Talented Musician Jennifer Alvarado Talks To Fanbase Music Magazine About New Album, Being A Worship Paster, And Much More

Interviewed by Duzzy Clayton

Intro

Jennifer Alvarado is an international recording artist from Vale, North Carolina, and has amassed over 1 million streams on Spotify alone.

Her first EP project titled ”Playing with Fire” was released in April 2021. She released a country pop EP titled “Songbird: Part One” in July 2022. “Songbird” is a two-part collection of songs that shows Jennifer’s growth as a writer and is sonically much different than her earlier projects. “Catfish” is the first single off the “Songbird: Part Two” EP that will be released in early 2023. Her music has a country sensibility with a pop current running through it. Her sound is a mixture of country, pop, and blues that reflect an eclectic blend of influences.

She has been recognized locally for her songwriting and was named ”One to Watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association in Spring 2021 and Spring 2022. She was named the “2021 Country Artist of the Year” by Indie Star Radio. Her song “Curious” won “Best Pop Song” for the Indie Songwriting Awards in Winter 2022. Her song “Rock This Way” was named “Best Pop Song” and “Best Overall Song” by the Indie Songwriting Awards in Spring 2022. Her duet “Starz Collide” with Canadian band, The Whythouse, was named “Best Duet” for the Summer 2022 Indie Songwriting Awards. She was a finalist for five International Singer Songwriter Awards, a Josie Award for Female Music Video of the Year, and a Carolina Music Award for Country Female Vocalist of the Year in 2022. Her song “Catfish” recently won a World Songwriting Award for Best Modern Country Song and she just received three Rampage Music Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Album of the Year, and Single of the Year. She is currently nominated for seven International Singer Songwriter Awards, including “Entertainer of the Year” as well as three Josie Awards, including “Female Rising Star” and a Songwriter Achievement Award.

Interview

Hi Jennifer, welcome to Fanbase Music Magazine, can you tell us where you are from, where you grew up, and what got you into music?

Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story. I was born and raised in North Carolina. Music was always part of my life, especially at my Pappaw’s house. I grew up with him playing several instruments and I always remember Country music playing. As I got older, I joined youth choirs, drama clubs…anything that would allow me to sing. I was heavily involved in worship ministry at my church and began leading worship as a teenager.

How would you describe your sound?

I always say my mixture is a cross between Deana Carter’s musical style and Alanis Morissette’s lyrical angst.

Who are some of your musical influences?

My influences range from Reba McEntire to Tom Petty. I love vocal powerhouses like Martina McBride and Whitney Houston. I love storytellers like Patty Griffin and Taylor Swift. I have always been pretty open to any style of music because I think all of it has the power to teach.

What instruments do you play and what is your favorite choice of brand?

The first instrument I picked up was a mandolin. I started playing guitar mostly because of songwriting when I was 14. I also write and play keys/piano. I can play bass if absolutely necessary and I used to teach ukulele.

My favorite brand for guitar is probably Taylor. My Pappaw raised me to love Fender and Gibson…and I have several of both, but playability-wise, my Taylor has been the most consistent and best fitting for me.

You are also a worship pastor, can you tell us more about that and how that became part of your life?

I became involved with worship ministry when I was about 15 years old. I began leading several ensembles at church in my late teens and then took over as a worship leader for a couple of congregations in my 20s. At one point, I was actually going to go to Duke Divinity and work toward an MDiv with the intention of becoming ordained. I decided that music was ultimately my calling. As a Worship Pastor or Director, I am in charge of the worship service elements – music, media, etc. – that go into a church service. I also direct the choir at the church I am currently serving.

Okay let’s talk about your new album, I believe it is part two of an earlier release, can you explain all that?

Yes. Songbird: Part Two was released in July. It is a two-part collection of songs that tell the story of a highly toxic relationship from the fun beginning to the bitter end to the rebuilding after the smoke clears.

How many songs are on the latest EP?

Part One consisted of 6 songs; Part Two consisted of 7 songs.

Where was it recorded and what was the recording process like?

My producer Ricky Rodriguez, Bombhouse Studios, is located in Morganton, North Carolina. This project was different than my previous projects. I really tried to let the songs dictate the feelings and what was needed versus trying to make the entire project sound like it fit into a specific genre. There are 80’s pop elements…there is pedal steel and banjos. I think many times we limit the creative process because we try to stay within a specific limited framework of a genre.

When you write music do you come up with the lyrics or the melody first, what is the process like till the end product?

It used to be lyrics first. Then slowly it started to be a melodic hook. I would say at this point it is 50/50 on what comes first. I will always be lyrics driven…it is faster for me to come up with words to fit a melody.

Will you be releasing any other new music soon?

I am currently in the studio working on a Christmas EP. I am also going back into the studio to begin work on a new project of originals that will be out in 2024.

Can you tell us what a live experience would be like if we were to see you play live?

Because many of my shows are multiple hours, I tend to do a blend of covers and originals. I love 90’s country, pop, and classic rock. I have been playing a lot of solo shows this past year…which makes it easier to kinda gauge the crowd and even take requests. I like to share stories when able of why I wrote a particular song or even why I chose to cover a specific song.

Can you give us your social media?

Of course! Please check out my website at: www.jenniferalvarado.com or follow me on IG, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube at @jenniferalvaradomusic.

Thank you for doing this interview. Do you have any last messages for our readers?

Special thanks to my Avocados (what I call my fans)! Thank you for helping me live out my dreams. And for anyone who may be starting out with music, remember to always be true to yourself and your unique sound and keep going…even if others don’t get it.