Genna & Jesse – Two Dimes
ARTIST NAME: Genna & Jesse
SONG TITLE: Two Dimes
ALBUM TITLE: Say Ok
RELEASE DATE: November 2018
GENRE: Retro Soul Pop
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Genna & Jesse – Two Dimes
Genna & Jesse are defined by a unique alchemy born of the quirky chemistry, intricate vocal harmonies and ardent storytelling which infuse their songwriting and vibrant performances. With whispers (and sometimes roars) of folk, blue-eyed soul, jazz, blues, torch song, and popular music from the ‘60s and ‘70s, their self-chosen genre “Retro Soul Pop” doesn’t quite encompass what they conjure up in their joyful live shows and sensual, deliberate albums. These two shrug off music industry conventions in favor of doing what feels good and this genre-defying dedication to being current and free has an exciting and irresistible effect. Drawing inspiration from their romantic nomadic lifestyle, Genna & Jesse might best be described as modern troubadours, generously offering listeners glimpses of their always-moving world with something fresh, true and genuinely independent.
They are not content to perform only their own songs, however. With so much talent flying under the commercial radar, Genna and Jesse actively seek out and perform songs by lesser-known artists whom they meet in their travels and collaborations. Their evocative performances of these tunes provide a springboard for connecting community – artists and audiences. Every show is different because they are not content to sit in their comfort zone. They stretch their creative boundaries, finding (and constantly creating) new music and playing with it.
Genna and Jesse began performing together in 2009 when Genna hired Jesse to play piano in her San Francisco soul-punk band “Fiction Like Candy”. While working together, a romantic union blossomed and the two decided to write and perform as a duo.
Genna Giacobassi is originally from Lansing, MI. Her parents are both musicians and she grew up surrounded by, and immersed in, music. Inspired by her love of musical theater, jazz, and Motown, she attended Interlochen Arts Academy High School, where she studied voice. A rebellious spirit, she put aside a future in performing the works of others in order to obey her internal muse. In 1995, still a teenager, she dropped out of school and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to hone her performance and songwriting skills. Her soulful voice is at once easygoing and acrobatic, with hints of Billie Holiday, Rickie Lee Jones, Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell.
Jesse Dyen has a colorful musical history — he has drawn praise for his anti-war anthem “Sons and Daughters,” from Willie Nelson, bought beer for Joe Strummer, broken Joan Baez’s guitar string, and been to jail with Daniel Ellsberg. Jesse has self-produced hundreds of tracks and has appeared in projects in the U.S., Europe and Africa. His album “Contents Under Pressure,” recorded in his hometown Philadelphia and featuring some of Philly’s finest musicians, has received radio airplay both domestically and internationally, and was recorded by producer/drummer Andy Kravitz, who also engineered and produced a number of tracks on the duo’s 2016 release, “Asphalt Rhapsody.”
Genna & Jesse have been living the gypsy lifestyle for over six years, and are currently on an international perma-tour, promoting the “Asphalt Rhapsody” album. In November of 2018, they will be celebrating the release of their long-awaited studio album, “Say OK.” Their tour, which includes club venues, house concerts, restaurants, cafes, and festivals, is being done with as small a carbon footprint as possible.
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State your reason for choosing music as a career.
Music is what we’re best at. It’s what we’re passionate about. We’ve both had day jobs in the past, and although there was more stability, it didn’t make us happy. As touring musicians and recording artists, we’ve finally committed to doing what makes us tick, and we put a high value on that.
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Tell us how you write the lyrics to your song.
“Two Dimes” was written during … in residence stint in South Bend, Indiana. During residencies, we like to write music that is inspired by the community we’re in; by its history or by experiences we have while visiting. In this case, we wanted to write a song that was inspired by the history of this town as seen through the eyes of some downs and outs. This song is unique in that it was written in collaboration with some South Bend songwriters (Abby and Kevin Joiner) and the process was totally collaborative. We just threw ideas out and pieced it all together like a puzzle. If you’re asking about how we write lyrics in general, that’s a bit more complicated. We both write lyrics and music, and often one of us takes the lead on a given song. Then, the other comes in and offers edits, new ideas, or just cleans it up. It’s really satisfying to collaborate in this way.
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Share your press release and reviews with us.
PRESS RELEASE
“Literate, grownup, soulful pop… [Genna & Jesse] combine folk and jazz with a classic pop bent, and the results are…incredibly catchy, with melodies and hooks that’ll make pop cynics smile, and have fans of grown up radio reaching for the volume dial.”
– Leicester Bangs, UK
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Rave reviews for Genna & Jesse
“With an old soul steeped in jazz and folk, Giacobassi’s velvety vocals coast across piano keys on ballads like ‘Don’t Be Surprised.’ Dyen boasts a storyteller’s intonation; when the two join in harmony, it’s like earth meeting fire.”
– Savannah Connect
“[Genna & Jesse’s] performances are tailored towards an intimate audience, demanding attention through intrigue rather than volume. Routine and monotony are challenges not faced by this pair, or by their music…Each song comes from a different place, both musically and lyrically.”
– Carousel Magazine
“Simply impressive…They offered us one wonderful, very emotional show.”
– Tried & True Magazine, Germany
“…incredibly catchy, with melodies and hooks that’ll make pop cynics smile, and have fans of grown-up radio reaching for the volume dial.”
– Leicester Bangs Music Magazine
“You will laugh, you will cry, you will connect, you will involuntarily dance in your chair… Genna and Jesse are mind-blowing, warm, passionate, energetic, engaging and uber talented craftsmen of songs…”
– Brian McCloskey, Folk at Foul Rift
“It’s a rare thing to see this kind of band, this kind of singer, before they’re famous. If you get a chance to see Genna & Jesse, do so. They are remarkable.”
– Christopher Garlington, Chicago Editorial Columnist, Author, Humorist
★★★★★ Genna & Jesse’s “Give and Take,”
NBT Music Radio’s best album of 2013!
“[Give and Take] is a very diverse record that offers something for everyone.”
– Strutter Magazine
“…The 9 self-penned songs on this sweet and soft record can certainly be regarded as beautiful results of [Genna & Jesse’s] creative and spiritual collaboration.”
– Rootstime Magazine
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In 2016, Retro Soul Pop duo Genna & Jesse released their third album, “Asphalt Rhapsody.” An international tour to promote the album kicked off shortly after the release. With richer production and strong pop elements, this work is a surprising departure from their folkier debut album “Give and Take,” and their live sophomore release “Wild Enough to Try”. Genna & Jesse, who live nomadically, recorded this album over the span of several years. The duo cut tracks in over a dozen locations, with guest musicians including Klaus Fluoride (Dead Kennedys), Roger Rocha (4 Non Blondes), David Hood (Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Gregg Allman), Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt, Etta James) and Andy Kravitz (Taj Mahal, Joan Osborne).
“Asphalt Rhapsody” embodies the duo’s love for experimenting in the studio, and is touched with whispers (and sometimes roars) of folk, blue-eyed soul, jazz, blues, country, and popular music from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Although the music is more produced than previous works, it still captures the unique alchemy and quirky chemistry that define the duo. Fans of their intricate vocal harmonies and ardent storytelling will find plenty to be excited about. With this new album, the modern troubadours offer listeners glimpses of their always-moving world with something fresh, true and genuinely independent. The “Asphalt Rhapsody” Tour features intimate performances at clubs, small theaters, cafes, house concerts and festivals, and is done with as small a carbon footprint as possible. Many of the tracks on “Asphalt Rhapsody,” including the desert-inspired love song “Tumbleweed and Tonic,” have already received extensive radio play in the U.S. and Europe.
“Pop/folk duo Genna & Jesse come out with joy, soul, and a little bit of edge in their new track ‘Tumbleweed and Tonic.’ It’s a fun, light, friendly song that showcases Genna’s beautiful, haunting, crystal-clear vocals, and great production coming from Jesse.”
(Music Worth Reviewing)
“For those who like their pop with a little more depth and sincerity, delivered with charm and just the right amount of sassy attitude…Genna & Jesse are definitely a duo to look out for.”
(Ross Barber, ReviewYou/Electric Kiwi)