Her first EP project titled ”Playing with Fire” was released in April 2021. She is currently working on a country pop album titled “Songbird” that will be released in Summer 2022. “Songbird” is a two part collection of songs that shows Jennifer’s growth as a writer and is sonically much different than her earlier projects.
Hey, super nice to have the chance to chat with you.Can you tell us about your early career? Where did you get the idea for the music industry?
Of course. I started making up little songs and singing around the age of 4. From there I got involved in choir and church and school. My grandfather played multiple instruments so he was always playing when I was at his house. He was the one who first taught me guitar chords. I have always gravitated toward music. I knew I wanted to be a singer around age 4 or 5.
In middle and high school, I became even more determined to do music. I headed up a couple ensembles at church and started serving as a worship leader. That is really where I got my start with music. Where do you start when producing songs?
Most of my songs usually begin with a hook or random line that I can’t get out of my head. I then build around that. Sometimes I write based on a simple word or theme, but typically I have the base hook of the song. I usually make a rough scratch and send it to my producer for his thoughts.
Your latest album is ‘Songbird: Part One’. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Yes. This project was very different from my earlier releases. I had been through a rough couple of years with ministry and music. There were a lot of burned bridges and disappointments. This project feels much more vulnerable and cathartic then any of my earlier projects. My writing style is much more honest and blunt. Even the time in the studio and the process was different this time. I let go of a lot of the limits I placed on myself during earlier releases. Some of these songs don’t fall completely in one specific genre because truthfully, I don’t fit in one genre. I tried to mold myself into what a “Contemporary Christian” or “Country” artist should sound like with my previous releases and unknowingly placed limits on the stories I was trying to tell. I wanted to get away from that this time.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
I think the biggest challenge was not talking myself out of saying certain things. I debated whether I share too much. Some would think by even asking that question, the answer is probably you have. But for me, it was a release. I think there is power in vulnerability.
What is your goal in artistic activities?
To be real. I was the girl in middle school that was awkward and shy. I found comfort in the music I listened too. I felt like I could relate to many of the songs and the artists that sang them and it helped me to feel like I was understood. I want to be that for someone else.
How do you know when work is finished?
I think when I have that feeling of excitement and want the world to hear the song, I know it’s ready.
What is your trademark? It’s about unique sounds or behaviors on stage.
I generally start every performance by saying “Hey y’all.” Even in worship, I used to start my prayer with “Hey y’all, let’s pray.” I didn’t realize that was a habit until I heard others talking about it. I’m also notorious about forgetting lyrics to my own songs. Generally, I am fine with covers or songs that others wrote that I sing. But with my songs, I tend to rewrite them in the midst of singing. I tend to think of other ways of telling the story.
What are your biggest achievements so far as an artist, but also personally?
I was honored to be named the “2021 Country Artist of the Year” by Indie Star Radio. Also, the nominations from the International Singer Songwriter Association, Josie’s and Carolina Music Awards, were all a complete surprise. Being named “One to Watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association and winning “Best Pop Song” for “Curious” and “Rock This Way,” as well as “Rock This Way” being named “Best Overall” for the Indie Songwriting Awards were definitely highlights of 2022.
Personally, actually giving myself the freedom to try new things and really dive into my music have been the biggest achievements. For years, I struggled with perfectionism and severe anxiety. At one point, I stopped singing because my anxiety was so bad. Now, I am playing three or four nights every week and able to actually enjoy performing.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I’ve had several people come up and tell me what a particular song means to them. One song in particular on my 2021 EP, “Playing with Fire,” discusses the struggles of the relationship with my parents. Several people who have been through similar situations have reached out to me about that song and shared their stories.
What are your plans for the future?
To be keep growing. I want to be better at all of this – the writing, the performing, the singing, the marketing…all of it. I spent so many years too afraid to move and really give myself the freedom to pursue music. I want to live in the moment and never take anything for granted.
