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| Photograph By Krista Lee Photography |
Meet multi-talented Jennifer Kennard, a Toronto native who now calls Nashville home with her husband Brad and infant son Emerson. She is one of the many talented songwriters my husband has had the honor to write with. I first meet the energetic and radiant songwriter while she was working towards the release of her EP Lonely Girl in 2009. I was moved by the amount of passion and depth that was so seamlessly intertwined in songs like "Angeline" and "Higher Ground". Jennifer's songs are a true fusion of smart, powerful lyrics over well formulated tunes and delivered without straining the aim of her music.
In 2009, Jennifer found one of her collaborations "Virgina Bluebell" on country music sweetheart Miranda Lambert's award winning Revolution album. This year Jennifer began a new chapter in her songwriting career after signing with John and Martina McBride's 'Songs of Black Bird' Publishing Company, a division of Blackbird Studios. In just three short years, Songs of Black Bird boasts an already impressive roster that now includes Kennard. Keep your ears open, ladies and gentlemen, because I am expecting more big things and hits to come from the heart of this strong, young songwriter.
In 2009, Jennifer found one of her collaborations "Virgina Bluebell" on country music sweetheart Miranda Lambert's award winning Revolution album. This year Jennifer began a new chapter in her songwriting career after signing with John and Martina McBride's 'Songs of Black Bird' Publishing Company, a division of Blackbird Studios. In just three short years, Songs of Black Bird boasts an already impressive roster that now includes Kennard. Keep your ears open, ladies and gentlemen, because I am expecting more big things and hits to come from the heart of this strong, young songwriter.
This sweet lady was kind enough to grant me an interview to discuss all things music and the balance of career and motherhood in the music industry.
Interview With Songwriter Jennifer Kennard
Question: What is the first song you can remember falling totally in love with?
Answer: Nothing Compares to You by Sinead O’Connor written by Prince.
Question: How long have you been writing songs?
Answer: Since I was 18 years old.
Question: Do you base any of your songs off personal life experiences?
Answer: Many of them are based on personal experience or the experiences of those I know. But most of them venture off into something more listeners can empathize with.
Question: Currently what indie Artist/Songwriter can you not get enough of?
Answer: Lucinda Williams.
Question: Out of all the songs you have written which one do you relate to the most?
Answer: As Long as the Kids were Alright
Question: Who do you look at for support and encouragement?
Answer: My husband, Bradford.
Question: How did you feel when you got your first cut?
Answer: Validated as a songwriter, accomplished as an artist.
Question: When you think of just the word MUSIC what does it mean to you?
Answer: An inhale for my spirit, an exhale for my soul.
Question: The music industry can be very tough. Are all the struggles worth it just to chase after the dream?
Answer: I think music was just the vehicle of accomplishing the ultimate dream of love and finding my husband. And I go into battle everyday with the industry because if I found him in the struggles imagine what else in waiting in for me in the trenches.
Question: What advice would you give a newcomer coming to Nashville to be a songwriter?
Answer: Persistence and perseverance is key, but always follow your heart.
Question: Has becoming a Mother changed anything when in comes to your songwriting/career?
Answer: It’s changed everything! From when I write to what I write about.
My son is my muse. He’s taught me that if someone puts a wall in front of me, I can climb it. I may fall, suffer some bumps and bruises, but I’ll get over it.
Question: Now that you are a mother what are your opinions of music education in the public school systems?
Answer: An absolute necessity! Children need to be exposed to all aspects of music.
From listening to playing, from learning to composing. Music has been such a positive and inspiring influence in my life, I can’t imagine never being introduced to it at a young age.
Question: Last question how do you balance it all motherhood and career?
Answer: Lots of prayer.
I think this is pretty amazing actually! I've had the privilage of getting to hear some of Jennifer's earlier recordings from a handful of years ago thanks to her brother, who has been a special friend to me during those years. He was always proud of his sister's musical accomplishments and I can understand exactly why. I started to fall in love with her music immediately and loved singing along to her songs. I hope Jen's musical journey continues on to soar to great heights. This is just the beginning.
I have known Jennifer originally from her days in Toronto then when she headed off to Nashville and started her new life with Bradford and now the kiddies. Jennifer is much more than a talented songstress, singer and guitar player but is also a loving and caring person who is always ready to offer a shoulder or an ear to anyone in need. Much success my friend. David