We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenna Nation. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenna below.

Hi Jenna, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

My professional career as a singer began when I was 9 years old. It began because when I was 8 years old, I competed in my first ever singing competition. It was the Kiwanis Music Festival in Ottawa in the musical theatre 12 years and under category. I sang Shirley Temple’s “On the Good Ship Lollipop”. I was dressed just like Shirley Temple with the curly wig and even had tap dance choreography to go along with the song. I prepared for months for this competition with the help of my vocal teacher, choreographer and parents. I ended up winning the competition which I believe was the first moment when I realized that I could really do this and pursue a career in this. Shortly after that competition I got a call for my first ever professional gig. A woman in the audience had scouted me at the competition and asked me to sing on Parliament Hill for the Canada Day Celebrations. I was ecstatic! I had only a couple of days to prepare to learn the song and be ready for such a prestigious event. I was excited and nervous because this was the first time I had done something like this and I knew that this was a very important opportunity. The song was “We Rise Again” by The Rankin Family. I remember that there was a very high note in the song and I was a little bit nervous about it and my vocal teacher at the time came over immediately to help me prepare and feel confident with the song. Dressed in a Mounted Police uniform jacket, plaid skirt and holding a Mounted Police hat I carefully followed my directions to the stage. I can still remember the rush of adrenaline I felt walking up on that stage and performing for my first ever professional gig. Not only that, it was in front of an attentive crowd of over 10,000 people. After this opportunity, I knew I needed and wanted more! When I received my first ever pay check for this performance I shared some of it with my vocal coach and the rest I used to purchase my first boom box (silver and electric blue which I thought was pretty cool ) with CD and cassette player.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an R&B singer and songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. I have completed and released 4 albums and am in the process of releasing my 5th this year. I have been singing and performing professionally for over 20 years. I have worked with various producers and songwriters from around the world and have performed at various international venues and music festivals. Some of the places I have had the privilege of performing at include Parliament Hill, MIDEM in France, Live Nation HQ in Beverly Hills, New Skool Rules in Amsterdam, the Toronto, Ottawa and Beaches International Jazz Festivals and RBC Bluesfest. I have opened for artists such as Shawn Mendes, Chromeo, Lauv and Snarky Puppy. I have always loved singing and performing ever since I was a little girl and I truly couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I have had the opportunity to study with some incredible teachers and at the Berklee College of Music and have studied various styles of music including Opera/Cassical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, Soul, Latin etc but R&B music has always felt the most true to who I am as an artist. When I sing it is like this euphoric state where I am so in the moment and nothing else matters. I love to bring people together through my music and connect with others. Some of the best moments have been when people have told me that they were going through a difficult time and that my music has helped them get through that time. It’s the best feeling. My music combines what has inspired me most which includes elements of jazz, soul, 90’s R&B and current R&B. I make music to as not only a release and therapy for myself because I can’t not make music but I also make music and perform because I love relate to people and make people feel good. I recently released the first song off of my upcoming EP called “Sign”. The music video is available on YouTube and the song is available on all media and streaming platforms. Stay tuned for new music coming soon!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think it is so important that we continue to support artists. Support the people you like to watch on social media, or that you like to listen to. Go to see live music and I don’t just mean the concerts at your local arena (while that is fun), I mean go support local artists and buy their music. That is one thing that AI definitely can’t recreate is raw, human, emotion and artistic expression. Those things make us human and have the ability to reach people at a deep level. It’s really important that we keep art, creativity and music alive and the only way to do that is to keep supporting your favourite artists and local artists. We need you! I think COVID times were a big eye opener for a lot of people in terms of how much we need and rely on art and how important it is because film, music, art, all of that was helping us to stay sane and to get us through. I hope people don’t ever forget that or take it for granted.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

This is a two part answer. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is firstly, the catharsis I feel and need I have to continue to express myself and to be able to have an outlet through music. Music is the way I know best to express myself. The second part of it is for you. Performing is my greatest joy. Being able to bring people together in a space from all walks of life, ages, race, sexual orientation who are strangers and be able to come together in that moment sharing a moment together is such an incredible feeling. Being able to relate and connect with people on a deep level and to take people on an emotional journey is the greatest gift ever. If I can make someone’s day, help them get through a rough time, or forget about their worries even for a moment, I have done my job.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jennanation.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thejennanation
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejennanation
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/jennanation
• Other: iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jenna-nation/1270996855 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/68wMXajLFtZ7CHYdvoPlL0

Image Credits
Francesca Ludikar