Rising Music Star Jett Jenkins On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

An Interview With Edward Sylvan

Before releasing my music I wish someone had told me that it takes patience, to not be afraid, to keep going, do what YOU want and like, and not let anyone stop you from going for what you want. I mean my mom told me all of this and has always supported me, but I guess I’m just saying that I really should have listened to her and not my own negative self-talk.

As a part of our series about rising music stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Jett Jenkins.

Jett Jenkins is a Texas-based indie-pop artist who layers dreamy, colorful production behind heavy lyricism. With stylings residing somewhere between Billie Eilish and Blondie, this poignant singer-songwriter leaned into her passions after having an inspirational experience at a Clairo concert. Years of playing the guitar and performing in musical theater prepared this emerging artist to dive into her music career; her debut E.P. is described as relatable, emotional, and delivering “lyrics beyond her years.” Alongside her debut in music, Jenkins is preparing to make the transition into young adulthood as she anticipates the move from home to college. This promising powerhouse makes a show-stopping introduction in her first single, “City In Anger,” in which she captivates listeners with passionate vocals, invigorating instrumentation, and lyrics steeped in melancholy. Jett Jenkins, with her spellbinding charisma, is on track to finding a home on the playlist of indie-pop lovers for years to come.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas in a pretty affluent neighborhood–Highland Park. I have a sister, Tatum, who is just 15 months older than me, who is a dancer. My mother owned music and performing arts school, so Tatum and I were always around the arts, in music lessons, we were always performing in musical theatre productions, and in dance lessons. I had a lot of opportunities that I probably took for granted when I was younger, but I am so grateful for now and I look back on and cherish those memories. I had a really fun and great childhood. I met some of my best friends at my mom’s school.

I was one of those kids that tried everything and even if I failed, I just tried harder and kept going. I had what I thought was a pretty normal childhood until my father committed suicide as I was just going into ninth grade. It was a very difficult time for me and my family. I was very close to my Dad, and I couldn’t figure out any way to express my feelings and so I started writing music. I lived in my bedroom playing guitar. We also moved 4 times in two years and we all went through so much change and just as we were all finding our footing, Covid hit. I’ve been through so much but seeing so much suffering with Covid and also through volunteering made me realize that I still had so much to be grateful for and that I have a purpose. I hope my music touches someone that might be hurting. I hope to help erase the awful stigma of suicide and be an advocate for mental health. I have such a positive outlook on my future and just want everyone else to have hope as well. Everyone has stuff that happens to them. I still feel pretty lucky and fortunate to be where I am today. Music was a big part of my life growing up and it turned out to be healing.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

I started writing my own music about two years ago. A mutual friend of mine, Alex McArtor, came out with music and I was obsessed. Seeing someone from my community that I knew making music and getting recognition for it really inspired me to get serious with my music and make my own.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I don’t know if it’s interesting but after my single was released, I believe I had three articles written about the debut, one being from Sweden! I loved that my music was being heard over there but trying to read about me in Swedish was quite interesting. I now want to go to Sweden and play a show.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When I first started recording “City in Anger” I was quite nervous and you could hear it in my voice. John Kent, who worked on producing the song made me scream out loud to bring confidence and it was really funny; just me being in front of some people I didn’t know that well, screaming as loud as I could.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Right now I’m working on releasing my debut EP in the next month or two. I just started working on making my album. I am also shooting music videos for my EP and starting to plan a mini-tour in late Spring.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Diversity and representation are needed in every facet of our culture. Having diversity brings another perspective, it brings unity, and diversity advances creation and dispels stereotypes.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

Before releasing my music I wish someone had told me that it takes patience, to not be afraid, to keep going, do what YOU want and like, and not let anyone stop you from going for what you want. I mean my mom told me all of this and has always supported me, but I guess I’m just saying that I really should have listened to her and not my own negative self-talk.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Take breaks. The pressure of people watching you is extremely overwhelming and it’s okay to take breaks. You don’t have to constantly be working. The best work comes when you feel it in you, not when you need to do it. I am a huge advocate for taking care of your mental health, so this is pretty big for me in order to continue thriving.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Getting rid of student debt. I believe everyone has the right to a good education and they shouldn’t have to be declined that opportunity because of their financial situation.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Definitely my mom. She has worked so hard as my manager to help get all the business side of my music. I’ll always be grateful for her and her work for me. I really value her creative input as well.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us”. This quote shows that just looking another way can create a new path and that’s something I’ve worked hard to see recently.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

Phoebe Bridgers! I love her music so much. The way she writes is so personal and moving. I love watching her interviews and getting to know her personality through them. Her music has inspired my own a ton and helped me through some really difficult times.

How can our readers follow you online?

I’m mainly on Instagram under the username @threaljettjenkins and my Spotify is just Jett Jenkins

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!