“Critically acclaimed U.S. singer songwriter Jenn Bostic is back with a soulful new record, What Love Feels Like (Radio Edit), and an acoustic tour of the UK. Bostic debuted the new version at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, on the 23rd of July,” along with her song “Little Grace,” both tracks speaking louder than ever in the midst of current events. It is set to release with an official music video on the 2nd of September.
What Love Feels Like, is a reminder that every human being wants to feel loved and appreciated, regardless of social class, religion, or geographic location. It features a gospel choir out of Nashville, Tennessee, and was produced by six time Grammy Award winning mix engineer Paul Salveson. This pop, gospel track will leave you singing “Nanas” for the rest of the day.”
Let’s get to know you, the artist and your music a little better. What attracted you to the styles you practice?
Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents were both big supporters of the arts and encouraged my older brother and I to sing and play the piano. We would often sing together as a family around Dad’s guitar. He loved Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt, Mom listened to a lot of musical theater, and my brother, Jeff, was a country music fan. Between the musical tastes of my family members that I heard throughout my childhood home, along with my favorite pop sounds of Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones that I used to sing into my hairbrush, I am influenced by many different styles. I grew up singing in church, and the most recent single brings blues and pop together with a touch of gospel influence.
How long have you been making music? Have you been performing or sharing it with the public all that time?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. As I mentioned I grew up singing in church, went to musical theater camps, performed in talent contests and was very involved in showchoir during high school. I think I was 12 when I performed in my first talent competition at the county fair singing an acapella version of “I’ve Got Rhythm.” I was scared to death!
Who or what influences your writing and performance?
Life. Personal experiences, stories I hear, films I watch usually end up in a song if they’ve pulled on my heart strings. I’m an emotional human and songwriting is the outlet I have to get things out. When something makes my heart beat faster, whether for the good or bad, it usually ends up in a song.
It seems all creative people go through rough patches or writer’s block of some sort. What motivates you to keep going?
Absolutely! This life path is a roller-coaster ride! I try to stay positive and celebrate all the wins. When I find myself criticizing every lyric or chord choice I try writing, I usually force myself to write the song, even if it’s not something I would ever like enough to release, because I believe sometimes you’ve got to write the mediocre songs and get them out of your system to find the diamonds hidden deep within your soul. There are plenty of songs in my catalog that I wont ever play for anyone. That’s just my creative process.
Were you trying to accomplish something different or specific with this project – creatively or otherwise?
This track has always been one of my favorites. It’s got a soulful vibe and spreads a message of love and vulnerability. I have performed it live over 200 times and every single time I hear this gospel choir in my head. However, as an independent artist, that element was a little out of my price range. However, I thankfully have some amazingly talented singer friends in Nashville who sang in exchange for pizza. What a dream come true. I was a music education major in college, so to conduct this incredible group of singers on this original song was hands down my favorite day I’ve ever spent in the studio. I wanted it to sound big and organic, and that’s exactly what producer Paul Salveson delivered.
What was the last song you listened to?
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Do you prefer a certain medium for listening – vinyl, CDs, mp3, reel-to-reel, Pono,(lol sort of)?
I travel a lot so I usually listen to everything on my phone. As much as I want fans to have physical CDs I’m a victim of the mp3 life.
If you had to choose one place to host your music, would you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or … ?
I got into Spotify early on and really enjoy the platform. I’ve got all my traveling playlists set up and it’s opened my ears to a lot of new music I wouldn’t have otherwise found.
Do you ever feel as if your tunes are lost in a sea of music? What are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract new listeners?
There’s a lot of music out there. I think if anything it encourages and inspires me to work harder and write better songs. It can absolutely be overwhelming to think about the quantity of music being released, but I believe I was born to write songs and sing them, so all I can do is write the best songs and deliver them in the best way I know how. I’ve been really grateful to have some major radio play in Europe, and I have an incredible fan base that constantly encourages me to push past the hurdles. Comparison is a dangerous game that I try to steer clear of.
Are you playing on live stages, clubs, bars, the local town picnic, festivals?
I play a lot of live shows, this year alone I believe it will be about 200. I perform in a lot of music venues across the US and UK, wineries, cafes, private events. My heart beats for that live show connection between the artist, the song and the listener.
Do you ever stream your performances over the net? Where can music lovers see you perform?
I do. Lately I’ve been using Facebook Live at a lot of concerts, which I really love. I usually only stream a song or two, giving those online a taste of what the audience experienced. I perform monthly online concerts via StageIt as well.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and/or discover more of your music?
www.jennbostic.com and all the social networks.
Can you share an anecdote or tale of woe or inspiration like a story about an out-of-touch club manager, your favorite fan interaction, broken busses, or you know… just some experience in your musical journey you’ll never forget?
I’ve been incredibly humbled by the way people have connected to my song “Jealous of the Angels.” It’s a song about my late father, and a fan sent that song to a radio station in the UK without me knowing it. I found out on twitter that the song was being played, soon after it was playlisted at BBC Radio 2, the most listened to radio station in Europe, and then I performed it on BBC Breakfast in 2012 and the song went #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts in the UK. It was my Cinderella story, and I think it’s an example of how important fans are and the power they hold, sometimes without even knowing it. I’m honored that the new single has also just been playlisted at BBC Radio 2, just before I leave for a 3 week European tour.
Lightning Round!
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Anything with caramel
Dream vehicle?
Tour Bus. 🙂
Sailing yacht, catamaran, bass boat, or kayak?
Sailing Yacht
Place on Earth you must visit some day
Australia
Batman or Spiderman?
Batman
James Bond or Jason Borne?
Jason Borne
Bugs Bunny or Anime?
Bugs Bunny
Favorite beer or beverage of pleasure?
Champagne
Movie or book quote you are liable to drop at the wrong moment?
“When in Rome”
Left with a choice of one instrument, which would you keep?
Piano
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Thank you so much for supporting the single and to all those that take the time to listen. Grateful to God for the gift of music.
