RAGGED Exclusive: Introducing Lenay Dunn

Ever wondered what it takes to become an official “It Girl”? Lenay Dunn has the answer to that. With an undying love of music, a passion for band culture and the wanderlust to be everywhere in order to score the scoop, the blonde, fresh- faced sweetheart has taken up a post at RAGGED to become our new “girl on the scene”—a direct source from us to you of everything we love, from the latest music, hottest fashions and beyond.

Lenay grew up in Minnesota, where she dabbled in guitar lessons, songwriting and years of piano playing. From there, she got her start in the spotlight by singing in school musicals and making funny videos with friends, eventually creating a blog where she documented her adventures in music and traveling. She then landed a gig commentating on pop culture and music as a host for MTV’s 10 On Top. Currently, when she’s not on the road sharing the surrounding sights and sounds, home is just outside Nashville (aka Music City, U.S.A.).

It’s really no wonder at all that Lenay is the perfect girl for the job. As our backstage pass to festivals and behind-the-scenes roving reporter on RAGGED shoots and more, Lenay will be blogging about her experiences interactively every step of the way. Stay tuned for all sorts of updates through the year from Lenay, and enjoy a sneak peek at our Q & A from the forthcoming issue of RAGGED as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes video from the cover shoot with The All-American Rejects!

How did you first get interested in music?

I took like 12 years of piano lessons growing up, and was pretty good. I almost went to college for it, but I didn’t really like practicing. I started playing the guitar, which I love playing, but I’m not that good at it. I just know enough to write songs, but it’s still my favorite. And I love pop music and videotaping… Growing up, I would videotape me and my friends, we’d sing and dance to Spice Girls and stuff [laughs].

What kinds of things are you looking forward to doing with RAGGED?

I get to go on tour and interview bands at the major festivals—places like Lollapalooza and SXSW. I’m really excited to check those out. I also get to go to the cover shoots for every RAGGED. I went to L.A. and got to meet and interview The All-American Rejects. I love meeting new people and I love music, and I have some favorite songs of theirs. We also did a video introducing who I am. I’m excited to see who we’ll have for the next issue and who I’ll get to do the photoshoot with. It’s been so fun.

Who would be your dream interview?

Probably Taylor Swift, I haven’t met her. I think all the songs I write are definitely love- and Swift-inspired. Yeah, I’m a big Taylor Swift fan.

CONTINUED IN THE NEW ISSUE OF RAGGED, AVAILABLE FOR A FREE DOWNLOAD HERE.

Behind-the-scenes at The All-American Rejects photo shoot:

posted by Staff