added or taken away to kind of form it into a meaningful shape.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never listened before?
Leah: Like your favorite band but gayer
Fig: I gotta agree with Leah on this one.
If you could open for any artist who would it be?
Leah: Mitski
Fig: St. Vincent.
What's the future plan, some end goals?
Leah: Become rich and famous and ditch all of my friends.
Fig: lose all my money and keep all my friends
What are some fun, random facts about each of you?
Leah: I street perform in a marching Jazz band colloquially referred to as “Coke Slut”
Fig: I can unicycle and juggle. Also, the hottest thing about me is that I work 9-5 at a woodshop.
Living in New York, do you feel that the city and its culture has played a role in the development of your sound as a band?
Leah: Absolutely. My family is from Brooklyn and I take a lot of inspiration from the stories I heard from them growing up about the city. It’s sort of sewn into the fabric of what I create.
Fig: For sureee. The trans music scene in Brooklyn right now is so so sick. There’s such an overwhelming amount of creativity to bounce off of. Shout out Gender Experts Party ya’ll rock.
Do you have advice for up and coming musicians out there struggling with finding themselves as an artist?
Leah: Take your time and allow yourself grace! I think we develop as artists when we develop as people, and it’s a process that I’m finding is best to savor. Truly whenever it feels the most impossible is when there’s an exciting new lesson around the corner.
Fig: It’s okay to make bad things. In fact, try to make bad things! Do it!! It’s so fun! Just make the thing that makes you say, “Wouldn’t it be funny if-“ Yes it would! Fuck around and find out.
Stay tuned for the newest single from Um Jennifer available everywhere August 7th, until then stream Girl Class!
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