Not Yet- Jenn Bostic- Music Monday Feature

By -
Photo credit Michael Ernst Bostic Photography
I have been looking forward to this feature on Music Monday since I was granted an interview with Jenn Bostic! I first heard this song when I watched the music video for it on Vevo. I was truly inspired by the underdog prevailing over the situation at hand in the video. Having fought the good fight and coming out stronger, and undefeated in the end. The visualization in the song is unlike any other in the Pop genre, being considerably full of artists with a catchy hook but no substance. This song is sure to be a hit. Bostic is experiencing massive success in the UK with her hit "Jealous of the Angels" featured on her hit debut album Jealous. In "Not Yet," Jenn brings a refreshing song for the difficult times that our country and world are in, and that message; is to stay true to who you are, and fight for what you believe.

 It is with great honor and privilege that I bring to you our featured song of the day, "Not Yet," by Jenn Bostic.

 My interview with the incredibly talented, Jenn Bostic:


Not Yet, is your new single and is getting a lot of attention on several outlets I've seen, How does that make you feel?
JB-I'm so overwhelmed by the way people are connecting with "Not Yet." I wrote the song with my producer Barrett Yeretsian (Jar of Hearts, Christina Perri) in a season of complete frustration.  The music business is a difficult one, and I've had a lot of doors slammed in my face. It was during our conversation in writing this song that I made a decision never to give up on this dream God has placed in my heart.  In the brand new music video, director Jeremy Rush captures the dreams of three very specific vignettes; a dancer, painter and boxer.  Throughout the song you live through the struggle and determination of each character.  His vision for the video was absolutely amazing and it was an honor to work with someone so talented.  I pray this song continues to encourage and inspire people to live out the desires of their hearts.

Where do you get your influences musically especially for the concept of Not Yet?
JB-My family has played the biggest role in influencing my music.  My fondest memories are of the whole family gathered around my dad at the piano or guitar singing songs together.  I came from a very musical family where we were encouraged to be creative.  I was exposed to my dad's all time favorite, Emmy Lou Harris, at a young age and have since fallen in love with Bonnie Raitt, Sarah McLachlan, Susan Tedeschi and many other incredible artists.

I know when you were younger a tragedy struck your family, and you lost your father. How did that impact your music and of course your life?JB-When I was ten years old, I was in a car accident on the way to school one morning, which unfortunately killed my father.  He was my hero.  I still remember singing "Sunny Side of the Street" while he played the piano.  He was so driven and could accomplish anything he set his mind to.  He worked really hard to support his family and valued every moment he had with us.  After the accident I started writing songs as a form of therapy, and I found such healing in it.  It wasn't until 14 years later that I wrote the song that expressed every emotion surrounding the accident, which was my first single, "Jealous of the Angels."  To see the way people have been able to connect this song and share their stories of loss with me has been absolutely beautiful.  It's something so much bigger than I could ever take credit for.
 
How does your Faith effect your music?JB-In every way possible.  I live by my faith. God has opened doors in my life that no man could. He brought me through the tragedy of my father's death and somehow used me to create a song that has brought healing and comfort to people around the world.  It's an absolutely overwhelming feeling and I thank Him for it everyday.  I trust that He has a plan for my life, and somedays that trust is the only thing that keeps me going. 

Have you ever been asked to compromise your values in order to become a hit, and how did you respond?
JB-I have been blessed with an amazing team of people that understands my values and has a genuine passion for the music.  I wouldn't be where I am without them, and they accept me for who I am.  I don't consider them coworkers, they're family.

As an artist when will you feel like you have finally made it. What is your ultimate goal in your artistry?
JB-I've already made it in my heart.  I have received so many emails from so many people who have been touched, encouraged, comforted or inspired by one of my songs.  That's the reason for all of this.  Of course it's fantastic to see a single or an album rise on a chart, to win awards and it would be nice to have a few more dollars in the bank, but focusing on those things isn't going to make great music, for me it comes down to touching someone's heart and making them feel every word and every note of a song. I've got a lot of big goals and dreams that I'll continue pushing towards, a Grammy is definitely on that list, but when I step back and look at the way I've been blessed, I'm blown away.


Your music has taken off in the U.K. how does that feel? What would you say is the biggest difference musically between the U.S. and the U.K?JB-It feels incredible!  I've always dreamed of hearing my songs on the radio, and now they are! It was surreal the first time I was driving over in the UK and one of my songs came on the radio!  This last tour in March was unforgettable.  The band and I met so many amazing people and had the time of our lives!  I think the biggest difference for my personal musical career is that people are responding on a much larger scale.  Radio has been supportive of my first two singles, neither of which is a typical radio song.  It was incredible to me how open and honest people over in the UK were about sharing their stories and their pain.  They aren't afraid to be emotional and take the time to articulate exactly how a song makes them feel.  

What is next for you? What is coming down the pike? (Tour, New Music, Music video, etc) Anything you can hint or tell the readers?
JB-After just releasing the music video for "Not Yet," I'm excited to continue sharing that with the world.  My album "Jealous" is finally coming out in the US on June 11th and I will be touring all over the states this summer, and hopefully will be back in the UK as well.  Tour dates are available at www.jennbostic.com. 

Not Yet
Jenn Bostic
Heavy eyes and restless heart
Ordinary finds a way, to fall apart
Life has got me out of breath
I'm tired from giving you all I have
You know that I've kept chasin', I won't leave an ultimatum for you now
Just remember what you're saying has a funnny way of coming back round


Go on and take your sweet time
It's just my heart you set aside
I've done everything I can
Done everything you've asked
Think I'll stand here and wait?
Think I'll fall, think I'll break?
Think I'll give up and forget?
Not me, not yet
Not me, not yet


I'm done pretending I don't care,
Comparisons won't get me, they won't get me anywhere
We're all diamonds in the rough
It doesn't matter what you think, I'm good enough
I'm climbing up this ladder and it doesn't really matter what you say
'Cause no matter what it takes I'm gonna make it yeah I'm gonna find a way


Go on and take your sweet time
It's just my heart you set aside
I've done everything I can
Done everything you've asked
D'you think I'll stand here and wait?
D'you think I'll fall, think I'll break?
Think I'll give up and forget?
Not me, not yet
Not me, not yet
No, not me, not yet
Not me, not yet


You better think again if for a second there's a chance I'm giving in
'Cause even if I fall I'll dust it off and get back up again


Go on and take your sweet time
It's just my heart you set aside
I've done everything I can
Done everything you've asked
D'you think I'll stand here and wait?
D'you think I'll fall, think I'll break?
Think I'll give up and forget?
Not me, not yet
Not me, not yet
No, not me, not yet
Not me, not yet
Not me, not yet
To purchase Not Yet please visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/not-yet-single/id633772586

To listen on Spotify:


To watch the NEW Music video:



I pray that this song means as much to you as it did to me! Jenn is an incredibly talented artist and I hope you will support her and her talents!

I wish Jenn the world of success! She has already achieved so much and I know she will go on to so much more! God Bless!

@chrisburkmenn


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Timing is Everything in Life

By -
Image
Falling back: Harold Lloyd in Safety Last   Photo: Rex I often put pressure on myself to get somewhere, using my own strength to reach these places that "I need to get to." I put a lot of effort into working hard and pressing on. It sometimes becomes a bit much. You can burn out quickly if you are constantly working and rarely enjoying the meaningful parts of life. I was having a conversation with a friend the other day. We were talking about how we work so hard and sometimes it feels as though you are running in circles trying to get somewhere.  We were chatting about how when the most life defining moments happen, they are often accomplished with using no force. It's as though the opportunity had been waiting for us forever and we just needed to wait for that perfect timing. I am learning in life that it's all about timing (and I know what you're thinking reading this yes you are exactly right it's all about timing.) Honestly, we often say it, but
Read more

For Everything there is a season

By -
Image
As I think about my life, and reflect on all that God has given me the ability to do. So much has changed over the last couple of years, and what would make me think that things would stop changing because it is inevitable that things will continue to change. I look at my life and I am so thankful, God has given me so much and I truly believe that He has blessed me with so many amazing new opportunities! I have been blessed by my church, and the amazing family it has provided me. I have been given the ability to speak into peoples lives that I never would have thought would be possible. I am so humbled because that was never a goal for me, and yet it has blessed me beyond all words. Lately God has started to shake things up a bit for me as well, and I am still learning that I have so far to go. I am learning so much about where I am that it is crazy. But I am loving that God is providing so many people to speak into my life and stretch me so that I do not remain complacient. I ne
Read more

Encouragement is like Water to the Soul, it makes Everything Grow

By -
Image
In life I think back on my journey, and I think about the things that truly matter along the road thus far. I remember people along the way that have encouraged me and supported me. I think most of us in life would agree that encouragement is so important. Most us crave the cheerleaders in life that root for us along the way. Many of us have our parents that have been a source of encouragement, our siblings can often offer support. Hopefully each of you have had a teacher or boss that have encouraged you as well. Looking back on my life I have had some great support in chasing my dreams. I remember I was in the 8th grade at Mascoutah Middle School when I auditioned to host our talent show. I was truly nervous and I had some people that told me I’d never get it. I remember walking into the audition and being so nervous, filled with doubt and fear that it would be impossible to get. I remember auditioning for two grade school teachers, Mrs. Furgeson and Mrs. Bower, I remember wal
Read more