Check out our interview with London born musician Jenny JAM who just released her new single “My Letter To You.”
The song is a ballad about a response to an unexpected, hurtful letter sent by my late father, before he passed away from lung cancer in 2014. I wrote to him from London (where I was living at the time) but he died before he was able to properly read it and I never heard back. During lockdown, I decided to make it into a song and film the music video across the US from Los Angeles to Florida, to portray the journey of my letter sent across many miles. The lyrics depict the hurtful, unexpected words written to me and my strength to overcome the pain, describing the words I wish I could send him from where I now live, Los Angeles,” confides the songwriter.
The track and video will also be released in conjunction with an NFT which is going to be displayed at NFT Week in New York. The NFT is a luxury piece with only three created by Oscar, Academy Award and Golden Globe Winning artist Tyquane Wright (Spider Man-Into The Spider-Verse)
Follow Jenny JAM @jennifermoxham
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Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, driven, free-spirited
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I studied musical theatre in Drama School part time at Italia Conti and went on to complete a degree in Drama (and French) at Roehampton University, London. I really started off doing TV commercials and small acting parts in TV and Film, whilst recording with a variety of different bands and producers. I then started writing hooks and the odd verse on songs for bands. I actually didn’t know I could write full songs until much later on.
After losing my Father, I decided to go to Los Angeles. This is where I really started my solo career – writing songs about my life, hoping I could inspire and help others with my lyrics. I met my now producer, Ikuma Matsuda by a chance encounter through a friend of a friend. I performed at his studio and from there we started creating music together. Ikuma used to be part of Interscope records and through him I have met some very talented individuals who have helped launch my career.
I also believe that manifestation, true self belief, and a lot of hard work and perseverance contributed to getting noticed in the industry.
How has this changed your life?
I’m definitely a lot more connected with some incredibly talented people, it’s opened up doors I never thought I would see open and created new experiences I could never have dreamed up. I think going to New York to see my billboard in Times Square for the release of “Prove Who” and then performing at well known piano bar- Da Marino in Manhattan after, was definitely one of my top experiences. I now travel a lot more and also work a lot more haha!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Relatable, soulful, emotive
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I grew up on a combination of jazz, soul, blues, classical and 60s/70s rock. All had an integral part to play in my influence. People that really inspire me are George Michael, Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Nina Simone and Stevie Nicks.
I always sang, wrote poetry and composed classical pieces on the piano as a child but never thought about marrying them all together until later on after a few traumatic experiences. I then turned my poetry into songs and was lucky enough to find my current music producer who helped bring these stories to life.
Do you play any instrument?
I played violin from age 7-15 then changed to viola for 3 years. I taught myself piano and had guitar lessons for a year when I was 18 but now can only strum a few chords!
Do you ever get nervous?
Anyone who says they don’t is lying!
Tell us about your new single “My Letter To You?”
“My Letter To You” is the most difficult song I have written by far. It is a ballad about a response to an unexpected, hurtful letter sent by my Dad before he passed away from lung cancer in 2014.
What’s the story behind the song?
I wrote back to my Dad from where I was living in London but he died before he was able to properly read my reply and I never heard back. I made sure not to write anything I would regret and only hope that he was able to make sense of some of it before he died.
During lockdown, this all resurfaced for me and I decided to turn it into a song and film the music video across the US – from LA (where I now live) to his street in Florida, to portray the journey of my letter sent across many miles. The lyrics are about the hurtful words written to me and my strength to overcome the pain they caused.
Now about the NFT news on conjunction with the release? That’s really cool.
Thank you, yes it’s very exciting! We wanted to create a unique and high-end NFT and were able to get Oscar and Golden Globe award winning artist – Tyquane Wright on board. He is most known for his work on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He created a renaissance- style statue of me, incorporating “My Letter To You” music video. My team thought this single release was very fitting for the style of the NFT. Follow my Instagram for further updates for when it’s dropping!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
When people contact you who are going through something difficult, saying your song inspired them or helped them in some way. When I know people are genuinely enjoying my music- my song “Better Than You” got added to a fair few “2020 Lockdown” Spotify Playlists!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To really go for it, despite what others might say or project onto you. To not allow people to hold you back and not to worry about aging because you will never be younger than you are now!
How would your best friend describe you?
I just had to text her – “inspiring, determined, passionate, funny, a solid friend and the best person to travel with.” (I’m blushing!! Haha!)
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“The Many Lives of Jenny JAM”- I’ve lived in 3 countries, worked since age 12, had a fair few different and very interesting jobs – including working on the Presidential election campaign in India. These experiences have taken me all over the world and I have met so many different people, which I share so many stories with.
What’s next for Jenny JAM in 2022?
There’s a remix coming of my previous single, “Prove Who”, which has been done by a legendary DJ from the UK – Karl Tuff Enuff Brown, the release of my NFT and I’ve just been booked on a movie filming in London this Summer. Also lot’s of writing and more releases to come!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Napa cabbage and a good bone broth!
And your favorite cheat food?
Donut Friend – Vegan donuts (you would never know), although last time I said this I didn’t get any free donuts!! Donut Friend?!
How would you explain your fashion style?
London meets New York with a little bit of LA beach, tied in with a bit of 2020 slumming it wear!
What is your own definition of happiness?
To see all the people I love and care about really happy and succeeding. Even those I don’t know – happiness and joy is infectious. Also to have freedom. I didn’t realize how important freedom was to me until these past 2 years.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Freddie Mercury – he’s one of my idols, an incredible writer, performer, singer who led an incredibly interesting life. Also George Michael- I knew his cousin and was hoping to have a jamming session one night together with him. He inspired a lot of my early singing.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
A flexible ticket around the world, where I could decide where to go at any given moment. There’s a handful of people I could do this with.
Best advice ever given?
It’s ok to be wrong. You just have to admit it, own it and learn from it. That’s how we grow. Also to have solid boundaries with people.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Something I have definitely learnt is that life can change unexpectedly and rapidly. I have no idea where I will be in 5 years. If you asked me 5 years ago if I thought I would be here, I’d say – no way! I hope to be able to travel with my music and continue to help and inspire people across the globe but on a larger scale.
Favorite song? Why?
For someone who listens to music non-stop on a long plane journey and stares out the window rather than watching a movie – this is an impossible question! I’m currently loving the latest releases from Ls+b, especially “Tin Man”. Reggae is my go-to feel good genre though, especially music by Barrington Levy.
Book: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. What a trip!
Quote: “Always stay true to yourself and believe in you, then you will rise out of the ashes no matter what happens.”
This quote came from writing my first single “Morning Bottle”
Movie: ‘99 Francs’ (a French movie), ‘American Beauty’ and French-Canadian movie – ‘Incendies’, closely followed by ‘Pulp Fiction’. A film that makes you reflect on life with a good soundtrack, is key.
Tv Series: “End of the F***ing World” Excellent dry, very real acting.
Favorite Food: Vietnamese Phở
Travel Destination: I’m literally thinking about taking a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wanna join?!
Sports Team: I’m British and used to work at Chelsea football (soccer) club in London, so I guess they are my team! I did support Newcastle United when I was a kid though!
