Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today we’re highlighting Again Again, the singer-songwriter duo formed by Jennifer Cook and Anne Montone. Known for their progressive, family-friendly music, Again Again just teamed up with kindie rocker Mista Cookie Jar to release the single “Thank You Teacher” on May 3rd. And to celebrate the launch of our July Teacher Feature tomorrow, they will be contributing an MP3 of the song as part of the “Classroom Essentials Prize Package” we’ll be giving away, so make sure to check back on July 1st for your chance to enter – and in the meantime, get to know Again Again through our exclusive interview!
I’m inspired by:
JEN: I’m inspired by my kid as she navigates through life. I realize adults have already “been there, done that” but seeing the process of growing, evolving through fresh eyes and with a new perspective has been absolutely amazing.
I realized I wanted to play music when:
JEN: I realized I wanted to play music when I was 5. My mom enrolled me in piano lessons and that year I started writing music and lyrics. My first song was an ode to Strawberry Shortcake. I wrote very primitive sheet music out with lyrics on pink paper that I then stapled into a booklet. Lastly, I added artwork to the cover.
Four songs you might find on my personal playlist:
ANNE: Apparently, I’m really into Yacht Rock! Here are some excellent tunes: “What a Fool Believes” (The Doobie Brothers), “Lowdown” (Boz Scaggs), “Call Me Al” (Paul Simon), “Do You Realize??” (The Flaming Lips). The last one isn’t Yacht Rock but it makes me feel hopeful. “Call Me Al” has THE BEST bass solo ever.
One word I would use to describe myself:
ANNE: Loving
The best part of being a musician is:
JEN: Two things are the best parts about being a musician. Personally, I love collaborating with other musicians (especially my partner Anne). There’s nothing like creating a song with a friend or colleague. The word crafting, rhythm crafting, and song crafting that goes into making everything fit just right is such a lovely undertaking to experience with another person. Multiple minds after the same goal. The other best thing about music is the joy music brings to others and in turn to the person making the music. Joy begets joy.
Right now, I’m most excited about:
JEN: Right now, I’m most excited about Again Again’s newest release due May 3rd called “Thank You Teacher,” featuring Mista Cookie Jar. The song is released ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10). I’m also excited about Again Again’s spring library tour in Los Angeles. We have about 12 live shows over the next few weeks and are so excited to continue the adventure.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
ANNE: I can do the splits! I was a competitive gymnast in elementary school and luckily, I’ve been able to keep my flexibility all the way into adulthood.
One of my happiest moments was:
ANNE: Oh, hands down, has to be the day my son was born. He was 2 weeks overdue, and I was trying everything to get him to join us! He finally made his grand entrance via C-section.
My music is:
ANNE: My music is an expression of who I am and what I care about.
In ten years, I see myself:
JEN: In ten years, I see myself doing the same thing I’m doing now. Making music and bringing joy to others through song.
“Thank You Teacher” is available on all platforms including Apple, Amazon Music, and Bandcamp. Learn more about the duo by visiting AgainAgain.net and following them @againagainmusic on Facebook and Instagram.
Sounds like a lot of fun.
Thank you for sharing
This was very cool to read! Thank you for sharing.
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