ARTIST ALERT: JENNY MARCH

Jenny March is definitely an artist on the rise as she continues to release new songs, videos, EP, and more. She sat with us at BELLO to discuss the meaning behind her music, her purpose as a singer, and more. Embracing all the world has to offer, March takes her talent to the next level and uses her platform to better herself and those around her. If you haven’t already, check out her video “All In,” and get ready to bob your head and feel the emotions behind the song as you click play!

How did “All In” come about? What was the inspiration behind it? Is it more cathartic or scary releasing music tied to your own personal experiences?

I wrote “All In” in a quarantine session with one of my favorite songwriters and producers to work with: Alex “Knox” Harris. I was inspired lyrically once Knox started building the track and then I came up with the hook. “All In” was inspired by the first time I met my now boyfriend. I met him through a mutual friend at one of my shows in Los Angeles and he asked if I was going to the after party. He actually told me he would only go if I was going, and I thought that was pretty cute. We had an extraordinary connection right from the beginning and I wanted to write a song that describes the feeling of having a spark with someone almost instantaneously.

Sometimes it can be scary releasing a song that is about something truly personal but depending on what it is, it can also be cathartic. Eventually, I think all songs you put out in the world will give you a cathartic release at some point. I know for myself, music is a healing process and sometimes it’s easier to say how you feel in a song rather than saying it to a person in real life.

How do you think “All In” and the rest of your upcoming EP show who you are as an artist and how you have grown?

I spent a lot of time wanting my debut EP to be perfect and I had to throw that thought out the window for it to start to come together. It’s interesting how that works but once I did that, the inspiration started flowing naturally. My EP has a lot of modern pop influences manifested by a lot of synth bass and guitar influence that I found myself really drawn to. It also has a slight rock vibe to it that I love. I really honed in on who I am as an artist while making this EP and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

What kind of musical inspirations did you channel while trying to create the 90s vibe and visuals for this single? How have they influenced your love for music and your career?

For this song’s visuals, I was heavily influenced by the ‘fish eye’ shots that were frequently used in music videos of the 90s, and I wanted to share that vibe with people that didn’t get to experience that time. Specifically, I drew a lot of inspiration from Missy Elliot and Gwen Stefani’s music videos. They’re both so iconic and I grew up listening to their music. I’ve always loved the fashion of the 90s and early 2000s too, and you can see that in both the lyric video and the forthcoming music video for “All In”.

Tell us more about the lead single “November Nights.” Why did you choose this song as the lead single?

“November Nights” happened to be the first song I wrote when I started writing the EP and I knew it had to be a part of the collection. I thought it would be a great introduction to the newer sound I was going for. Lyrically, it meant a lot to me because it was about a relationship I had to leave in order to find myself again, and that was the start of me being able to write the rest of the EP.

What has the process been like creating the EP? What can fans expect?

The process wasn’t what I expected because as soon as I started working on the EP, COVID hit, and everyone had to quarantine. I had lots of Zoom sessions, which weren’t my favorite because you don’t get the same energy that you get from being in the same room as someone. Being stuck in quarantine made it difficult, but I think it made it that much more rewarding in the end.

Fans can expect a whole lot of female energy from the EP and I hope my music makes you feel confident and empowered. I want people to listen to it with their friends and feel confident in who they are and not try to fit in.

Have you always wanted to become a singer? Share with us the first memory you have performing in front of an audience. 

I knew I wanted to be a singer when I was 11 years old. Once I saw Hannah Montana, I knew I wanted that life. Lol! I was always entertaining whoever was around me and I tried doing everything. I was on a traveling dance team, I sang in the school choir, I sang in talent shows, I was in musicals at my school and around Cincinnati. I went to a 3 week summer theatre camp for 5 years. I was very committed.

The first memory I have of performing in front of an audience was when I sang the Star Spangled Banner in 5th grade at the Varsity basketball game at my school. People thought it was a recording, but I was singing it live. It was so fun.

How do you show love? Share with us a moment in which someone showed you true love. 

I witnessed love for the first time with how my dad treated my mom. I thought love was shown with gifts at first, but once I got older I realized it’s a lot more than that. It’s being selfless, loyal, honest, communicative and the little things you do for someone who matters the most. My dad still does so many small things for my mom to make her feel loved and cared for and I think that is beautiful after 28 years of marriage.

One of the biggest acts of love I’ve experienced was when my parents agreed to let me move to Los Angeles to follow my dreams of being a singer and actor. It was my sophomore year of high school and my mom moved out to LA with me while my dad stayed back in Ohio to work. There was a lot of sacrifice all around and I know that was pure love.

Explain to us the purpose of “Wednesday Sessions.” What do you hope it will bring to your audience? 

I created “Wednesday Sessions” during quarantine to give artists an opportunity to perform from home and stay creative. I thought my followers might be interested in other musicians and that the conversations could inspire people. I wanted to lift up other artists too, especially in a time that is so uncertain, because the music business is so competitive, it’s easy to forget we all are making music because we love it.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is another way of expressing yourself and what’s not fun about that? It’s the first thing people notice about you and it gives someone a glimpse into your personality and that’s why I love it. My mom is the reason I started liking clothes so much. I would frequently walk my own runway down the hallway in our house with all of her clothes on.

As 2020 slowly comes to an end, what are you most looking forward to for the new year?

I’m looking forward to sharing my EP with everyone at the top of 2021, and I’m really hoping I’ll be able to perform it live for all of you 🙂

Photo Credit Naserin Bogado
Interview by Alexandra Bonnet @alexbonnetwrites