Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Irene

Hi Jenna Irene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I started singing in Talent shows when I was in the third grade. I was blown away by Celine Dion’s song “My Heart Will Go On” and her beautiful voice. I wanted to sing that song for my first Talent Show. I remembered my Mom telling me I had to practice if I wanted to do a good job. What she said stuck with me and it’s what I did. My Mom helped me the best she could even with no music background. Even another parent from my Elementary School helped find the instrumental music. It was very sweet and thoughtful because she had kids of her own that were auditioning and she wasn’t obligated to help me but she did. The practice paid off because I got into the Talent Show and sang “My Heart Will Go On”. It was a big night for me. I remembered wearing a big purple poofy dress (purple is my favorite color) and sitting on a stool singing into the microphone. I was so nervous but felt very brave at the same time. Even months after the show I would get classmates coming up to me saying “you did so good!!” and parents would tell my mom I made them cry because they thought I did a beautiful job. Yes, I did make my Mom cry. That performance was very special to me and I felt very happy. This was the performance when I knew I wanted to be a singer songwriter.

I got here today with a lot of work and years of practice. I didn’t get into everything I auditioned for while growing up but it never stopped me from going after my dream. I’m still working hard at my craft by taking voice lessons, attending workshops, seeking knowledge from others and researching the music industry. I want to keep growing as an artist and performer. I’m inspired by artists and their stories like Taylor Swift, Pink, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Priscilla Block. Lily Rose, Russ and others. I’ve had a lot of rejection and that’s part of being an artist is rejection. You’ll get a lot of people saying “no” to you and then you’ll get some people that will say “yes” to you. If this is something you really want to do you have to keep going and don’t stop when people are throwing hate or trying to bully you. I still get random people on Tik Tok who tell me to stop singing or will mock me but just because I’ll get those comments doesn’t mean I’m going to stop making music. The support and love I get from fans and people who drop by my page to say hi whether it’s on Tik Tok or Instagram overpower those negative comments.

I got here with a lot of help and encouragement from friends and family as well. They’ve seen me super upset when I’d get turned down or wouldn’t get into Talent Shows or performances. They’ve seen me when I’ve been chosen for shows or to sing the National Anthem at different venues. They’ve been there with me through it all. I’m happy I’ve had their support because there’s times where I’ve felt alone, unwanted, not good enough and they’re always here to help me rise up and push me forward.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It’s never a smooth road. There’s always challenges that come with being an artist and your journey. I was definitely in my own way. I had to rise above my own challenges especially in regard to mental health over the years. There’s a lot of times I’d let people bring me down and get inside my head. It happened so much to the point I wasn’t working on music and wasn’t motivated to sing. My song “RISE” is about rising above the negative thoughts that come into your head when you’re feeling sad and depressed. This song was to help myself through my own struggles especially during times I don’t have anybody around me. I loved writing that song and being able to give people a visualization of how I feel inside. I wanted to show how I fight through these dark feelings. When I’m stuck inside my head it literally feels like there’s layers of smoke which is one of my lyrics. “Layers of smoke. Out of control. Valleys away.” It’s a very powerful picture of myself fighting through negative thoughts. It’s a beautiful music video too because it shows me “rising” above the darkness by showing me at my best. I wore a gorgeous blue prom dress and got super dolled up. I was in a garden surrounded by flowers and brightness as well. One of my lyrics is “I won’t surrender, I’m my own defender. Dance through my fire. Rise.” It gives the listener hope they can get through their tough times too.

Challenges and obstacles will always be thrown my way but it’s how I handle things and I’ve always been able to get through any challenge that stood in my way. There were moments while filming my music video “RISE” and ‘Kingdom of Lies”
that were tough to shoot but it was a therapeutic process for me and I’m happy I did them. I worked with an incredible team of ladies too that were very supportive. If I had let my past drag me down and prevent me from creating music these songs and videos never would’ve happened and I wouldn’t be working on my first EP right now.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m a singer songwriter from South Portland, Maine. My dream is to go worldwide with my music and to help others through my experiences and stories. Being an artist is very special to me because it’s who I am in my soul! I’m not just singing words, everything’s coming from my heart. I’m writing from experience, or I’m inspired by other’s experiences and want to tell a story. I’m a big mental health advocate as well. I want people to get better if they’re struggling and want them to know they’re loved. My EP will also have songs about betrayal, loss, hope, love and standing up for yourself in difficult situations.
This EP will not only share my experiences with mental health but shows me overcoming my toughest moments and blossoming. My songs “RISE” and “Kingdom of Lies” will be on there as well as a few unreleased songs such as “Ghost Story” and a special beautiful song I recorded with my boyfriend called, “never thought”.

My nickname is “Songbird” because I sing all the time and a lot of people in my area know me as “Songbird” too. I try to wear my bird necklace as well because not only do I love it, but it represents me. I’m proud of making songs that aren’t just for myself, but that people can relate to while listening. I’m more open and able to think outside the box when it comes to writing. This is something that can set me apart from others. I’m an artist willing to listen to constructive criticism and give other ideas a chance. My voice teacher even taught me that it’s ok if you have to start an entire song from scratch. I’m someone who doesn’t give up on projects and keeps a positive mindset. My attitude and willingness to not give up can set me apart from others.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

I have yet to visit and I hope to someday!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://solo.to/officialjennairene
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennairene_official/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenna.gato
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@JennaIrene
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/5Dn15
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0U6atHEBiNE79USP1xzdmu?si=jcN2mMdMS8WCaa9SZUdiUw