We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Messina recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
Yes, I definitely feel that my work has been misunderstood or mischaracterized at times. When I announced the release of “City Rose,” some people assumed I was making a permanent switch to country music, which couldn’t be further from the truth. As a lesbian artist known for my dark pop sound, I wanted to push the boundaries of the conservative country music scene with this album. “City Rose” is not about embracing country clichés—there are no cowboy boots or honky-tonk tunes here. This album is a raw, blunt exploration of my own heartbreak, relapse, and the pain of not moving on for eight years. It’s deeply personal and honest. This experience has taught me the importance of challenging stereotypes and staying true to my vision, no matter the genre. It’s shown me that authenticity resonates with people and can bridge any divide, allowing me to connect with listeners in a very real way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For those who may not be familiar with me, I’m Jennifer Messina, known as MESSINA in the music industry. I’m an LGBTQ-American music recording artist originally from White Plains, NY, and I spent half of my life in Derry, NH. My journey into the music industry began in my early years, where I was very active in singing solo and in a choir, as well as acting. I also competed in Miss America pageantry throughout my teenage and young adult years. At 17, I enlisted in the US Army and after completing my Bachelor’s, I was commissioned as a Lieutenant. These experiences have deeply shaped my music and who I am today.
I graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, with a major in Electronic Production Design and a Voice Principle. My music is known for being mental health-themed, drawing from my personal life experiences. It’s often described by my fans as “raw and authentic,” which is something I take great pride in. My fan base, affectionately called the “Messina Mafia,” is a nod to my Sicilian descent and entrepreneurial spirit.
My most recent work, “City Rose,” is a debut country album that pushes the boundaries of the traditionally conservative country music scene. It’s a one-time exploration into this genre, blending it with my dark pop elements to create something truly unique. This album is about heartbreak, relapse, and the struggle of not moving on for eight years. It’s deeply personal and honest, reflecting my own life experiences in a raw and unfiltered way.
In addition to my music, I own Messina Glam, a brand that offers a variety of products including the Villain Era Lipgloss, Signature Series Messina Rolls Royce Products, and Messina Mafia Merch. All our products are unisex, supporting my belief in inclusivity and authenticity. Our merchandise is available at Messinaglam.com.
What sets me apart in the industry is my commitment to authenticity and mental health advocacy. I strive to connect with my audience on a deep and personal level, using my platform to promote mental health awareness. My brand, Messina Glam, also supports LGBTQ non-profits such as the LGBTQ Veterans Suicide Awareness Program (VSAP), reflecting my dedication to giving back to the community.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to break stereotypes and challenge norms in the music industry. Whether it’s through my music or my brand, I aim to create a space where diverse voices and stories are heard and celebrated.
The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that my work is a true reflection of who I am—raw, honest, and unapologetically authentic. I believe in the power of music to heal and connect, and I hope to continue using my voice to inspire and uplift others.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was tied to my past relationship, which is the heart of my album “City Rose.” This was the most intense and passionate relationship I’ve ever experienced, and it was also the first time I came out to my family about being in a lesbian relationship. For many years, I clung to the hope that I could show her how much I had grown and how I had managed to get my mental health under control. I believed that if she saw the new me, we could rekindle what we once had.
However, I had to face the reality that both of us had changed and grown in different directions. It was a toxic relationship, and I take most of the blame for that. Even today, I wish she could see the progress I’ve made, but I know she has moved on and outgrown me. Our lives are no longer compatible. I had to come to terms with the fact that I fell in love with the fantasy of what I thought the relationship was, not the reality of what it actually was. This realization was painful but necessary for my personal growth and healing.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that really shows my resilience is the journey behind my album “City Rose.” This album is all about my most intense and passionate relationship, the first time I came out to my family about being in a lesbian relationship. It was a toxic relationship, and I take most of the blame.
For years, I clung to the hope that I could show my ex how much I’d grown and that I had finally gotten my mental health under control. I struggled with relapse during this time, repeatedly falling back into old patterns. But working on “City Rose” forced me to face the hard truth: we had both changed, and she had outgrown me. I realized I was in love with a fantasy of what I thought the relationship was, not the reality.
Creating this album was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I had to confront my mistakes, my relapses, and accept that we couldn’t go back. Despite the emotional pain, I pushed through and poured all my feelings into “City Rose.” It’s raw and honest, a true reflection of my journey. This process taught me resilience and the importance of being true to myself. “City Rose” is a piece of my soul, and I hope it resonates with everyone who listens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://messinaglam.com
- Instagram: @jennifercmessina
- Youtube: @jennifercmessina
Image Credits
Photos are taken by Jennifer Messina, and created by Jennifer Messina