“We didn’t have a No. 1, we didn’t have anything like that, we were still this small, little band…and he was just so nice and friendly.”

Lee Jennings, the talented vocalist of The Funeral Portrait, joined Loudwire Nights on Tuesday (April 15) to discuss the incredible bond he shares with Five Finger Death Punch’s Ivan Moody. This friendship not only blossomed during their tours but also paved the way for their exciting collaboration on the track “Holy Water.”

Be sure to listen to the complete conversation featured in the player located at the end of this article.

“Our label wanted us to record the song before [we toured with Five Finger Death Punch and Marilyn Manson last year],” Jennings explained to Chuck Armstrong during the interview. He emphasized the significance of this collaboration, saying, “Ivan, he’s never really done a feature before; I think the only other feature he did was with Cory Marks. He was like, ‘I’ll do it if I have time,’ and unfortunately, he didn’t have time because he had just returned from Europe and was heading straight into the U.S. tour.”

Initially, Jennings thought that the collaboration for “Holy Water” might not materialize due to scheduling conflicts. However, after their tour with Five Finger Death Punch concluded, Moody reached out to Jennings, reigniting the possibility of their partnership.

Jennings recalled, “He was like, ‘Do you still want me on that song? After hearing it every single night on tour, I feel like we would crush it together.'” It was an unexpected yet thrilling moment for Jennings.

“I literally received a voicemail from him saying, ‘Hey man, I heard the song on the radio during my drive. Do you want me to record vocals for it?'” Jennings eagerly seized this golden opportunity.

“It’s another one of those bizarre, life-changing moments, and it’s an incredible feeling to simply be a part of it all,” he reflected.

Lee Jennings Embraces His Journey and Finds His Place in the Music Scene

For Jennings, the collaboration with Moody was far more than just a label request; it stemmed from a genuine friendship with the iconic Five Finger Death Punch frontman. “I remember one particular night backstage when the weather was absolutely perfect,” Jennings reminisced about a memorable tour stop in California.

“Ivan came over to talk, and he was so engaging. He kept the conversation flowing, and that moment really solidified our connection. It was about halfway through the tour when he offered me invaluable advice, saying, ‘If you ever need anything, just reach out to me. I genuinely want to help you guys succeed.'” This gesture meant a lot to Jennings, who felt a sense of camaraderie with someone so accomplished.

He admitted that it was surreal to connect with someone like Moody, who was headlining massive festivals and selling out arenas. “That same night, Chino Moreno from Deftones was present, and I found myself in this incredible company… It was Ivan, Marilyn Manson, Chino, Alex Terrible, and me. I felt like the odd one out, questioning my place in such esteemed company.”

Despite the initial feelings of inadequacy, Jennings ultimately recognized his own worth. “Maybe I do belong here. Perhaps those ten long years of hard work on the road have finally started to pay off, you know?”

Insights from Lee Jennings on Loudwire Nights That Fans Shouldn’t Miss

• Why he’s become increasingly open and honest on social media: “It’s almost therapeutic for me. I can finally be myself without any pretense. I’m not trying to be cool; I’m just me, and the most rewarding part is that I get to live authentically. I can be real and embrace who I am without the need to act.”
• What he hopes his audience takes away from his live performances: “Once they step through the doors, I want them to leave all their worries behind. When the lights go down, I hope they can immerse themselves in the moment. Of course, those feelings might return once they leave, but I genuinely wish that during those few hours at the show, they find joy and a sense of escape from whatever troubles them.”
• What’s next for The Funeral Portrait: “With our next record, I want to take our time to ensure it’s the best it can be, which is why we’re starting the process now. I have aspirations for us to go bigger, and I think one of my biggest goals for this year or next is to embark on a genuine headlining tour and truly put our money where our mouth is.”

Catch the Full Interview and Insights in the Podcast Player Below

Lee Jennings was a guest on Loudwire Nights on Tuesday, April 15; the show is available for replay online, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check if the show is accessible through your local radio station and enjoy on-demand interviews.