Jenna Poling – Thanks for Asking!
By Staff on January 15, 2026
Interview with Jenna Poling – 1.12.26 – by Liam Sweeny.
RRX: Every artist’s first song is a milestone. But so is the latest song/album you recorded;what are the differences?
JP: The first song I ever wrote was in college. It was a three chord country song with an analogy involving Southern comfort! I never recorded it and I can’t even really remember how it goes. It took me almost 20 years to write another and that was this past July. My third and most recent is a rock song which I’ll be releasing next month. It’s much more complex and meaningful.
RRX: Sex drugs and rock and roll. Or so they say. Whether you’re off the wagon, on it, or never been, there’s something you got a thirst for. What are some of your basically harmless vices?
JP: You might see me at a gig with a coffee, bourbon or ice cream. Sometimes all three if I’m not singing !
RRX: In the musical world, there are many supporting players. Recording engineers, sound techs, cover art designers. Who are three people that support the craft that you would like to shine a spotlight on?
JP: I’ve met so many great people that have encouraged me in the last few years. Stephanie Bartik is an incredibly talented photographer that was at one of my very first gigs. Her pictures are amazing, but she also has a genuine care and investment in our local music community.
Ryan Nilsen is an excellent sound engineer that also jumps on stage and can hit the high notes. He was also at one of my first shows and since then, the mix has been magically accurate every time.
The third person is someone I don’t know really well at all, but he seems to be everywhere at once. John Griffith is a local music supporter that goes to shows, records videos and promotes performers. He keeps up with everyone’s schedule and posts it on the Facebook group Bar people. I always know who is playing and when!
RRX: “The best laid plans of mice and men..” I don’t really know the quote, but I know this one; sh**t happens. When we least expect it, calamity befalls us. Sometimes just comic inconvenience. Please tell us a story about a comic inconvenience that happened to you whilst performing?
JP: Well, it happened after. I played up at Stratton Mountain last year and when I was finished I couldn’t find my car. I looked for 15 minutes, and even with band member assistance we couldn’t find it anywhere. I finally asked a security guard to help, and he must have driven me around the property for 20 minutes while I clicked my key fob. Nothing. He was on his break but he was this nice older Vermont gentleman and very patient while I was getting frantic. I finally realized that maybe I had to be closer to my car for the key to work, and got out in the vicinity where I thought I parked. Beep beep. So embarrassing!
RRX: What do you think the most poorly understood thing about music, or the music you play?
JP: I think the average listener or fan understands and respects that music is an art. However, they don’t always realize that it is a true labor of love and it is a “real” job. Hours are spent writing, rehearsing, practicing the same 8 measures over and over, loading heavy gear, driving and staying up late. We like it but it’s work.
RRX: We all get a little support from those around us. And we also can be impressed by our fellow performers. Who do you admire in your community and why?
I really respect the songwriters. Everyone does covers. It’s more profitable and it can be really fun when you make it your own. I’ve always thought of myself as a good song interpreter but I aspire to writing more. Our local artists that perform their own songs are amazing. I want to be like them when I grow up!
Photo by Bill Trojann.
Jenna’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/newgolddustwoman?igsh=MXRqODRxbHVxcGFrYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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