Published: November 5, 2009

Jennifer Logue graduated from Fordham only two years ago, yet she’s already on her way to a successful career as a singer/songwriter.  After releasing “The Pretty EP” earlier this year, Logue spent much of this summer and fall touring Europe to promote the album. She’s also doing it without a record label. Logue exemplifies a potential future of musicians: a do-it-yourself strategy that doesn’t rely on satisfying the desires of a record label. While her DIY method is worth noting, Logue focuses mainly on her music. From the country-ish “Pretty” to the Spanish guitar of “Incognito,” every song discusses personal issues to which her audience can relate.

Observer: How did “The Pretty EP” develop?

JL: I graduated from Fordham in 2007. I knew I wanted to do an album as soon as I graduated.  The problem was that I didn’t have funding. [You] have to be a do-it-yourself artist if you really want to make it work.

I felt like we were in a negative period, and we’re still going through a pretty difficult time with the economy.  I wanted these songs to have a pop blare to them. The idea was to paint the world pretty. I worked for a year, got the album done and it was released on June 30. The tracks got some attention on MySpace and Reverb Nation. I got asked to do shows in Europe based on the Internet buzz.

Observer: What were your inspirations musically and lyrically for “The Pretty EP?”

JL: I was listening to a lot of Spanish pop rock.  I was an English and Spanish [literature] major at Fordham.  Amaral and Juanes were two big inspirations.  As far as U.S. influences, Elvis Costello and Sheryl Crow were a couple of artists I loved.  I love classic rock, like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. They’re the meat and potatoes of songwriting for me.

I’m on the lookout for inspirations everywhere. Your job as an artist is to be aware and take note of things that people in their everyday lives don’t notice because they’re running from here to there.

Observer: What have been the highlights for you on the Paint The World Pretty tour?

JL: My favorite experience was in San Sebastian, Spain.  I had a second show there for the San Sebastian Film Festival. So after I played my show, there was a group of about 10 people who came out with me to the beach at night.  I had my guitar with me still and we all just had this impromptu party on the beach.  I did another concert on the beach and we all just chilled out.  That was really moving for me.  That will never happen again.  We’re all on different paths but we all happened to be on this particular beach that night.

Observer: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an independent artist for you?

JL: Being independent is awesome because I don’t have to answer to anyone. It’s like I have my own business. I’m not censored. I can put out a song tomorrow about how I think we should have universal healthcare, and no one can tell me that I can’t. I’m in charge of touring where I want to go.

If you’re signed to a big label, they spend so much money promoting you and getting your music out there. You can focus on just being an artist. Being independent, you have to work a little bit harder to get your music out there. But at the same time, working harder makes your music more interesting. You’re more grounded.  You’re not making millions of dollars that send you catapulting into the stratosphere, where you lose the connection with real people.

Observer: What are your plans after your tour ends?

JL: I’ll be back in New York working on my new album. I’m actually working on it already because I write all the time. [The next album’s] a bit darker actually. It’s what happens as you get older and you become increasingly disillusioned with the world. It’ll be a bluesy album, a little more soulful.

Observer: For people who haven’t heard of you, why should they buy “The Pretty EP?”

JL: Let me try to think of an interesting answer here. Hmm, buy “The Pretty EP” so I can hopefully pay off my student debt. Help a fellow alum!