Vains of Jenna are a so-called sleaze rock band originally formed in Falkenberg, Sweden, who since relocated to Los Angeles. They played their first gig at the famous ‘Whiskey A Go Go’ club in Hollywood and their first demos were produced by former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke. It’s been a steady rise for the band ever since. Earlier this year, frontman Lizzy DeVine decided to part and was replaced with Jesse Forte – an excellent choice if the band’s success at their recent London gig is anything to go by.
Music-News pixie Claudia A. felt some questions are in order and pinned down Jesse and lead guitarist Nicki Kin for an interview.

Music-News:
Jesse, you're the new frontman for Vains Of Jenna - did the band seek you out or did you approach the band after Lizzy DeVine's departure?

Jesse Forte:
I think it was like two days after when I got the call. By this time I had already known the guys for a while. I went to their shows whenever nearby and my band and I had actually opened for them.

MN:
The fans will make comparisons - at least in the beginning. Do you feel under any pressure to fill Lizzy's shoes, or is it more a case of “Lizzy is Lizzy and he did it his way, and I'm Jesse and I do it my way - take it or leave it?”

JF:
We all knew people would make comparisons. I would expect them to though. They care as much about the music as we do and they are just as much a part of it, so whether their comparisons are positive or negative, I can respect that. But I will always do what I do. I’m a singer and I’ve been given the opportunity to share the stage with some really cool musicians and sing some awesome tunes. That’s how I see it. Of course I gonna try to stay true to the music in its original form, as a fan myself that’s how I would want to hear it.

MN:
When I saw you perform at the Barfly, Camden, you guys did an amazing cover of Jimi Hendrix' 'Red House' - there was even a bit of a John Lee Hooker twang to it. You pulled it off effortlessly with your voice - do you exercise your voice regularly?

JF:
I do the same stuff other singers do. I warm up, I warm down, I do scales when I can. All the do-re-mis and the one two threes are a part of tuning that instrument. It’s the same as a guitar player, bass player, or a drummer. It can be a lot of work but the pay-off is during that half hour to an hour of pure, 100% playtime on stage.

MN:
Your stage show is pretty raunchy and gets raunchier as the show goes on. Is it always like that, or do you move with the vibe that the audience gives out?

JF:
There is nothing like that moment when you realize the audience gets it. Not just when everyone knows the words to the songs, its more than that; it’s like everyone in the room is connected. The vibe of the audience is so important and it’s definitely something that fuels us. They’re just as much a part of the music and the show as the guys on stage. We have a blast during rehearsals and it’s like a non-stop party playing music with these guys, but when band and fans come together its like perfect rapture.

MN:
Who are your musical influences and heroes/heroines?

JF:
Steven Tyler, Elvis, Glenn Hughes, Chris Cornell, Jeff Buckley... to name but a few.

Now on to Nicki

Music-News:
The audience at Barfly was rather wild and there were a few moments when things spun out of control (I'm referring to the incident when a male fan was almost 'invading' Nicki's stage space and knocking over the mic). How do you guys deal with situations like that?

Nicki Kin:
The London show was great, it was crazy! This guy that you're talking about didn't seem to have fun though, I thought he wanted to punch me. He knocked the mic in my teeth, so I pushed him off the stage and told him to fuck off. I just had a bad day too…

MN:
On the night, you played two cover versions both by Jimi Hendrix. Is Hendrix a particular hero of the band? Also, which cover versions by which other artists would you like to play live that you haven't played before?

NK:
Oh yeah, Hendrix is a huge influence on me particularly as a guitarist. His songs are just great, so we don't mind covering two of them. I wanna do ‘Fat Old Sun’ by Pink Floyd. You just gotta make it your own and not try to sound like Pink Floyd, cause it will never be as good as that, but yeah, that's a song I'd really like to do.

MN:
Do you feel there is a difference between the classic rock / sleaze rock scene in the US and in Europe? Also, do audiences react different in different countries?

NK:
Not really, they're all there to listen to good music and have a good time! We love our fans! As far as the scene goes, I think it's quite different, but there are good bands in both places.

MN:
Your touring schedule is quite demanding and your stage shows are very physical - how do you make sure you don't exhaust yourself?

NK:
We try to get some sleep every now and then.

MN:
Your best experience so far?

NK:
Our best experience has been the last few months with Jesse and Anton in the band.
We've been all over Europe and rocked it all.

MN:
What can fans expect from the 'new' Vains Of Jenna - will the musical direction stay the same?

NK:
I don't know, I never think of which direction I wanna go. It just happens, and the songs we write now sound pretty cool so far! Can't wait for people to hear it!

MN:
Thanks for the interview despite your busy touring schedule. I look forward to see you rock London again soon.

Jesse/Nicki:
Thanks for doin’ it!