01Profile
A ĠENN Photo
ĠENN
Musicians — Brighton
03Interview
Photo: Bridie-Florence
Name, where are you from?
We’re ĠENN and we’re based in Brighton. Leona (vocalist), Leanne (bassist) and Janelle (guitarist) are originally from Malta. Sofia’s (drummer) from the UK.
Describe your style in three words?
Unapologetically honest, relatable and badass.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Leanne: Easy - getting to see Gojira at the Melkweg in Amsterdam last June. The energy of the people and the band was unreal, plus it was Mario's (drummer) birthday so he got a pie to the face and crowd-surfed at the end! It was an experience.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Leona: It would probably be The Doors. Growing up, I listened to them closely and I must say they are one of my main influences.
The other band would be IDLES - they literally changed my life and the way I see things. They helped me get through some really rough times and I just love watching videos of them performing live. They are real people who worked super hard. I can’t wait to see them live and hopefully meet them one day.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
Sofia: London’s underground dnb and jungle scene influenced me massively in my teens and the 90s era that came before it. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by some kind of resistance in a way - before I was old enough to really explore all the ways that I could make and enjoy music.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Janelle: The star man himself - David Bowie. I really got into his music after he passed away. He's an inspiring songwriter and artist and I'd love to have a proper conversation with him (over tea and scones, of course!)
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
Leona: The Orpheum Theatre in Malta. It makes me feel nostalgic and reminds me of how unique Malta can be. First time I went there was when I saw a local band called Stalko. Their music lit this old theatre. It’s one rare beautiful jewel and I wish we could play there one day.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Sofia: Molly Burch. She’s definitely not unsung amongst fans but I still believe not enough people know about her. 'Please Be Mine' is one of my favourite albums!
With a fresh British/Maltese approach to the DIY post-punk Riot Grrrl four-piece, ĠENN (pronounced Jenn) have supported the like of Hands Off Gretel, PINS, Acid Mothers Temple, The Orielles and Honeyblood. Their latest track 'Duda Dance' is out now.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Leanne: Oh man... I've done this with so many songs. I would say the very earliest example was a bad microphone recording of What I've Done (Linkin Park) from the end of the first Transformers movie. I had just gotten my first MP3 player and I was so excited to use it. I've never stopped having a music player at hand since.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Janelle: Warpaint's 'Billie Holiday'. I remember that we tried to cover it in the early days of the band. I was (and still am) super into Warpaint. Remember watching them on TV when they played Glastonbury back in 2011 and I was super curious and inspired by these four ethereal women!
One record you would keep forever?
Sofia: Difficult one but I’d have to say Jeff Buckley - 'Grace'. I just bloody love that man and my heart aches imagining what he might have created if he had had more time here.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Leona: Leonard Cohen "Hey. That’s No Way To Say Goodbye"
A song you wished you had written?
Janelle: Nocturne No.2 in E flat by Chopin or Claire de Lune by Debussy...because they're two mesmerising pieces that I adore. Plus I've always wished I was a better classical musician.
Best song to turn up loud?
Leanne: Depends on the mood you're going for! Right now I'm blasting Calcified by Sylosis since they've made a big comeback this year. It takes me way back to being a thrash metal-loving teenager, incredibly new to the world of creative musicianship.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Leona: Oh god. Dua Lipa’s 'Don't Start Now'?!
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Janelle: So many! I'm a sucker for well-written pop and old school hip-hop... I'm gonna pick Lizzo's 'Juice' as I'm finding myself dancing to that track in my room quite often!
Best song to end an all-nighter?
Leanne: Ok, 'all-nighter' could imply binge drinking or looming deadlines- by the end of both scenarios I'd want to relax, though, so I'll pick 'Covington' by Cloudkicker. Short, but beautifully tranquil.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Sofia: I have to pay homage to some local Brighton bands and say Austerity and ARXX. I’ve seen ARXX a few times now and they seem to get better every time. They definitely deserve all the attention they’re getting right now!
03Interview
Photo: Bridie-Florence
Name, where are you from?
We’re ĠENN and we’re based in Brighton. Leona (vocalist), Leanne (bassist) and Janelle (guitarist) are originally from Malta. Sofia’s (drummer) from the UK.
Describe your style in three words?
Unapologetically honest, relatable and badass.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Leanne: Easy - getting to see Gojira at the Melkweg in Amsterdam last June. The energy of the people and the band was unreal, plus it was Mario's (drummer) birthday so he got a pie to the face and crowd-surfed at the end! It was an experience.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Leona: It would probably be The Doors. Growing up, I listened to them closely and I must say they are one of my main influences.
The other band would be IDLES - they literally changed my life and the way I see things. They helped me get through some really rough times and I just love watching videos of them performing live. They are real people who worked super hard. I can’t wait to see them live and hopefully meet them one day.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
Sofia: London’s underground dnb and jungle scene influenced me massively in my teens and the 90s era that came before it. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by some kind of resistance in a way - before I was old enough to really explore all the ways that I could make and enjoy music.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Janelle: The star man himself - David Bowie. I really got into his music after he passed away. He's an inspiring songwriter and artist and I'd love to have a proper conversation with him (over tea and scones, of course!)
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
Leona: The Orpheum Theatre in Malta. It makes me feel nostalgic and reminds me of how unique Malta can be. First time I went there was when I saw a local band called Stalko. Their music lit this old theatre. It’s one rare beautiful jewel and I wish we could play there one day.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Sofia: Molly Burch. She’s definitely not unsung amongst fans but I still believe not enough people know about her. 'Please Be Mine' is one of my favourite albums!
With a fresh British/Maltese approach to the DIY post-punk Riot Grrrl four-piece, ĠENN (pronounced Jenn) have supported the like of Hands Off Gretel, PINS, Acid Mothers Temple, The Orielles and Honeyblood. Their latest track 'Duda Dance' is out now.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Leanne: Oh man... I've done this with so many songs. I would say the very earliest example was a bad microphone recording of What I've Done (Linkin Park) from the end of the first Transformers movie. I had just gotten my first MP3 player and I was so excited to use it. I've never stopped having a music player at hand since.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Janelle: Warpaint's 'Billie Holiday'. I remember that we tried to cover it in the early days of the band. I was (and still am) super into Warpaint. Remember watching them on TV when they played Glastonbury back in 2011 and I was super curious and inspired by these four ethereal women!
One record you would keep forever?
Sofia: Difficult one but I’d have to say Jeff Buckley - 'Grace'. I just bloody love that man and my heart aches imagining what he might have created if he had had more time here.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Leona: Leonard Cohen "Hey. That’s No Way To Say Goodbye"
A song you wished you had written?
Janelle: Nocturne No.2 in E flat by Chopin or Claire de Lune by Debussy...because they're two mesmerising pieces that I adore. Plus I've always wished I was a better classical musician.
Best song to turn up loud?
Leanne: Depends on the mood you're going for! Right now I'm blasting Calcified by Sylosis since they've made a big comeback this year. It takes me way back to being a thrash metal-loving teenager, incredibly new to the world of creative musicianship.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Leona: Oh god. Dua Lipa’s 'Don't Start Now'?!
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Janelle: So many! I'm a sucker for well-written pop and old school hip-hop... I'm gonna pick Lizzo's 'Juice' as I'm finding myself dancing to that track in my room quite often!
Best song to end an all-nighter?
Leanne: Ok, 'all-nighter' could imply binge drinking or looming deadlines- by the end of both scenarios I'd want to relax, though, so I'll pick 'Covington' by Cloudkicker. Short, but beautifully tranquil.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Sofia: I have to pay homage to some local Brighton bands and say Austerity and ARXX. I’ve seen ARXX a few times now and they seem to get better every time. They definitely deserve all the attention they’re getting right now!