Jennifer Trynin

at Local 186
by Ammo

Before I had ever written a published word, I’d read hundreds on Jennifer Trynin. Being perceived as a “press darling” can be a double-edged sword, and I approached the artist with some trepidation.

Then I met Jen. With her warm laugh, sharp thoughts and gentle demeanor, she knocked me over with a feather. Like the most refined professionals, she is humble about her talent, and grateful about her success.

Trynin has just released her quintessential volume, Cockamamie (Squint Records), and with the help of producer Mike Deneen (Letters to Cleo), and a few other friends, shattered every “girl-rocker” slanderous myth to date. Right from the first track, “Happier,” she kicks out the lyrical jams: “Aren’t you the guy who robbed the store 24/Maybe the fuck who tried to jimmy my door.” The smirkingly snide contrast of a perfect pop melody armed with a loaded lyric is what makes her music so irresistible and infectious. In fact, the songs are so cleverly and intelligently crafted, you may find it hard to believe that it’s the work of a single artist.

“Right now, I have the first real band I’ve ever had in my life, which is making me happier than I’ve ever been,” she confides, “I can spend a lot of time with them, and not want to kill myself.” The band consists of drummer Chris Foley (formerly of SSD and Bulkhead) and bassist Mike County (of the Outlets), of both, Jen says, “I wanted to play with them as much for the fact that they’re great guys as for their musical abilities.” When asked about the differences in their rock influences, Trynin replied, “They are much harder players than I recorded with, but that’s what I love about it; my songs rock a lot harder live now.” This fact I witnessed at Local 186 recently, where the engaging songwriter had the audience hanging on her every word, and the kicking rhythm section allowed the songs’ barbed jabs to be delivered with a passionate intensity.

Jennifer Trynin has already achieved a pinnacle of success due to her rare combination of talents and personal qualities. In an era when stereotypes are still being propagated throughout the American public, Jen is, by her nature, the real thing. Liz Phair, kiss my ears; here comes Jennifer