Jena Rose is the breakout pop artist to watch in 2020. The 19 year old singer/songwriter’s last single “Reasons” earned praises from Billboard, with more than 10 million plays, and was the most added track to the Billboard Dance Chart in its debut week
Interview conducted on July 09, 2020
By Dan Locke
On June 26, 2020, 19-year-old rising pop sensation, Jena Rose, released her much anticipated single “Forever Yours” featuring Latin superstar Casper Magico (4 Billboard Awards and 1.5 billion streams/plays for “Te Bote”). Jena’s haunting voice pairs nicely with Casper’s Latin flair. This “sultry pop tune,” as described by Celeb Secrets, takes us back to the blissful state when love transcends time. Listen to the song here
How did you discover music?
I’ve always listened to all different types of music! It all began with karaoke in my room until eventually; I started taking voice lessons to work on my tone. The rest was history!
What was your first performance like?
I started taking voice lessons with my friend at nine years old and we were both supposed to perform “Boy of Summer” by Don Henley at an upcoming showcase for our music school at the House Of Blues in Dallas, TX. My friend had to go out of town last minute so I did the performance alone despite my nerves, but I had a blast and was hooked ever since that first performance.
You started to write music at the age of 9. What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My first original song was called “Summertime Sweetheart” (cheesy, I know!). I never recorded it but I’ve always thought it’d be fun to someday record it!
How long does it take you to write a song?
It varies! Sometimes it can take 20 minutes or sometimes it can take weeks to make it perfect!
How often are you mixed up with Jenna Rose?
When I first started out, it would happen a lot, but now it rarely happens!
How was it to work with Tanner Patrick on a mashup?
It was great! He is the best! I love collaborating especially with such a talented artist like him.
How was it to tour with the likes of Echosmith, AJR, Why Don’t We, and Aly + AJ? Did they teach you anything about the music business, which you would like to share with the readers?
Touring is one of my favorite things in the world, so getting the opportunity to be with such amazing bands/artists was a dream come true! I learned a lot about the music business and life while on the road including how to keep my stamina up. Of course, I also focused on having fun and bettering my craft!
Tell me about your debut EP “Baby Maybe”?
“Baby Maybe” is a compilation of five songs that all mean so much to me. I can’t believe we are finally getting new music out and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it! The songs are produced by John Feldman, Nick Furlong, and Jayd, as well as co-written by some incredible co-writers and myself! I truly feel like I finally found myself in this project and I hope everyone loves the EP as much as I do!
Your new release “Forever Yours” was just released on June 26th. You created it with Casper Magico. How did this come to be?
Casper is a truly talented and amazing artist and I loved working on this song with him. It means so much to me that I got to have a Latin artist on my song because my father is originally from Cuba, so pulling from my Latin roots was so fun!
What is your favorite track on the EP?
My favorite track on the EP is probably “Friends Aren’t Friends” because it is about the personal experience of someone very close to me in my life. Every time I hear it, I want to cry!
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Being on stage moving around so much every night is the best cardio workout ever! I would finish my performances each night sweating – Haha! Other than that, I try not to overdo it with fast food, because it can be easy to do that on the road!
What is you’re feeling about streaming music?
I love that my listeners get to enjoy my music anywhere, anytime with streaming! I think the digital age has a lot of pluses and minuses, but I personally love seeing my streams rise.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I love buying vinyl’s and cd is because I feel like there is sincerity to it and a special feeling of going to a store and purchasing them. I also love digital and being able to listen wherever, whenever.
You were doing online school at the age of 14. Because of the Covid-19 virus, almost all kids around the world are now doing online classes. What words of wisdom do you have for all these children?
I was always pretty good about getting all of my homework done right when I got home from school and rarely ever fell too far behind. Therefore, when I started online school I thought I would graduate early but actually ended up getting behind with my work and getting myself into a stressful situation! I would just recommend staying on top of things because it can get so easy to procrastinate when you are not in a classroom setting.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I really hope 2021 gets back to somewhat normal so artists like me can go out, perform, and connect with fans! Other than that, I feel like it has been a great time for me to connect with my fans in others ways through social media and continue to work on music.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I spent the beginning of self-quarantine with my family cooking, going for walks and tried to relax! I’ve been working on personal and musical growth and just started doing more dance classes, which have been super fun!
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I discovered my love of woodworking! My dad took me to his wood shop and showed me how to make a ton of cool things!
Many people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
I plan to do livestream concerts for sure!
Live Nation is starting to do the first ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — This will bring fans a live music tailgating experience unlike any other, kicking off July 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, Nashville, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Brad Paisley will headline performances in all three cities, marking the start of a much anticipated return to in person live events. Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also headline the series. Is this something you would be willing to do?
I would absolutely love to do these! They sound so fun!
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it may be the end of music festivals for the next couple of years?
I really don’t know because there truly are so many unknowns with the virus, but I’m hoping by 2021 or at least 2022 festivals can start up again.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Music is my life and I plan on continuing to make music from my heart and performing on any stage I can!
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I would just like to thank everyone who has been supporting me and still cannot believe the song is finally out there!
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