Jenn Bostic, who cowrote “Somebody’s Someone” with artist Daphne Willis, has just released her new single “Faint of Heart” from her new album, Revival. The complete album will be available in the spring, but in honor of the song release, and her ground breaking work as the first ever Artist Ambassador for Whole Planet Foundation at SXSW, I took the opportunity to explore the meaning behind the writing that makes Bostic so great. Her raw and emotional music helps create relatable pieces that capitalize on current events, like the feminism movement. Bostic isn’t afraid to shine light on the unattractive truth and her courage reflects remarkably well in her work.
How would you describe your relationship with Daphne and how did your connection translate into writing “Somebody’s Someone?”
Daphne and I have been friends for quite a few years now. We’ve been writing and playing writer’s rounds together since we met. She’s an incredible talent, and I always love the songs we write together. Daphne and I have gone through some similar situations in life, and we’re always honest and vulnerable walking into a writing session. I think the more personal and specific you can write a song, the more universal it naturally becomes. That’s what I believe happened with “Somebody’s Someone,” and I’m so grateful Daphne has done so much to get this message out into the world.
“Jealous of the Angels” received a lot of media attention and radio exposure, how’d it feel having so many people listen to your song? What kind of platform did the radio give you?
“Jealous of the Angels,” is another incredible personal, specific song, as it was written about my late father. It was surreal to receive so much radio play and to see the song go #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart. That song allowed me to heal in so many ways, and it also taught me about the power of connection through music. This song not only opened the door to radio play, television performances, and international touring, but it also allows my dad’s memory to live on in an amazing way. For that I am eternally grateful.
What prompted you to pursue music?
My parents were always encouraging my brother and I to play a musical instrument, listen to various genres of music, and often took us to see live music. It became a part of us, and it was something we did as a family. When we lost my dad in 1996, songwriting was the therapy that got me through that experience. It was the only way I could fully express my emotions. I gravitated toward artists like Bonnie Raitt who sing with such passion and emotion. She’s still my favorite singer after all these years.
Is your writing process more emotionally draining or invigorating?
Both. Since I am often writing from personal experiences, it can be both exhausting and therapeutic. It’s almost a way for me to vent. Whether joyful, painful, frustrating or sad, the music meets me where I am, and somehow it helps pull me out of whatever I’m going through. Perhaps this is why most of my songs have a hopeful twist. It’s one way I try and encourage myself, and I’m humbled that others have found encouragement through my songwriting as well.
Musicians receive some of the highest respect and have the biggest platforms in today’s society. What do you want to say to everyone listening?
Believe that something good is about to happen. Hope is so important, and I really do believe we need to hold onto it. Chase whatever dream is in your heart and focus on all the positives that surround it. It’s so easy to fall into a downward spiral of negativity; we all do it. However, it’s so important to dust yourself off and keep circling the mountain in front of each of us.
Where can people find more of your work?
I run all my own social media and I keep my website up to date, so visit www.jennbostic.com for all my upcoming tour dates, and say hello on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the likes.
Tell us about Revival?
Revival is my favorite record that I’ve ever been a part of. For the first time in my life, I was confident in the sound I wanted to create and boldly stepped into House of Blues Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, with some of my best friends in the world to record 12 songs that came from the deepest parts of my soul. It’s a fusion of soul, blues, country, gospel and pop. It’s currently available for preorder on iTunes and PledgeMusic. I cannot wait to release this piece of my heart on May 4.
Are you working on any other exciting, forthcoming projects that you want people to know about?
There are a few secret things in the works to follow this album, but I’m not revealing anything just yet. I’ll be on tour for most of 2018 trying to spread love and hope through Revival.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or bands in the field? How has your success story panned out?
The more honest and authentically you your music is, the more it will connect with people around the world. Don’t give up and focus on the positive.
10. Any last thoughts?
Thank you so much for taking the time to share pieces of my story on your platform. Dreaming was never meant to be for the faint of heart.
Courtesy of Jenn Bostic
