Jenn Friedman - Musician, Recovery Advocate
Hi! My name is Jenn, and I am a musician, recovery advocate and Reiki practicioner.
I promote eating disorder awareness, encourage conversation, and talk about the things I continue to learn throughout my recovery.
I make videos every Saturday for this powerhouse of a channel: www.youtube.com/werfreedomfighters
as well as on my own channel: www.youtube.com/jennfriedman.
Much of my music is about recovery so perhaps I can inspire someone with my songs. The songs are where much of the truth, the hope and the journey comes through. They are stories. They are characters. They are different stages of struggle personified, each with their own quirks and defiances and loves.
I am also a speaker. I have spoken and performed on college campuses about my recovery journey. I am so grateful to have taken part in the 2011 NEDAW (National Eating Disorders Awareness Week) Panel discussion at Marymount College, alongside Rachael Lauren Stern and Stephanie Schweitzer, as well as "Take Back the Night" and "Women Out Loud" at SUNY Purchase (both as a student and alumnus).
ABOUT MY MUSIC:
I am a folk / rock / pop singer songwriter on piano. I've played around a whole lot, and I've found that the love exchanged between musician and listener is probably one of the most raw and treasured available. It is equal to the love (and stimulation) of having a conversation with a group of people about recovery and advocacy. It is equal to disempowering shame.
My songs have been described as "driving," "angelic," and "fierce." My lyrics (which you can find at http://www.jennfriedman.com/lyrics.html) are an integral part of my rhythms, and I use the piano as a solid, percussive force which gives way to limitless, yet structured, ivory travels.
In Summer 2011, I began working as a musician with Mixtape Dance Company: http://www.mixtapedancecompany.com/ - this has been one of the greatest gifts of both my musical career and recovery journey!!!!! Thank you dearly, MT. ;)
EATING DISORDER and RELATED ADVOCACY MUSIC BACKGROUND:
I have contributed a song and personal story to the book / CD compilation, "You Are Not Alone Volume 2," http://www.youarenotalonebook.com/youarenotalonevol2.php) of which all proceeds go to eating disorder awareness organizations. I organized a Release Party at Bluestockings Bookstore that featured performances by such acclaimed advocates as Comedian Stacey Prussman, author of "Loud in the House of Myself" Stacy Pershall, and Acting Troupe “36-24-36.” And it was a hit, but of course!! I co-organized and performed in, "Journey to Hope," a family / friend conference created by Rochester Adolescent Mentoring Services (RAMS) and Reaching Out Against Eating Disorders (ROAED). I played at a benefit for the Caron Foundation, a substance-abuse-recovery organization. I was a featured performer at Feminist Organization “Paradigm Shift NYC” Website Launch Party (http://www.paradigmshiftnyc.com/). MUSIC AND DANCE: I am very proud to be a contributing musician to "Mix Tape Dance Company" led by Anneliese Kappey. (http://www.mixtapedancecompany.com/) Next up, they will performing a piece to "Carrie," a recovery song whose lyrics I've posted in the lyric section of this site.
I am excitedly anticipating a Rochester NEDAW performance in March 2012!
GENERAL MUSIC BACKGROUND:
I have played at NYC venues including: Pianos, Caffe Vivaldi, UnWined at Symphony Space, and Gavin Degraw’s National Underground. I was chosen to be a featured performer at Barnes and Noble Lincoln Center for a performance / signing of my album, “Open Book,” and was selected to participate in NY Songwriter’s Showcase at Public Assembly and The Bitter End. I also played at the "Artist Loft Showcase" at Tainted Blue Studios which was filmed for prime time. and have toured the Tristate area and Upstate New York, playing at the Utica Music and Arts Festival and at venues including The Buttonwood Tree and Tramontane Café. I was chosen to participate in the Reverbnation’s “Sponsored Song Program,” courtesy of Microsoft. I have received radio play on Connecticut-based NPR station "The Upper Room" with Joe Kelley and GI Dissault; Radio Crystal Blue Live 365 hosted by Dan Herman; “Next Show Radio” on New York’s “107.1 The Peak;” and “Rewbee’s World Radio Show.” I have also achieved musical recognition in the U.K., ranking No. 1 on the U.K. Overplay Overall charts as well as receiving a Featured Artist Spotlight Review. Currently, I am with working on several projects with the aforementioned MixTape Dance Company.
OTHER IMPORTANT SNIPPITS OF MYSELF:
I was born in Brooklyn, New York. I am a Capricorn. I love crystals, dreams, and giving / receiving Reiki. I am a vegetarian and an animal-rights advocate. I am a dog care-taker, a student of Creative Arts Therapy at the New School, and a graduate of SUNY Purchase.
STAY TUNED FOR ANIMAL REIKI SERVICE UPDATES!!!
DISCOGRAPHY:
"You Are Not Alone Volume 2" - 2009
“Open Book” - 2008
“Wake Up Summer” - 2004
Thanks so much for being here! <3 Jenn.