Presentation - Jen Ledger

Introduction

Skillet is an American band that was formed in 1996 by John Cooper. It currently has four members, with John Cooper as the lead singer, bass guitarist, and acoustic guitarist, Korey Cooper as the Rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocals, Jen Ledger as the drummer, and backing vocals, and lastly Seth Morrison as the lead guitarist.

What styles/genres do they play?

They play a range of different styles across their songs. This is actually where they got their name, as their pastor said that their music was like throwing different ingredients into a big skillet.

The main genre they play is rock, while the main styles they play are Hard Rock and Christian Rock.

Hard rock is characterised by distorted vocals and electric guitars, in addition to fast tempos, this creates a more high energy sound.

Christian rock however, is defined by the religious themes present in the song lyrics, paired with the typical rock sound, music in this style often reflects the artists connection with Christianity, usually exploring themes such as hope and prayer.

Jen Ledger - Intro

Jen Ledger the drummer and a vocalist for Skillet, she was born in Coventry, England, in 1989, and later moved to the United States at 16 to pursue music.

What is her musical background?

Growing up, she was raised in a very musical family. Her father introduced her and her siblings to bands such as Beatles and Queen, while her two older brothers were drummers.

She also played drums in a local band in England and became a finalist in the United Kingdom Drummer of the Year Competition in 2006..

Jen Ledger 2

How did she learn to play?

She started learning through private lessons, whole also gaining group experience by playing in bands and at church.

Where did she study?

At the age of 16 she moved to Kenosha Wisconsin in the United States, where she received a scholarship to major in drums at the Living Light School of Worship.

Why was she drawn to the drums ?

Her main motivation for starting drums was her older brothers, who like I said, were drummers? They inspired her to learn the drums herself.

Who did she study with?

As I mentioned, Ledger learnt through private lessons. Her teacher was Simon Alexander.

Why do you think this group is successful?

I think skillet is successful because they’re able to seamlessly mix rock instruments with classical instruments, which gives their music a uniquely melodic voice.

Although Christianity is an important part of their songs, their music can still be listened to by people who aren’t Christian, as they explore themes of perseverance and personal struggle, which many can relate to, Christian or not. In addition to this, Skillet can appeal to fans of rock in general.

Song analysis - Awake and alive

“Awake and Alive” was released in 2009 on August the 5th and it was their first song to reach the billboard 100. The song is about choosing to hold on to faith despite facing pressure from the world. It utilises electric guitars, drums, and strings to create a dramatic sound, highlighting the themes of struggle and self empowerment.

How do the drums feature ?

Jen Ledger lets the vocals and strings shine during the verses by providing a mostly repetitive beat that mainly consists of the hi-hat, snare drum, and kick drum. However, she changes her playing during the chorus by including crash cymbals and drum fills to match the energy.

Song analysis - Comatose

“Comatose” was released in 2006 on Skillet’s album Comatose. The song is about feeling emotionally numb, and needing someone to help make you feel alive again.

The song transitions between string and explosive rock, pairing the two to capture the feeling of waking up from a numb state.

How do the drums feature?

The loud powerful playing drives the desperation within the song lyrics, by building tension towards sections and even being completely absent to create a silence that makes the chorus even more impactful.