Career Journey

What inspired you to pursue a music career?

Jehnniel: My spiritual journey, Life full of unpredictability whirlwind of emotions, embracing planet earth, nature, my family and friends who truly love and care for me. My soul tribe.

Can you tell us about the first time you realized you wanted to be a singer?

Jehnniel: Around 8-10 years old me and my cousin would sing in front of the electric fan just to feel the vocal vibrato effect. It's hot in the Philippines where I grew up and that's one of my fond memories.

How did you get your start in the music industry? Was there a defining moment?

Jehnniel: When I was 21 years old, I moved to the UK to work and during my off days, I decided to join an Open Mic Contest fortunately, I got through the Top 10. For me it was huge, I didn't win but it built my self-confidence.

What challenges did you face early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Jehnniel: Procrastination and self-doubt were always the enemy. I am a single mother and during that time I started to make music seriously when my daughter was already 3 years old it was also overwhelming as I can be a bit of an introvert and I felt I should be working for my daughter and not trying out music, just negative talk. So, I slowly opened up and accepted who I am and realized that one day I wouldn't be here anymore anyway so might as well share my music and accept God’s task for me not worrying about how people might think of it.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?

Jehnniel: I grew up where my grandpa played vintage vinyl and one of my favourite memories was hearing him play Sealed with a Kiss by Brian Hyland, All I Have to Do is Dream by the Everly Brothers. I was also listening to my dad’s CD collection Bread, Beatles, Bee Gees, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, and so many others. Then I discovered Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill and I think she made me realize the art of creating songs and it was amazing. I am more of a songwriter as I used to write poems and turn them into songs. Later in my life, I liked how Coldplay wrote songs and how their musical production has build shaped their image as a band.

Creative Process

What is your songwriting process like? Do you start with lyrics, a melody, or something else?

Jehnniel: I start with a chord structure and then I create blabbering melodies and then record it on my phone with my guitar. Once my structure is done, I would feel the emotions and the energy of the moment I am feeling what my life experience at the moment wants to express and so I replace those blabbering sounds with words (lyrics).

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing your songs?

Jehnniel: Real-life experiences, seeing how phenomenal our planet is and imagining the vast cosmos that surrounds it. I'm always into the spiritual stuff and that we are all one, we connect and we are never alone.

How do you deal with writer’s block or moments when you feel creatively stuck?

Jehnniel: Once the writer’s block kicked in within me, I usually think of all the wonderful creations of God and how majestic and yet oftentimes destructive mother nature can be just like how humans are and how everything around us evolved both in a good way and in a bad way. Nothing is perfect and that's the perfect thing about it. Just like how we can't change the changes that are happening around us.

Can you walk us through a typical day in the studio when you’re recording new music?

Jehnniel: A day of recording new music in the studio has got to be special. I would prefer to stay mindful just so the creative process is captured authentically, teamwork with the producer is a must, having a break is a must, always follow your ear’s intuition, if it doesn't sound right then accept and move forward don't get stuck.

How do you approach collaboration with other artists or producers?

Jehnniel: I love collaborations coz I believe that 2 or more brains are better than one, I am not the type who has the patience to learn everything and ends up messing around. Working with other people helps me grow creatively and respectfully as a human.

Personal Connection

What is the most personal song you’ve ever written or performed, and what does it mean to you?

Jehnniel: I have to say all of the songs I wrote are very personal to me, but BLUE SKIES has moved me a lot due to the overwhelming love I received from people who like the song because it resonated with them.

How does your mood or personal life influence the type of music you create?

Jehnniel: It does in a way but for me, it's the other way around, I let music influence my mood, which is why when I feel quite low mood I listen to music that uplifts my mood and it always works all the time

Is there a particular song that resonates with you more than others when you perform it live?

Jehnniel: Yes, that would be my song called HEART BEAT. I wrote that song feeling the emotions of being very misunderstood at times, and I kind of channel how my late friend who suffered from mental health issues felt that made him end his life. This song is for those people who get judged by others based on things they didn't like about them, not knowing the true essence of that person or why he or she acts that way

How do you handle the emotional vulnerability that often comes with performing personal songs in front of an audience?

Jehnniel: Emotions are supposed to be raw and authentic; I'm not scared to show a drop of tears if at the moment I'm feeling emotional. But I don't let that destroy my performance, instead I would think that it's a sign of connection between me and the song, and that would give me a boost to perform even better.

Music Industry and Evolution

How has your music evolved since you first started your career?

Jehnniel: A lot, I'm becoming very passionate about music and that means respecting almost every genre out there including cultural songs from other cultures. I can listen to Rai music Tribal drumming etc. I'm an eccentric towards my musical taste.

What trends in the music industry do you think are exciting or concerning?

Jehnniel: Those up-and-coming talents who have a lot of potential to showcase their authentic music and inspire the world excite me. The concerning bit is AI Music, I can't listen to something that doesn't have a soul in it.

How do you stay current with changing music styles and industry expectations while staying true to your sound?

Jehnniel: I don't, I just like what is good and if it resonates with me I like it whether it's a trend or not. My Ear never lies to me and my heart is always very accepting but… only if it resonates with me.

What advice would you give to aspiring singers who are trying to break into the industry today?

Jehnniel: This might sound cliche but BE YOURSELF, everyone else is taken..you are one unique being so show your light and be proud of who you are coz ur story is your superpower.

Live Performances

Do you have a pre-show ritual to get ready for live performances?

Jehnniel: Yeah I will drink a ginger shot! And I pray.

What’s the most memorable performance you’ve ever had, and what made it so special?

Jehnniel: When I performed with the Filipino Community in the UK I met Bamboo one of my favourite artists from the Philippines.

How do you keep your energy up during a high-pressure performance?

Jehnniel: Just being myself and being grateful for the people who came to see my performance and being so supportive of my art are the main reasons why I enjoy creating music.

Do you ever get nervous before going on stage? How do you manage those nerves?

Jehnniel: Oh yes, I do! But once I got through that stage then the nerve subsided, and I was ok.

Fan Interaction

How important is fan feedback to you, and how do you engage with your audience?

Jehnniel: It's 100% important. It's the most satisfying feeling when you make music knowing people are waiting to hear your art form. That is why I'm very grateful to anyone who finds my music nice and I'm glad that my music found them and they found my music.

Have your fans ever influenced your music or career in any significant way?

Jehnniel: Every person who thinks of my music in a good light is always connected to me no matter how far they are we will always have that invincible thread of appreciation towards each other. At the end of the day, it's all about the energy you put out there to the world and the energy you choose to receive.

What’s the most touching interaction you’ve had with a fan?

Jehnniel: When I sang an Arabic song (I don't speak Arabic) to an elderly person who loved my music so much. I learned an Arabic song for him, and he was over the moon.

Future and Aspirations

What’s next for you musically? Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

Jehnniel: My single BLUE SKIES is out in a few weeks it will be available on all digital music platforms. For more details follow me on my Facebook @jehnnielsound and my Instagram @jehnnielsound. After this, I will release another single, then an EP entitled Seawolves produced by Roberto Panovski.

Are there any new genres or styles you’d like to explore in the future?

Jehnniel: Experimental art pop.

Do you have any goals or dreams that you haven’t achieved yet in your music career?

Jehnniel: To get my music out all over the world and be heard on radio and TV to inspire people to embrace their authentic selves. Second, to write for major artists. Get my songs for movies or series.

How do you want your music to be remembered or impact future generations?

Jehnniel: I want people to remember my music as something that understands how amazing and challenging life can be, and that my Music will hopefully remind them to stay calm and watch the universe help them orchestrate solutions as long as they are willing to grow and so all will be well coz we are connected in laughter and tears in happiness and pain.

If you weren’t a singer, what do you think you’d be doing?

Jehnniel: Songwriter without any doubt. I love writing songs, jingles, funny songs, happy songs, serious songs, scary songs.