Me: How closely related is your song "The Story" to your actual story?
Jennifer: So close. It really is "my story." I write mostly from experience, so I relate to all of my songs, but that song in particular I really feel is "my story."
Me: Is it hard to maintain relationships when you're so focused on your music?
Jennifer: Yes, lol. I work a lot and I'm so in love with music and writing. It's my first love. Outside of music, I can be a hard girl to pin down, but I do really try to balance as much as I can and carve out time for the people and things that I love. I'm really blessed to have some amazingly supportive, understanding, and encouraging family and friends in my life.
Me: Is there any significant even in your life that you pull inspiration from when writing your songs?
Jennifer: Inspiration strikes at random times. I'm a big believer that the songs come through me, not from me...so you never know when a line will pop into your head. I keep a little notebook with me at all times, so I can jot the idea down before it slips back out of me. I think my overall arching inspiration though was watching my dad have a miraculous recovery after being really ill. I had writer's block mixed with stage fright for many years, but after helping my dad heal and witnessing a miracle, everything changes...and I found the strength and inspiration to go for my dreams....and suddenly had a wealth of feeling and gratitude to write about. That experience helped me tap into something inside that is still where I write from today.
Me: I haven't seen a solo female artist like you in a long time. Do you feel its difficult being a lady in this industry?
Jennifer: Sometimes I'll get hit on in environments that I wish would be more professional, and I don't think it's safe for a girl to be traveling/touring around the country by herself crashing on stranger's couches, but other than that, I really don't feel limited or that being a girl makes things difficult. I kinda love being a girl :)
Me: Which song of yours is your favorite to perform and why?
Jennifer: I think this continually changes. Sometimes it's "The Story;" sometimes a song I play live a lot, but that isn't on the EP called "I Can't Stop;" sometimes it's the newest song I've written; sometimes I find a new niche or a new connection with an audience through an older song and that becomes a favorite moment....it's such a fluid, changing thing.
Me: I keep it at just those questions for now. Hopefully I'll get to ask you more at your show at the Mint! I'll see you then!
Though I haven't actually spoken with Jennifer in person, I already feel like I know her through our emails and through her music. You can get to know Jennifer too, by giving her music some love HERE or by following her video blog HERE. She's got two shows coming up on both sides of the good ol' U.S of A. To see which one is happening near you, visit her website.
