Cannonball Jane
First, the name Cannonball Jane. How did you come up with it?
It’s one of those things that arose from when I was a teenager and I would imagine different monikers for myself or my imaginary future band. Cannonball Jane just instantly clicked for me! It’s strong, classic and feminine.
I’m sure you get this a lot but how were you able to balance being a teacher and recording your music in your free time?
Well, I was definitely heading into the “crazy cat lady” territory in terms of isolating myself at home with just my cat to get everything done for school and to record. My co-workers were very puzzled as to why I was so tired all of the time. I have a strong tendency to stay up very, very, very late and to procrastinate badly.
Have you played your students any of your work?
No, I’ve kept Cannonball Jane and school completely separate. I would only consider playing my songs for my kindergartners during our “Freeze Game” because it’s such fun music. I think they’d really enjoy it!
What equipment do you use to create your music?
I recorded everything onto a digital workstation. I use cheap samplers, a synthesizer, guitars, old vinyl, beatboxes, drums, effects…I really enjoy having something physically in my hands when I create music and I like mixing electronic sounds with organic sounds.
You were able get Adrock from the Beastie Boys to remix a song on your upcoming EP. How did that end up happening?
He’s a friend of mine. He was letting me listen to a remix he did for the band Measles, Mumps, Rubella and I asked him if he’d do a remix for me. He said he liked my song, Take it to Fantastic, so he remixed that one.
How do you perform live shows? Do you utilize pre-recorded tapes or do you recruit a friend to help out? Have you ever toured before?
Ugh….figuring out live shows can be so puzzling. I use pre-recorded music with certain elements taken out of it. I have a person who plays the guitar for shows and I sing, play the synth, work the samplers and operate any other audio/visual device needed for the show.
As far as touring goes, it’s been all over the place! My very first show was at a coffee shop and the next one was opening for Le Tigre in front of a couple thousand people….I felt like a deer in headlights! We’ve played out about 30 times, sharing the stage with Le Tigre, The Go! Team, ESG and we had a small tour in the UK when my debut album was released there. I’m looking forward to doing more shows in the future!
You teach and create but do you have time for anything else?
Barely, but I do squeeze in showers, grocery store runs, lots of coffee consumption, computer time, tennis and talking on the phone with my sisters! Oh yeah, and I also do all the accounting for my school! (I love crunching numbers!)
So what can we expect next for you?
Definitely more music as well as advocating for the arts in schools.
By John Siwicki
