Ignescent – Ascension

By starrymag | March 2, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

Jennifer: I would describe it as modern rock/metal. Most of the newer songs have been written on an 8-string guitar. Though we do have a rock ballad coming out March 4, 2022 that is part of our EP.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

Jennifer: Some of our influences are Skillet, Flyleaf, Jinjer and Black Veil Brides

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Remnant.” What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

Jennifer: The definition of remnant is a small remaining quantity of something, especially after a tragedy. “Remnant” is about us being blessed beyond measure despite our failures and weaknesses and despite going through tragedy and hardships. It’s about perseverance and saying to the world that even when we are brokenhearted and suffering, we won’t give up and we will keep going. We will come up stronger despite adversity. It’s an encouragement to others to do the same and to not lose hope and to not give in to fear. Many bands have quit because of the pandemic, and we are here to say we will not quit. We will keep going no matter the circumstances. We have all been affected by the pandemic in different ways. It’s heartbreaking to see and we all have our stories. I think fans connect to this song because of what they have been through, and I hope it encourages them to never give up.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

Jennifer: It plays into it by showing our passion for the message behind it. On a side note, part of the music video for “Remnant” was shot on a rooftop that had a super soft floor. I had to be super careful that my heels didn’t stab a whole through the floor. That was a bit challenging.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

Jennifer: Sometimes the guitarist will send a guitar part or music and then I’ll write a melody and lyrics to it. Other times I have a melody and lyrics that pops in my head, and I’ll send it to the band to write around the melody. No, I don’t need music before creating lyrics. We have had the honor of co-writing songs with Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf, Jeremy Valentyne of New Years Day and former guitarist of Skillet, Ben Kasica.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

Jennifer: For our song “Remnant” that just came out and the new Ascension EP coming out March 4th we worked with producer Cameron Pierce Mizell who has worked with Memphis May Fire and Sleeping With Sirens. We kept the songs the way they were written and asked Cameron to put specific sounds in. For other songs though, like “Into the Night,” Cameron had a lot more say in the production so it varies.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming EP Ascension?

 

Jennifer: The themes are heartbreak, hope, being fearless, perseverance and relationships.

 

Q) What tracks challenged you the most creatively for the EP?

 

Jennifer: “Final Fight” was the most challenging for me vocally. I do more of a talk singing in the verses which I haven’t done before.

 

Q) What songs hold a special place in your heart and what makes them so significant to you?

 

Jennifer: “Remnant” definitely holds a special place in my heart.  The theme of remnant kept coming up in conversations around me. And this melody just popped in my head. The whole melody and song came to me so quickly and it was exactly what I wanted to say to the world in these times. “We will not be silent. We will not back down. We are the REMNANT.”

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes them so notable to you?

 

Jennifer: My favorite place is The Forge in Joliet, Illinois and Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin.  So many amazing bands have played at Rock Fest like Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Megadeth and Asking Alexandria that we are completely thankful and honored to have played there and headlined one of the stages. The Forge is just a beautiful venue, and the sound is so great there. We love them both!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

Jennifer: I would most like to collaborate with John Cooper of Skillet on a song.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

Jennifer: I have currently been listening to Skillet’s new album and absolutely love it! I love their sound and message in the songs!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

Jennifer: Yes. We are on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Spotify all under ignescentmusic. It’s such an amazing way to connect with fans and be able to talk and respond to them. We love our fans!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

Jennifer: We love you so much and couldn’t do this without you all! You mean everything to us!

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Lead Vocalist Jennifer Benson