Jen Lane
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2000 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
"Jen Lane and Smokekiller are two of the happy finds of SXSW" William Kates, billsmusicblog - william kates, billsmusicblog
"a strong talent. Jen has hit a depth in her songwriting that people twice her age struggle to find. Her many talents also include a truly lovely voice. One day, we in Saskatchewan will be saying, "I knew her when...."
Sheila Coles, Cbc Radio 1, The Morning Edition - Sheila Coles, CBC radio 1, The Morning Edition
"...her self-titled release really is the perfect accompaniment for summer drives, back porches or early morning coffees. It's enjoyable, uplifting and Lane really sets a great tone on this record. Her stories are emotional and engaging, but the music never drags you down. The freedom and enjoyment of extended, foot stomping solos and sing-along harmonies (like on Hold on Strong or Broken Down Train) adds a nice spark."
"You can picture your friends playing her songs and you start to think her stories could be yours and that's why you will listen to this record over and over again." - Heroe Hill music review site
"among the real standouts here are offerings from the intense acoustic balladry of jen lane..., - chuck molgat, planet s magazine
Jen Lane and John Antoniuk are cornerstones of the Saskatchewan music scene. Although they are partners in both life and music, the two singer-songwriters have tended to keep their careers separate. Until recently, that is. Last month, the pair joined forces to release Jen & John. An intimate collection of originals and covers, the duo’s first true collaboration shows off their easy rapport, rich vocal harmonies, and strong songwriting.
Compared to their solo releases, which have become increasingly ambitious, Jen & John is simple, almost sparse. Constructed from little more than two voices and a pair of entwined acoustic guitars, it consists of five original songs and covers of J.J. Cale’s “Crazy Mama” and Ryan Adams’s “Oh My Sweet Carolina.” (According to a press release, “Oh My Sweet Carolina” was the first song the two singer-songwriters played together.) Antoniuk’s songs, like the ghostly “End of the World,” are heavily influenced by folk. Lane’s contributions, exemplified by the majestic “Lost,” are more reminiscent of early country music. Despite competing influences, the songs are linked by the ease with which the two musicians work together.
Jen & John is a simple album, full of simple songs played with passion and a light touch. It leaves the impression that Lane and Antoniuk have written some of the best songs of their careers, and are having a lot of fun playing them. - Verb News
Discography
2016 "This Life Of Mine", Jen Lane
2014 "Jen & John", Jen Lane and John Antoniuk
2010 "For The Night", Jen Lane (2011 WCMA Nominee, Roots Solo Recording of the Year)
2006 "Jen Lane", Jen Lane (2007 WCMA Nominee, Outstanding Independent Album)
2005 "Jen Lane Live", Jen Lane (4 song EP)
2004 "Jen Lane Demos" (5 song EP)
2002 "Injection", Jen Lane
1999 "Sleepless", Jen Lane, (2000 PMA Nominee, Outstanding Independent Album)
Photos
Bio
Bio and Achievements:
Bio:
Sometimes fate or destiny lets you know when you’re in the right place at the right time, doing what you’re supposed to be doing.Over the past eight years, Saskatoon-based recording artist Jen Lane has shown that the trials and tribulations she endured during that time have led to the creation of what is thus far her most personal, compelling and powerfully evocative album.
This Life of Mine, her 5th studio album, is the culmination of a time in Lane’s personal and creative life that can truly be described as a roller coaster ride that began after she was sidelined with a foot and ankle injury that took several years and multiple surgeries to repair.
With her first two releases, Sleepless (1999) and Injection (2002) Lane garnered a lot of attention within the Western Canadian music scene. Sleepless was nominated for a Prairie Music Award when Lane was just 16. Her self-titled 2006 album and the 2010 follow-up, For the Night, were both nominated for Western Canadian Music Awards and Jen received many notable showcases across the country and into the US including 3 trips to SXSW.
Lane and her partner in life and music, John Antoniuk, found a stroke of good fortune while playing a show in Kelowna. They were offered a ‘band house’ to stay in which ended up being on a beautiful 13-acre property and featured not only the acclaimed Bottega Studio, but a quaint and entertaining alpaca farm. Jen was in love. They returned promptly, and recorded the up and coming “This Life of Mine”.
The environment within Bottega inspired amazing performances from all the musicians. The trees, meadows and wildlife that dotted the landscape of the idyllic acreage brought forth music that helped Lane process all that had happened in the recent years.
“This place was like a dream; everything about it just spoke to me”, Lane said. “Not only was it out in the beautiful wilderness, my dream studio was smack dab in the middle of it. There was a grand piano, a Hammond organ, and guitars that Eric Clapton had played.”
Having previously worked with Vancouver multi- instrumentalist and producer, John MacArthur Ellis, Jen made the last minute call to see if he’d be available to produce the new album. Luck, or fate intervened and Ellis cleared his schedule to be a part of the project. The next call was to Nick Stecz, who has played drums with Leeroy Stagger for years and was also available. The sessions came together serendipitously and proved to be one of the smoothest, most enjoyable recording experiences Jen has ever had.
The title track encapsulates Lane’s philosophy in the wake of all life’s challenges. “My Grandpa passed away the day we arrived at the studio. My first thought was that I needed to get back home but then I realized that my grandfather would kick my ass if I did that. He was an artist and a huge supporter of my music. It ended up being a blessing to be dealing with his loss, reflecting on his life and his inspiration in these amazing surroundings. He was a lover of nature, a sculptor, painter and poet and he would have really appreciated this place and the artistic process. I think his spirit was certainly there with us.”
Lane wrote every song on This Life of Mine except for “Thirteen” by Big Star (inspired by a record player that her husband and band mate bought for her for Christmas). Her songs paint a picture of an artist who is not only a master melodic craftsperson but also able to provoke listeners to think, reflect and feel deeply
through her compositions.
Movin’ On, the second single, fits the theme of the album in that its overarching message to the listener is about perseverance. “It’s about going through all the highs and lows in life and understanding that the most important thing you can do is to let go and move on. Holding onto things that are painful doesn’t get you anywhere. I know that first hand,” adding that she would rather find inspiration through her tears than just wallow in them. “When people tell me that one of my songs made them feel better, I feel like I did something positive with my sadness.”
Lane has found a harmonious place in the world of country, roots, folk and Americana music. “This Life of Mine” is a strong statement by an artist who is now comfortable in her own creative skin and able to honestly, and with great passion and depth, sing about the ups and downs of life – and in the process attract music lovers who appreciate heartfelt emotion, beautiful songs and words that inspire and affirm.
Band Members
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