If you listen to Active Rock radio, you are undoubtedly familiar with Nothing More’s “This Is The Time (Ballast),” and most likely “Mr. MTV” and “Christ Copyright” as well. All of these songs off of the band’s debut eponymous album are powerful in their own right, but their latest single, “Jenny” takes the intensity to an entirely different level.
On a debut album filled with incredible songs, “Jenny” was the track that left the most lasting impression (both musically and lyrically) when the album review was featured on Hard Rock Daddy. Because of the personal story behind the lyrics, it should come as no surprise that frontman, Jonny Hawkins, brilliantly delivers the song with unbridled, heartfelt passion. The only real surprise for those unfamiliar with Nothing More’s history is that Hawkins was originally the drummer.
“Jenny” seamlessly vacillates between sullen verses and impassioned choruses. Hawkins makes you feel – in a visceral way – the desperate frustration of unsuccessfully trying to get through to someone to help them. Although “Jenny” is an amazing song, Hawkins’ reasoning for exposing such painful, raw emotions to the world goes well beyond the music.
Even though Nothing More is relatively new on the hard rock scene, they are making their presence felt in a meaningful way, and using their status to help promote a worthy cause – taking away the stigma that often times surrounds mental illness. By teaming up with organizations such as To Write Love On Her Arms, Young Minds and The Jed Foundation (to name a few), for their #iknowJenny Charity Campaign, the band has created a safe haven for their fans to “learn more about emotional health and find help via their partners.”
The official video for “Jenny” (which was directed by Hawkins) was released this week. Hawkins calls the project “a labor of love.” He continued…“It was my first time directing and editing a music video, so I’m thankful for the faith the rest of the band put in me, letting me take this on.”
“Jenny” may very well end up being yet another radio hit for these rising stars from Texas, but the importance of the song transcends musical taste or radio success.
In today’s climate, most hard rock artists struggle to make ends meet. The challenge is even greater for newer artists, and yet, this cause is so important to Nothing More, that they are raising money to increase awareness about mental illness.
After watching the video for “Jenny,” please check out the band’s PledgeMusic campaign to see how you can help spread the word about this important initiative.
Reblogged this on Benji's Music Blog.