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Everything you need to know about Jenny Lewis
The singer-songwriter is much more than just Harry Styles' newest opening act.
Harry Styles‘ opening act is a coveted spot—and for many up-and-coming musicians, it’s a dream come true. Artists like MUNA and The Preatures have reaped the benefits of accompanying the pop star on tour. While he’s given these rising stars a platform, there’s still room for well-established acts to gain a broader audience.
Kacey Musgraves was already a GRAMMY award-winning artist before her run on Harry’s US tour in 2018, though she still obtained a plethora of new adoring fans despite her difference in genre. Now it’s Jenny Lewis’ turn. The 43-year-old has been prominent in the music industry since her rise in the early 2000s. There’s no doubt that the throng of dedicated Harry fans who aren’t already familiar with her work will gravitate towards her revealing and honest songwriting.
Don’t know Jenny? You need to. Here are five facts about the indie rocker for any soon-to-be fan.
1. She used to be the lead singer of indie-rock band Rilo Kiley.
In 1998, Jenny co-founded the band that helped shape her highly successful career. Alongside her friends and fellow members, Pierre De Reeder, Dave Rock (who was then replaced by Jason Boesel), and Blake Sennett, Rilo Kiley came to fruition.
The group became known for their country-laced indie-rock sound. During their time together, they released five studio albums with Jenny at the forefront leading the band with her wistful vocals. Tracks like “Silver Lining,” “Portions for Foxes,” and “Breakin’ Up” became their signature sound—dreamy rock with an edge of folk. The quartet eventually announced their breakup in 2014.
2. Danielle Haim was part of her touring band.
During her time with Rilo Kiley, the artist would often hold jam sessions while living in LA. Well-known musicians like Haim, Conor Oberst, and Dawes have all taken solace in Jenny’s home. But before sister trio Haim began, Jenny discovered Danielle during one of her coveted sessions, eventually offering her a spot in her touring band. This led to Danielle’s rise among other musicians until she ultimately decided to create music with her sisters. Jenny has remained supportive of the sibling group, even performing alongside them at Coachella in 2015.
3. She has four solo albums under her belt.
Since her departure from Rilo Kiley, the singer has released four albums of her own including her most recent titled On The Line. Her solo work has come with many accolades, mainly praise for her emotionally raw lyrics about realistic issues among fellow women. With her highly-acclaimed LPs came many impressive hits like “Just One of the Guys,” “She’s Not Me,” and “Red Bull & Hennessy.”
4. She began her professional career as a child actress.
Before she became a highly-influential musician, Jenny acted in a variety of television shows and movies as a child. Most notably she appeared in shows and films like Life With Lucy, The Golden Girls, The Twilight Zone, Murder She Wrote, Baywatch, Troop Beverly Hills, andThe Wizard. Eventually, she retired from acting and pursued a career in music in the late 90s.
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5. She moved in with her friend and fellow musician St. Vincent after a harsh breakup.
After the end of her 12-year relationship with musician Johnathan Rice ended, Jenny swiftly left LA and moved to New York, taking comfort in her friend Annie Clark, mostly known by her stage name St. Vincent. The breakup helped create her recent LP On The Line, a deeply detailed 11-track story. She lives like a true artist, feeling everything to the extreme, writing it all down, and exposing the most harrowing details with a realistic vision.
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Stream Jenny Lewis’ latest album On The Line here.