THE SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

Fast Facts:

Pursuit: Country Singer/Songwriter

Definition of success: “If the music I’m making is encouraging, inspiring, comforting or healing someone, I’ve succeeded.”

Figuratively speaking I seem to be spending quite a bit of time in Nashville of late. Not literally – in reality I’ve only visited once and that was as a teenager almost twenty years ago – but I’ve hosted country-pop singer/songwriter Alayna (twice!) who resides in that mecca of all things Country; UK Country Album of the Year winners Ward Thomas (who’ve spent time touring and writing there…literally) and now I’m back again (figuratively) with rising star Jenn Bostic.

Ironic, then, that it’s a name you’re more likely to be familiar with here in the UK than in her homeland across the pond. The reason?

“The radio support in the UK has been amazing!” Jenn explains. “With my previous album, Jealous, I became the first American Independent Artist to have three singles playlisted on BBC Radio 2 (Jealous of the Angels, Not Yet, and Missin’ a Man). This allowed a whole new audience of people to hear the music on a large scale, which was of great help during my first three tours of the UK throughout 2012 & 2013.”

You might think it a gamble to abandon Nashville, the internationally accepted Home of Country, and head over to the UK to ply your trade in a nation not renowned for Stetsons and denim jackets, but in fact the country music scene here is growing in prominence by the day. (If you’re a Radio 2 listener, this isn’t news to you).

So what’s the difference between the UK and the US from the perspective of a Country musician?

“I’ve toured from coast to coast in the United States,” Jenn says, “and with the support of The Grand Ole Opry, and various other notable venues throughout the country, I’ve been creating a beautiful community of listeners. It’s a slower process without major radio support, however people are being moved by the music and that’s what matters most to me.”

In fact playing on that hallowed stage constitutes one of Jenn’s proudest achievements. A feat she has achieved not just once…

“I have performed at The Grand Ole Opry five times,” she enthuses, “with a sixth performance coming up on the 1st of May. Performing on that stage has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. There’s something magical about the history there. Each performance has felt like the first time all over again.”

Not one to forsake her UK following, Jenn recalls an equally gratifying achievement courtesy of the good old BBC.

“Back in December of 2012, I was touring the UK for the first time, and I was invited to perform my song Jealous of the Angels on BBC Breakfast. That day, the song went number one on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart. It was surreal. To know that people are being moved by the music, especially by a song that’s so close to my heart, is incredibly humbling.”

But before The Grand Ole Opry, before BBC appearances and topping the iTunes charts, there was a catalyst to Jenn Bostic’s music career that’s as poignant as it is inspiring.

“I’ve been singing since before I could talk! Music has always been a huge part of my life. I have fond childhood memories of sitting together as a family around our piano singing together. I tortured my parents by writing musicals and performing them at our home with my girlfriends. At age ten, we lost my dad in a tragic car accident. Music was the only way I felt I could still connect to him, and songwriting became the therapy that got me through that difficult time. It was through that expression that I felt called to a career in the music industry.”

And life has been non-stop ever since.

“Every day is unique and special, which is one thing I like about being an indie artist. I reside in Nashville, Tennessee, and most days I spend at least a few hours behind my keyboard or guitar writing songs by myself or collaborating with other songwriters. I love performing live, so I do try to play as many shows as possible, and I am in charge of booking all those shows, so I have my hands full on that front as well. I’m constantly growing and learning to become a better singer, pianist, guitarist and person. Social media is such an amazing resource, and I really try to answer every message I receive from friends and fans. While time consuming, I believe it’s important to express my gratitude to everyone who helps me live out this dream. I currently have an active Pledge Music Campaign in support of my new album Faithful which will be released June 1st. I’ve been busy creating behind the scenes footage for all those involved. I also love my quiet reading time, and try to sneak in at least a half hour a day for that. My handsome husband and I also enjoy catching up on our favourite shows together (Nashville, Mom, Big Bang Theory), and staying active by running, walking and being involved in other fitness programs.”

Even so, music absorbs the majority of Jenn’s time:

“If there are 168 hours in a week,” she replies when I ask how many of them she devotes to her passion, “I’d say 100. In all seriousness, I feel incredibly blessed to create and perform music for a living. It is truly a dream come true, and I can’t help but work hard at it. It doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do. However, there are a lot of other things I love in this world as well, and I really value quality time with my loved ones. I also think it’s important to allow adequate time for rest and rejuvenation.”

With that in mind, does she find herself envying the nine-to-five lifestyle from which she is so far removed? 

“The grass is always greener isn’t it?! There are challenges in every vocation. While some days the structure of a nine-to-five is enticing, I love this life. This unpredictable, sometimes uncertain, full of adventure, artistic life. I do desire to have children some day in the distant future, so it will be interesting to see how that unfolds.” 

With changes throughout her career, and with such lifestyle changes still to come, I wonder how Jenn defines the concept of success. Fittingly, that too has been a constantly evolving entity.

“My definition of success has been ever changing. Currently, I would like to continue being able to pay all my bills through creating and sharing music. The way I’ve been able to see people connect with the music has really opened my eyes to what I find important. If the music I’m making is encouraging, inspiring, comforting or healing someone, I’ve succeeded.”

I ask Jenn what advice she would give to someone about to embark on their own pursuit of success:

“Never give up,” she says. “Understand that there are going to be challenges, there are going to be moments of doubt, and times when you want to throw in the towel and run from the thing you’re called to. However, the moments of success and beauty far outweigh the challenges and stress of dream chasing. Go get it, whatever it is!”

My thanks to Jenn Bostic for her time and also for sharing some of the personal insight that makes her music unique. You can follow Jenn on Twitter @jennbostic and Facebook at facebook.com/jennbostic For all the latest news, including details of her upcoming album Faithful, go to www.jennbostic.com. Jenn’s album is released on June 1st this year and is available for pre-order on Pledge Music here. 

Thanks also to Sara French of Republic Media for helping to arrange this interview.