Strong Songs

Singing and Songwriting, with The Wailin' Jennys

18 snips
Sep 5, 2025
Guest
Ruth Moody
Guest
Nicky Mehta
Guest
Heather Masse
Join The Wailin' Jennys—Heather Masse, Nicky Mehta, and Ruth Moody—as they discuss their two-decade musical journey. They share insights on the evolution of songwriting, embracing imperfections in their creative process, and the emotional connections music fosters. The trio also reflects on the powerful influence of the Indigo Girls, explores the artistry behind their own songs like 'Love's Recovery,' and delves into the dynamics of live performances, revealing what keeps their harmony strong and their passion alive.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Pre-Show Routine And Setlist Habits

  • The Wailin' Jennys described pre-show routine and setlist decisions on tour.
  • Heather says their tour manager organizes setlists early and they often reuse recent sets with small changes.
INSIGHT

Setlists Reflect Audience Needs

  • The Jennys choose setlist mood based on audience and world events.
  • Nicky notes they avoid piling on songs that might bring people down during fraught times.
ANECDOTE

Joining The Group: Learning Existing Parts

  • Heather explained she generally sings the lowest harmony part and learned the parts from the previous member.
  • She notes occasionally her ideas were tried or shot down while joining the group.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app