Interview: Jenna Isn't Famous
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Interview: Jenna Isn't Famous
Photo Credit: Anna Azarov
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
My mom had a piano in our house, and I always loved musicals growing up. From a pretty young age I had a natural gravitation towards performing and making music. When I was a kid, I used to perform “In My Own Little Corner” from the Brandy Cinderella or “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas for my grandparents whenever they came over. I was kind of a show off lol! I also used to play pretend chords on the piano and sing along until I officially got piano lessons in second grade. That was around when I started writing songs. It was always a natural way for me to express myself.
If I wasn’t trying to make my own music career a success, I think I would like to have some kind of creative consulting job - I really pay attention to the details and like to get my friends’ music sound the best it can. I love when my friends come to me for advice on promotion or how to improve their track, because I am a perfectionist and love getting things to the best version they can be, within a reasonable timeframe of course. I also am just a huge fan of so many of my close friends’ artistry, and want their music to be heard by as many people as possible.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
In my free time I love going to my boxing gym, volunteering with DSA LA, hanging with friends, and biking by the ocean. Boxing is such an amazing stress reliever, especially when I’m feeling wound up or angry. I feel so badass when I get to punch or kick the hell out of the bag lol. And I recently found you can rent bikes by the ocean here in LA: I have been putting on old nostalgic playlists I made in college and listening to them as I bike with the ocean breeze in my hair. It is utter bliss. I think all these things inspire my creativity, boxing and volunteering get me fired up in different ways, and being with my friends and biking by the ocean help me see the beauty of the world and put those feelings into my music.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I was born in Syracuse NY but I currently live in LA. In my small town there weren’t a ton of people pursuing music. When I moved to LA, of course everyone came out here for a dream. But being around so many talented artists really helped me become a better songwriter and performer. I had to keep refining my craft in order to have a fighting chance.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I would love to open for Ariana Grande and Julia Wolf! Ariana is one of the most talented vocalists out there and I love the direction her music is going, into the land of a sexy HipHop Pop blend. Her songs make me feel so sexy and powerful. And I’ve recently become such a huge fan of Julia Wolf. Her songs have a central theme of being confident and shy at the same time. I love that! Usually people think those qualities are mutually exclusive. Her lyrics are so brilliant and they always make me feel more secure in myself.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
To not be afraid of conflict. That I am only betraying myself by biting my tongue. That my fear of making someone else uncomfortable is actually making myself suffer in the uncomfortable spot. That you can’t make someone stay just by giving them an easy relationship where you don’t voice your concerns. Believe it or not, conflict expressed in a healthy way actually brings you closer to people.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I have an unreleased song called Love Me Like I Love Me. It will probably be my next single, there are snippets of it on Tiktok. It’s about knowing how you need to be loved, and giving yourself that love instead of waiting for it to come from someone else. It’s also about platonic love, and learning how to show up for your friends, as well as letting yourself be vulnerable in front of them and allowing them to show up for you.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I really want the message of sticking up for yourself and being authentic to come across. I want everyone to really love their true selves and feel confident showing that side to the world.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I’m constantly writing and working on new music! People can follow me on IG at @jennaisntfamous and tiktok as @jennaisntfamoustho to keep up with my new releases. I also post a lot of songs that are works in progress, so people can see my creative process there. I hope to one day have the fanbase to make a full album and tour around the country on it!