Jena Rose, the rising pop star most famous for her current single “Sweet Love,” which quickly rose up the Billboard Club Charts, peaking at an impressive #18, is making her way to The Regency Ballroom on April 4. The song is off of her first album slated for release later this month. About Jena The Huffington Post was recently quoted as saying: “You only get one shot at a first impression, and indie/pop artist Jena Rose completely nailed hers!”
We wanted to learn more about this up-and-coming singer so we reached out to her to talk about when her interest in music first began, what inspires her to write, and what triggered her to become such a strong advocate for the LGBT community.
For people not familiar with you, how would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as Indie-pop with an edge. I try to incorporate my piano roots with new age production to make it cool and interesting.
Did you always know you wanted to be a singer?
I’ve always loved music and I knew I wanted to have my career in it in some way. It wasn’t until age 12 that I really started to pursue being a singer as my profession.
Is it true that you began playing piano at age five and by age nine, you had already started taking singing lessons and writing songs?
Yes, it is! I started playing piano because I was jealous of my older brother who was taking a lesson at the time! I took my first voice lesson at age nine as a joint lesson with my friend and started writing songs later on that year because I was tired of just singing covers.
What inspires you to write songs?
I write songs based on my life experiences, but also my friends’ and family’s experiences or even things I see on TV or in movies. My songs are written for the listeners to relate to. I grew up listening to Sara Bareilles, Adele, and Taylor Swift and felt like the songs were written for me. That’s the same feeling I want to give to other people. That is what inspires me to do what I do and share my music with the world.
What does music mean to you?
Music is everything to me. It has helped me blossom from a shy little girl into the person I am today. I grew up extremely introverted and thought I would never overcome it. As soon as I stepped on stage for the first time, I felt truly empowered.
You recently partnered with the boutique nail chain Mini Lux and are gearing up to host a number of grand openings across the country? Can you tell us more about that?
MiniLuxe is a toxin-free, vegan, all-natural nail salon that is all about self-care. I have the pleasure of hosting their Beverly Hills and West Hollywood openings coming up!
“Sweet Love” was the debut single off of your upcoming EP. What can we expect from the album?
The EP is a collection of songs that I wrote on my keyboard in my room and put my heart and soul into. I took them to my producer, Drew Scott, who took them to a whole other level. Each song tells a story and I hope people can connect with them!
You’ve got a show coming up in San Francisco opening for Echosmith. What do you think of our city?
I love San Francisco! I’ve been there once on tour opening for the boy band, Why Don’t We. It was pouring rain but absolutely gorgeous!
You’re a strong advocate for the LGBT community. Where does that come from?
I grew up in a very open-minded and inclusive home. My dad, Peter Raphael, is a plastic surgeon who specializes in transgender surgery. I’ve been fortunate enough to hear their many stories throughout my life and it has helped to shape me into the person I am today.
What’s one thing that many people would be surprised to find out about you?
I am a super picky eater! For example, I get my fried rice with only egg and no veggies or meat! I know what I like, and I stick to it!
Jena Rose plays the Regency Ballroom with Echosmith on Wed, April 4, 2018 // Time 8:00 PM – Doors 7:00 PM // Ticket Prices* $24.00 – Day Of Show $30.00
Photos courtesy of Donovan PR
