Jeneen Terrana

One day, we’ll all have to “get a real job,” find a new place to live and pay off the ridiculous student loans we’ve accumulated over the past few years (not necessarily in that order).

Until such time, there are certain benefits to the high cost of higher education. One of those perks is Live at Lunch, where students can enjoy the musical styles of artists from across the country for the cost of a cheesesteak.

Last week brought Jeneen Terrana from New York to North Dakota for the first time ever.

Terrana specializes in guitar-heavy folk-rock and Americana tunes, not to mention a passion for baking that has helped support her multiple passions. She was even featured on the Food Network’s “Home Made in America” and passed out recipes during her appearance.

Bob Doda of the Queens Courier (located in the musician’s current port of call) refers to her music as “a whirlwind of powerful songs and folksy playfulness.”

After hearing the music for myself, I can’t disagree.

She’s not entirely alone in her production, either. Her husband, Craig Mackay, recently started joining her for particular songs. He even signed his first-ever autograph during the performance, meaning at least one warm thing happened to the pair before predictable Fargo weather blew them out of town.

Terrana and her team left Dakota territory last week, but there are still ways to catch her folksy crooning if you missed the live performance.

The artist has produced three albums, including My Creation, Just Me and See the Light. Each is available on Amazon, iTunes and CDBaby. If you’d like something more recent, however, there will also be a four-song EP available soon.

For more information on Terrana, her music, or her baking recipes you can visit jeneenterrana.com, or check out her music at any of the aforementioned distributors - The Spectrum

"First up was one of Conquer’s newest talents, folk rock singer Jeneen Terrana whose sweet soft vocals paired with daunting melodies bubbled our hearts to see the world for its beauty and then inspired us to indulge in sweet dessert treats." - Elsi Pacheco - Conquer Entertainment

"First up was one of Conquer’s newest talents, folk rock singer Jeneen Terrana whose sweet soft vocals paired with daunting melodies bubbled our hearts to see the world for its beauty and then inspired us to indulge in sweet dessert treats." - Elsi Pacheco - Conquer Entertainment

"Jeneen is a competent and confident artist who connects with the audience from the very start. She looks around, smiles and catches eyes. Her classically trained, voice rings out as clear as a bell, whether she’s singing her own songs or classics like “O Sole Mio”. Some of her songs betray her Sicilian heritage, and you can hear an Italian influence in some of her compositions."

- LIC Notes by Eric Hathaway

Jeneen Terrana provides musical snacks for her fans. Both figuratively and literally.

Her latest album, “See the Light,” released earlier this year, was funded by the $4,000 she raised during a span of three months on the rockethub.com website.

The site allows “creatives”- — musicians, artists, teachers or entrepreneurs — to launch projects, gain support and raise money from the “fuelers,” or fans, and welcomes its visitors to the “crowdfunding revolution.”

Terrana sold the products of her other passion — baking cakes, cookies and other treats — and created special marketing deals for fans who donated dollars to her mission, which was recording a new album.

Jeneen Terrana was able to record her latest album, “See the Light,” by using the funds raised from fan contributions on the website rockethub.com. She sold copies of her previous records as well as baked goods and raised more than $4,000 in three months. Jeneen Terrana was able to record her latest album, “See the Light,” by using the funds raised from fan contributions on the website rockethub.com. She sold copies of her previous records as well as baked goods and raised more than $4,000 in three months. If a fueler paid $15, she would give the person a copy of one of her records and throw in one of her recipes. As the donations increased, so did the package deals. For example, $50 would get a fan an album and a batch of her brownies, she said.

“My kitchen was always covered in flour,” she laughed. “It went really well, though, and stretched my creativity.”

Terrana graduated from Kenmore East High School in 1991 and went to the University at Buffalo for one year before transferring to Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla., where she studied classical music and earned her bachelor’s degree in music education. She moved to New York in 1997 and worked hard to gain recognition on the local music scene.

After three years of auditions, carrying nothing but a boom box — it provided accompaniment tracks until she learned how to play the guitar — Terrana was booked for a local gig. She said it was then she found an outlet and began writing songs.

“At first, the songs were fictional,” she said. “Then I went through a huge breakup, and that was when it got personal. Those songs turned into my first album.”

“Just Me” and “My Creation,” Terrana’s first two albums, landed the singer-songwriter recognition, and she continued pursuing her musical career. Earlier this year, she performed in London and Edinburgh, Scotland.

The creative arts surround her; she works as an occasional voice teacher, sells tickets for three off-Broadway shows in Times Square, bakes wedding cakes occasionally and is also a cater waiter.

When she was a young girl, Terrana said her mom introduced her to legendary musicians such as The Carpenters, Barbara Streisand and Barry Manilow, but as she grew older, she began connecting with the voices of Emmylou Harris, k.d. lang, Dolly Parton and Ann Wilson.

On Oct. 8, she will return home to play at Caz Coffee Cafe in South Buffalo. She said she misses her family in Western New York and always acknowledges the beautiful summers the area has to offer. Walks along the water and trips to Mississippi Mudds with her family are a few things she said help her unwind when escaping city life.

“Everything is so fast-paced here,” she said, referring to New York City. “Buffalo is a calming place to visit, and I really enjoy the scenery.”

Terrana will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Caz Coffee Cafe, 688 Abbott Road, Buffalo. Singer-songwriter Anne-Margaret Redding will perform as the opening act. For more information, visit www.jeneenterrana.com. - Ken-Ton Bee

"It’s not hard to love Terrana’s music, which is folk rock-oriented with jazz and blues influences. Her style is reminiscent of Fiona Apple with a bit of Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Indigo Girls or early Ani DiFranco thrown in." - Mark Lord, The Queens Chronicle

“See the Light” is a hearty mix of pop, folk, blues, and acoustic “indie” rock that showcases Terrana’s wide vocal range and abilities. Songs like “I Laid It On Him” and “Raise Your Voice” display the inspiring bravado of a strong-willed young woman, whereas enlightening tracks like “See The Light” and the revealing “God, I Need Comfort” show the steady maturation of both the music and its singer. Beginning with the fun, poppy “Benny’s In My Head,” and ending with the vulnerable plea, “Time”, the album encompasses a variety of moods, taking the listener on a positive coming-of-age journey that relays Terrana’s experiences over the past few years ... The result is an album that is relatable, soothing and reassuring as well as enjoyable. - Queens Gazette

A whirlwind of powerful songs and folksy playfulness, Jeneen Terrana has been gaining national and international exposure touring the states and Europe for the past several years. Her first gigs were in Manhattan but eventually found her way to Long Island City and Astoria; a place Terrana says “feels like home.” - Queens Courier by Bob Doda

"Jeneen Terrana is an integral part of the Long Island City, NY music scene. A distinctive songwriter with flair, Terrana ... has the talent to play much larger stages.

Terrana is a top-notch songwriter, and her voice is enthralling. See The Light is highly recommended listening."

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildy Haskell, Wildy's World

"Her music is utterly soothing, full of the organic sounds of the northern country." - Brett Ackerman, Beacon Pass

“The lyrics to Jeneen Terrana’s song, My Creation, emphasize that we all have within us the power to choose what we want to create for our lives without being shackled by decisions of the past, and themes of love and peace, as well as being courageous and fully self expressed, reverberate throughout the song,” says Clive, “so I can’t think of a more appropriate song for us to sing on the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration, especially in these challenging economic times.” - Clive Swersky, Alive with Clive

“Jeneen Terrana, music's next big thing…

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Bitesized Records) - Introducing a rock chanteuse who picks up her guitar and sings her heart out, a woman whose songs and hypnotic vocals, packed with a solid delivery, work their way into your brain, and seduce your creative senses.

This chanteuse is Jeneen Terrana, utilizing a delicious mix of rock, blues and rockabilly, her hypnotic vocals, her rock soft style elicits mass appeal due to its wondrous diversity.

Sweet and melodic, with a biting aggressive element, Jeneen brings a freshness to the music scene, her new CD, MY CREATION is a joy to behold, totally defining the genre of adult contemporary. Her tales of love and lost, captivate you, her haunting vocals, both gorgeous and evocative, lead the listener into a new dimension of auditory enjoyment.”
- Barry Drake, Mackin Enterprises

We are proud to present Jeneen Terrana as Wildy's World's Artist of the Month for January! Ms. Terrana's album with The Howl Brothers, My Creation, was ranked #1 on Wildy's World's Top 40 Albums of 2009! The Buffalo, New York native relocated to New York City a number of years ago, but may be one of the Nickel City's finest musical exports since Chuck Mangione. She is currently one of the brightest lights on the nascent Long Island City music scene, and in 2009 made her first foray to Europe for a four week tour with Silbin Sandovar (also known as Gustavo Rodriguez). 2009 also saw Terrana begin to gain radio exposure in places such as Michigan, California, New York, Connecticut, Dublin, London, Virginia, New Jersey and Massachussets.

No word on specifics for 2010, but hopefully we'll catch up with Terrana over the course of the month and find out what's in store. Take some time to check out Terrana's My Creation, as well as her fine 2002 solo album, Just Me. - Wildy Haskell

We are proud to present Jeneen Terrana as Wildy's World's Artist of the Month for January! Ms. Terrana's album with The Howl Brothers, My Creation, was ranked #1 on Wildy's World's Top 40 Albums of 2009! The Buffalo, New York native relocated to New York City a number of years ago, but may be one of the Nickel City's finest musical exports since Chuck Mangione. She is currently one of the brightest lights on the nascent Long Island City music scene, and in 2009 made her first foray to Europe for a four week tour with Silbin Sandovar (also known as Gustavo Rodriguez). 2009 also saw Terrana begin to gain radio exposure in places such as Michigan, California, New York, Connecticut, Dublin, London, Virginia, New Jersey and Massachussets.

No word on specifics for 2010, but hopefully we'll catch up with Terrana over the course of the month and find out what's in store. Take some time to check out Terrana's My Creation, as well as her fine 2002 solo album, Just Me. - Wildy Haskell

"Jeneen's vocals are stunning and her energy on stage is magnetic. Her songs are inspiring and moving." - Astoria Weekly

"Disclaimer: I am a sentimental bastard. When a woman picks up a guitar and sings her heart out, its hard for me not to enjoy it.

With that disclaimer out of the way, I introduce you to Jeneen Terrana. After only a few listens to her album, Just Me, I am on her side. Her tales of love and lost are overlaid on simple songs, that slowly start to work there way into your brain. Sometimes its catchy lyrics and a tight song that draw you in, like on the opening song "Good Folks". Other times on the album, her haunting voice lulls you while you sit with her replaying a moment in her life.

Jeneen is not all sadness either. One of the high points on the album is the song "Fuck you". This country tinged anthem of sorts is at times funny, stirring, and down right fun. Jeneen says it all with the words, "So fuck you / Fuck your planning/ Fuck the way you treated me / If I wake up and I’ve made a mistake / I’ll just have to say fuck me." You also have to give her credit for having the word fuck repeated about 10 times in one song.

By the time you think you understand the album pretty well, Jeneen surprises you with a gorgeous rendition of "O Sole Mio". It not only acts as a definitive ending to the album but a window into another side of Jeneen’s life.

If you are a sentimental bastard like me, then you will enjoy this album."
- Lookey Dookey Magazine

"Disclaimer: I am a sentimental bastard. When a woman picks up a guitar and sings her heart out, its hard for me not to enjoy it.

With that disclaimer out of the way, I introduce you to Jeneen Terrana. After only a few listens to her album, Just Me, I am on her side. Her tales of love and lost are overlaid on simple songs, that slowly start to work there way into your brain. Sometimes its catchy lyrics and a tight song that draw you in, like on the opening song "Good Folks". Other times on the album, her haunting voice lulls you while you sit with her replaying a moment in her life.

Jeneen is not all sadness either. One of the high points on the album is the song "Fuck you". This country tinged anthem of sorts is at times funny, stirring, and down right fun. Jeneen says it all with the words, "So fuck you / Fuck your planning/ Fuck the way you treated me / If I wake up and I’ve made a mistake / I’ll just have to say fuck me." You also have to give her credit for having the word fuck repeated about 10 times in one song.

By the time you think you understand the album pretty well, Jeneen surprises you with a gorgeous rendition of "O Sole Mio". It not only acts as a definitive ending to the album but a window into another side of Jeneen’s life.

If you are a sentimental bastard like me, then you will enjoy this album."
- Lookey Dookey Magazine

Jeneen Terrana's music is gorgeous and evocative. It's a fine debut by any standards. Jeneen Terrana combines sharp lyrics with memorable tunes. The langourous "Someone Else Has been Loving you" really gets to me. Its heartbreak is almost touchable.
The irresistible singalong "Fuck You" gets me to merrily sing the chorus over and over. It's not unlike Ani Difranco's "Untouchable face" in that respect. "Superman" is quirky and cute. "Losing You" has a strong sense of desperation to it. "Something's dying, I need healing" sings Terrana as if her life depended on it.
The version of "O Sole Mio" that closes the album really shows Terrana's voice at its best. It's a great way to end this lovely album.
- Ectophiles Guide to Good Music

Jeneen Terrana's music is gorgeous and evocative. It's a fine debut by any standards. Jeneen Terrana combines sharp lyrics with memorable tunes. The langourous "Someone Else Has been Loving you" really gets to me. Its heartbreak is almost touchable.
The irresistible singalong "Fuck You" gets me to merrily sing the chorus over and over. It's not unlike Ani Difranco's "Untouchable face" in that respect. "Superman" is quirky and cute. "Losing You" has a strong sense of desperation to it. "Something's dying, I need healing" sings Terrana as if her life depended on it.
The version of "O Sole Mio" that closes the album really shows Terrana's voice at its best. It's a great way to end this lovely album.
- Ectophiles Guide to Good Music

Jeneen Terrana made history the other night at Meow Mix. Not for her playing, as outstanding as it was, but for her creation of a new concoction titled the TRex. (Terrana Saurus Rex that is.) What's in it? A splash of cola, a drop of cranberry juice and a whole lot of raspberry vodka. Jeneen's shows are a lot like her drink. A dash of flair and humor but always packed with a solid delivery of well written songs. I am always impressed by Jeneen's vocal style. It's sweet and melodic but contains a biting aggressive element. She could easily be opening for The White Stripes. And yes, it is just she and her guitar.
- Silver City Magazine

Jeneen Terrana made history the other night at Meow Mix. Not for her playing, as outstanding as it was, but for her creation of a new concoction titled the TRex. (Terrana Saurus Rex that is.) What's in it? A splash of cola, a drop of cranberry juice and a whole lot of raspberry vodka. Jeneen's shows are a lot like her drink. A dash of flair and humor but always packed with a solid delivery of well written songs. I am always impressed by Jeneen's vocal style. It's sweet and melodic but contains a biting aggressive element. She could easily be opening for The White Stripes. And yes, it is just she and her guitar.
- Silver City Magazine

Jeneen Terrana is a special talent, and My Creation is one of the most breathtaking introductions to an artist I've ever experienced. It makes me sorry I missed her debut in 2002. Buffalo, NY should be proud, and New York City music fans should make every effort to see and hear the musical gem playing among them while they can. If there's justice in the world of music, New York City won't be big enough to hold Terrana in the long run. Between her voice and songwriting talent, and the impresario backing band The Howl Brothers, there's nothing this musical outfit can't accomplish. My Creation is, without a doubt, a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc. It's a classic album that deserves to be heard far and wide. What are you waiting for? - Wildy's World - Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

Buffalo, NY born and raised singer/songwriter Jeneen Terrana has been based in New York City for several years now, but she hasn't forgotten her roots. Terrana's My Creation is the finest overall recording we reviewed here at Wildy's World during the past year, and is our pick as album of the year for 2009. Terrana may not have a lot of name recognition outside of New York City or Buffalo, but that's more an indication of what's wrong in the music business than of anything about Terrana herself. Mixing elements of Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, PJ Harvey, Ani DiFranco and Joni Mitchell, Terrana is an every-woman singer/songwriter whose music speaks across social and generational boundaries in a fashion many of her peers have never imagined. - Wildy Haskell

Buffalo, NY born and raised singer/songwriter Jeneen Terrana has been based in New York City for several years now, but she hasn't forgotten her roots. Terrana's My Creation is the finest overall recording we reviewed here at Wildy's World during the past year, and is our pick as album of the year for 2009. Terrana may not have a lot of name recognition outside of New York City or Buffalo, but that's more an indication of what's wrong in the music business than of anything about Terrana herself. Mixing elements of Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, PJ Harvey, Ani DiFranco and Joni Mitchell, Terrana is an every-woman singer/songwriter whose music speaks across social and generational boundaries in a fashion many of her peers have never imagined. - Wildy Haskell